Proverbs 13:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ill-gotten wealth vanishes; wealth earned through labor endures and grows.
The Context of Proverbs 13:11
Contrasts the instability of ill-gotten gains with the durability of honestly earned wealth.
What Does Proverbs 13:11 Mean?
Wealth obtained through dishonest means, shortcuts, or mere chance—'vanity'—is inherently unstable. It lacks the foundation of real value creation. Often such wealth attracts trouble, is lost to mismanagement or retaliation, or crumbles under the weight of its own moral corruption. It cannot last.
Labor-earned wealth, by contrast, grows and compounds. Work creates real value, builds confidence and competence, and produces sustainable returns. The person who gathers through honest labor knows how to maintain and multiply it. Effort-based wealth strengthens both person and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:11
What does Proverbs 13:11 mean?
Ill-gotten wealth vanishes; wealth earned through labor endures and grows.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:11?
Contrasts the instability of ill-gotten gains with the durability of honestly earned wealth.