Proverbs 13:1-12

Proverbs 13:1-12

Without a doubt there are real advantages to having great wealth. But Solomon, one of the richest men in all of history, also points out some real disadvantages of wealth. He even gives a nod to some advantages of humble means.

Note in verse 7 we see the nearly universal condition that we want to appear wealthy. To appear well-off and successful is the point of much of our social persona, but some wealthy people downplay their wealth. Why is that the case? In verse 8 we see a reason. No one ever holds a homeless man for ransom. Lawyers never bring a civil action against someone who is broke and can't pay. The broke person doesn't sweat one more “overdue” notice. They ignore it or can't hear the demand for money. “You want money from me? Get in line with everyone else.”

In verse 11 there is a warning everyone whose wealth is tied to the general economy should take to heart. The English translation struggles with one of the key words. It is the word "habal." It is the theme word for the Book of Ecclesiastes, where it is translated as "vanity." It can also be translated as "breath" or "smoke." Here the word is translated “dishonest money” in the NIV and a little better as “fraud” by the New American Standard Bible. If we read that verse carefully, we may find its meaning clear in an example or two. Remember the S&L crash, the dot-com bubble crash, and the subprime market crash? There were individuals that lost millions and businesses that went under because their wealth was based on a fiat value. Any economy or personal wealth based on speculation or habal is only a bad bit of news away from ruin. In contrast, consider the small local tradesmen who provide essential goods or services. He may suffer some during a downturn, but even in a downturn people will need food from a farmer or repair from a mechanic. If we are forever after the big score of wealth, our heart will never be whole. But if we hope for honest work and to serve others, that hope will be fulfilled.

“Help me, Lord, to do honest work, honestly done, that honors You. AMEN."