What does Proverbs 13:11 mean? (2024)

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In this verse Solomon observes the difference between wealth acquired suddenly and wealth gained slowly but honestly. The implications of this proverb involve both money that is brought in greedily, or through questionable means, and that which is simply gained instantly. Those who dishonestly seek wealth, by taking advantage of others or by engaging in schemes, can expect their wealth to disappear just as quickly as it arrived.

One modern parallel to this is known as the "lottery curse." Participating in a small gamble with the hope of winning a huge prize is a common vice in many modern nations. Sadly, many who receive the "big prize" find themselves worse off financially, after many years, than they were before they won the money. Since they didn't earn that money, they often have no experience with how to use it, protect it, or manage it.

The other kind of wealth implied here is that seized suddenly and dishonestly. This is money which may have been taken by robbery, stealing, swindling, cheating, or in some other dishonest way. Achan grabbed wealth dishonestly. The Lord had commanded the people of Israel not to take from Jericho what was devoted to him (Joshua 6:17–19), but Achan took a beautiful cloak, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels and hid them in the ground inside his tent (Joshua 7:21). However, what he gained hastily dwindled quickly. His sin was found out, and the people of Israel put him to death by stoning (Joshua 7:24–25). It is far better to acquire wealth gradually but honestly as Solomon points out here.

Eternity provides another contrast in how we accumulate wealth. Material resources can be gained quickly, but as soon as we leave this life, they are entirely left behind (Proverbs 11:7; Luke 12:16–21; 1 Corinthians 3:15). Spiritual rewards, earned over time by service to God, will last forever (Matthew 6:19–20; 10:42).