Proverbs 13:11

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Proverbs 13:11 (KJV)

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, most of them from King Solomon. It gives practical guidance for daily life, including how to handle money and work. This verse speaks directly about two different ways people gain wealth and what happens to that wealth later.

Meaning

The first path is wealth gotten by vanity. Vanity means things that are empty, worthless, or without real value. This includes riches gained by fraud, theft, trickery, or any dishonest method. Such wealth may appear quickly, but it is not built on a solid foundation. The verse says it will be diminished, meaning it will shrink, dwindle, or disappear. This is not a promise that every dishonest person will lose everything, but it is a wise observation about how unstable such wealth really is.

The second path is gathering by labour. Labour means honest, diligent, and patient work. The Hebrew picture is of gathering little by little, perhaps by hand, over a long time. This kind of wealth is described as increasing. It grows steadily because it is built on effort, patience, and integrity. The method of gaining wealth determines how long it lasts. Wealth that comes through unjust or unlawful means lacks true value and cannot endure, while wealth gathered through steady, faithful work tends to multiply.

Biblical connections

Other verses in Proverbs teach the same truth. Proverbs 10:4 says that a slack hand brings poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 28:19 warns that following vain persons leads to poverty. These verses agree that honest work leads to lasting provision, while empty or deceptive pursuits lead to loss. Jesus also taught a similar principle in Matthew 6:19-21, where He urged His followers to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth, because earthly treasures can be destroyed or stolen.

Application

This verse calls us to examine how we earn and handle money. It warns against shortcuts, dishonest deals, or any scheme that promises quick gain without honest effort. Instead, it encourages patient, faithful work. In daily life, this means doing our jobs with integrity, paying fair wages, and avoiding greed. It also means trusting God to provide through steady labor rather than relying on risky or unethical methods. The principle applies broadly: wealth gained without integrity tends to disappear, while wealth built through consistent, honest effort tends to grow.

Reflection

God sees not only the wealth we gain but also the way we gain it. Wealth built on vanity may look impressive for a time, but it cannot last. Wealth gathered by honest labor may grow slowly, but it brings lasting blessing and a clear conscience. As we consider our own work and finances, we can ask God to give us wisdom to choose the path of integrity, knowing that He honors those who labor faithfully.