Wealth Gotten By Vanity - Proverbs 13:11

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom”, and in chapter thirteen and verse eleven of Proverbs Solomon said, “wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished” where we read,

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathers by labor shall increase.

The verse begins, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished:” Solomon began with the word, “wealth gotten by vanity” or “riches and substance of high value gained, obtained and received through the means of vapor, breath, emptiness and that which is transitory” “shall be diminished” which means “will be given less and exist as small and few”. Solomon shared how riches gained through transitory emptiness will be made small and less.

The verse goes on to say, “but he that gathers by labor shall increase.” Solomon continued with the words, “but he that gathers” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person whether male or female who assembles, heaps up and collects” “by labor” which means “through the means of strength, power, support and ability” “shall increase” or “will become numerous, multiplied, enlarged and greatly grown”. Solomon said the person who assembles and collects through the means of power and ability will be enlarged and become numerous.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon that there is a means of gaining riches through emptiness that causes them to vanish. The riches of this world are temporary, and the person who is wise not only works in God's Kingdom, but also does so in such a way that the gain from them lasts forever. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, and when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and inspire us to “gather by labor” so that we inherit His everlasting riches that shall never be “diminished”. (See Luke 16:11)

Next time Solomon says, “hope deferred makes the heart sick”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".