Dishonest wealth will dwindle
This phrase warns against the pursuit of wealth through dishonest means. In biblical context, dishonest wealth refers to money or possessions gained through deceit, theft, or unethical practices. The Bible consistently condemns such actions, as seen in passages like Proverbs 10:2, which states that "ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value." The historical context of ancient Israel included strict laws against dishonest gain, such as those found in Leviticus 19:11-13, which prohibited stealing and deceit. The cultural understanding was that wealth obtained through unrighteous means would not be blessed by God and would ultimately lead to ruin, as echoed in Jeremiah 17:11, where it is said that those who gain riches unjustly will leave them in the midst of their days. This principle is timeless, emphasizing the moral and spiritual decay that accompanies dishonest gain.

but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied
This phrase highlights the value of diligence and integrity in acquiring wealth. The Bible frequently praises hard work and the rewards it brings, as seen in Proverbs 12:11, which states, "Those who work their land will have abundant food." The cultural context of the ancient Near East placed a high value on labor and the fruits it produced, often seen as a sign of God's blessing. The principle of sowing and reaping is evident here, where honest labor leads to prosperity and multiplication, as also reflected in Galatians 6:7-9, which speaks to reaping what one sows. This concept is not only practical but also spiritual, as it aligns with the character of God, who is just and rewards those who live righteously. The multiplication of wealth through hard work can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, through His labor and sacrifice, brought about the multiplication of spiritual blessings for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His teachings often focus on practical living and moral integrity.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. The Wise and the Foolish
Throughout Proverbs, these archetypes represent those who follow God's ways (the wise) and those who reject them (the foolish).

Teaching Points

The Value of Honest Labor
Honest work is not only morally right but also leads to sustainable and multiplied wealth. This principle encourages believers to engage in work that honors God and benefits others.

The Dangers of Dishonesty
Dishonest gain may seem profitable in the short term, but it ultimately leads to loss. This serves as a warning against unethical practices in business and personal finances.

God's Blessing on Diligence
God honors and blesses those who work diligently and with integrity. This encourages believers to trust in God's provision through honest efforts.

Contentment and Trust in God
Believers are called to be content with what they earn through honest means, trusting that God will provide for their needs.

Long-term Perspective on Wealth
The verse encourages a long-term view of wealth, focusing on sustainable growth through hard work rather than quick, dishonest gains.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:11?2. How does Proverbs 13:11 encourage diligent work over "dishonest money"?3. What are practical ways to "gather money little by little" today?4. How does Proverbs 13:11 connect with the parable of the talents?5. Why is wealth gained "hastily" often unsustainable according to Proverbs 13:11?6. How can Proverbs 13:11 guide financial decisions in a Christian household?7. How does Proverbs 13:11 relate to modern views on wealth accumulation and ethics?8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 13:11?9. How does archaeology support the themes found in Proverbs 13:11?10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13?11. Does Proverbs 13:11’s warning against quickly gained wealth conflict with modern examples of sudden financial success? 12. What is the Christian perspective on sweepstakes and contests?13. What is the Bible's perspective on the stock market?14. What does the Bible say about sports gambling?

What Does Proverbs 13:11 Mean

Dishonest wealth

• Solomon begins bluntly: “Dishonest wealth” points to money or assets gained through lying, cheating, fraud, exploitation, or any method that violates God’s commands (Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 21:6; Jeremiah 17:11).

• Scripture consistently treats such gain as a moral cancer: it might look impressive, but it is already under judgment (Proverbs 1:19; Micah 6:11–12).

• The heart issue matters. When riches are pursued without reverence for God, they become snares (1 Timothy 6:9–10).

Will dwindle

• God Himself guarantees that ill-gotten treasure “will dwindle.” It may leak away through legal penalties, broken relationships, addictions, or sudden calamity (Proverbs 15:27; Psalm 37:16–17).

• Even if it seems to endure for a season, ultimate loss is certain: “Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes” (James 5:2).

• The withering effect reveals God’s justice and protects society from entrenched corruption.

But what is earned through hard work

• In contrast, honest labor roots wealth in integrity. “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 12:24), and “Diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4).

• Hard work honors the Creator who works (Genesis 2:15) and invites His favor. Paul echoes this ethic: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must labor…that he may have something to share” (Ephesians 4:28).

• Practical outworking:

– Steady employment or enterprise.

– Ethical business practices.

– Generous giving that reflects God’s character (Acts 20:35).

Will be multiplied

• God promises increase: “Honor the LORD with your wealth…then your barns will be filled with plenty” (Proverbs 3:9–10).

• Multiplication may appear as material growth, but also as peace, credibility, and opportunities to bless others (2 Corinthians 9:6; Luke 6:38).

• He delights to entrust more to those who manage little faithfully (Matthew 25:21).

summary

Proverbs 13:11 delivers a stark contrast. Wealth gathered by unrighteous means is unstable and destined to evaporate under God’s just hand, while income earned with honest diligence attracts His multiplying blessing. Choosing integrity over shortcut riches safeguards our hearts, honors the Lord, and positions us to experience both material and spiritual increase for His glory.

(11) Wealth gotten by vanity.--As we should say, "in an unsatisfactory manner," that is to say, by dishonesty.

Verse 11. - Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; literally, wealth by a breath; i.e. wealth obtained without labour and exertion, or by illegitimate and dishonest means, is soon dissipated, is not blessed by God, and has no stability. Vulgate, "riches acquired hastily;" Septuagint, "substance gotten hastily with iniquity." This makes the antithesis more marked, the contrast being between wealth gotten hastily and that acquired by diligent labour. Cito nata, cito pereunt, "Quickly won, quickly gone" (see on Proverbs 20:21; 21:5). Says the Greek maxim -

Μὴ σπεῦδε πλουτεῖν μὴ ταχὺς πένης γένῃ

"Haste not for wealth, lest thou be quickly poor." He that gathereth by labour; literally, with the hand, handful after handful. Vulgate, paulatim, "little by little," by patient industry. Labor improbus omnia vincit. Septuagint, "He that gathereth for himself with piety shall be increased." Then is added, "A good man is merciful and lendeth," from Psalm 37:26. The Septuagint here uses the term εὐσέβεια, which is received in St. Paul's pastoral Epistles and St. Peter's, taking the place of the earlier phrase, φόβος Κυρίου, Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Dishonest
מֵהֶ֣בֶל (mê·he·ḇel)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory

wealth
ה֭וֹן (hō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952: Wealth, sufficiency

will dwindle,
יִמְעָ֑ט (yim·‘āṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4591: To pare off, lessen, in, to be, small, few

but what is earned
וְקֹבֵ֖ץ (wə·qō·ḇêṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

through
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

hard work
יָ֣ד (yāḏ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

will be multiplied.
יַרְבֶּֽה׃ (yar·beh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

Links

Proverbs 13:11 NIV
Proverbs 13:11 NLT
Proverbs 13:11 ESV
Proverbs 13:11 NASB
Proverbs 13:11 KJVProverbs 13:11 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 13:11 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 13:11 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 13:11 French Bible
Proverbs 13:11 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away but he (Prov. Pro Pr)