Bible Strands
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses a learner within a structured collection of moral instructions, framing this saying between a warning about arrogance and a statement on delayed hope.
The words — ה֭וֹן (Hon) denotes wealth, paired with יִמְעָ֑ט (yim.'At), meaning it will become small or dwindle. The construction עַל־יָד (on hand) literally signifies the work of one's hands or sustained labor.
The thread — This contrast between deceptive gain and diligent labor runs through Proverbs 10:2 regarding ill-gotten treasures, Proverbs 20:21 concerning inheritance gained quickly, and James 5:1 against the accumulation of wealth without righteous stewardship.
Why it lands — The text demands a rejection of quick or dishonest enrichment and a commitment to sustained, honest labor as the only reliable path to lasting provision.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
- Proverbs 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
- James 5:1 Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
- Proverbs 28:8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
- Job 27:16 Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,
- Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
- Proverbs 27:23 Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
- Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
- Proverbs 28:22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
- Psalms 128:2 For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.