PROVERBS CHAPTER 13.
V. 7. There is that maketh himself rich, making a pretense of wealth, trying to impress others with the greatness of his resources, yet hath nothing, all his show being idle boasting, empty vaunting; there is that maketh himself poor, making no show of his wealth, which does not necessarily infer deceitful concealment, yet hath great riches. Compare chapter 12, 9.
V. 8. The ransom of a man’s life, that with which he may buy immunity for himself and possibly even save his life, are his riches; but the poor heareth not rebuke, that is, no warning or threatening will have any effect in his case, because he has nothing to give up to the robber or blackmailer.
V. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth, burning brightly and cheerfully; he enjoys true happiness no matter what befalls him; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out, they shall not enjoy true prosperity.
V. 10. Only by pride cometh contention, for those who are arrogantly ambitious always fear rivalry and therefore are always picking quarrels; but with the well-advised, those who are willing to accept counsel, is wisdom.
V. 11. Wealth gotten by vanity, gained by deceit and fraud, shall be diminished, since the blessing of the Lord does not rest upon it; but he that gathereth by labor, by hard, steady, and honest work, shall increase.