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Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Meaning of 'Vanity'

Commentators explain that “wealth gotten by vanity” refers to more than just theft. It includes riches gained through dishonesty, fraud, gambling, or any method that is not honest labor. One scholar notes it can even mean a sudden windfall, like a “breath,” which comes and goes quickly because it wasn't built on a solid foundation of work.

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Proverbs 13:11

18th Century

Theologian

By vanity - literally, “by a breath,” that is, by a windfall, or sudden stroke of fortune, not by honest labor. The general meaning seems to…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Proverbs 13:11

19th Century

Bishop

Wealth gotten by vanity. —As we would say, “in an unsatisfactory manner,” that is to say, by dishonesty.

John Gill

John Gill

On Proverbs 13:11

17th Century

Pastor

Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished. In an unjust or unlawful way, either by robbery and theft, as Aben Ezra; o…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Proverbs 13:11

17th Century

Minister

Wealth gotten by dishonesty or vice has a secret curse, which will quickly destroy it.