7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;
There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
Cast your bread on the waters; For you shall find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; For you don't know what evil will be on the earth.
Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys.
You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?
promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for by whom a man is overcome, by the same is he also brought into bondage.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Proverbs 13
Commentary on Proverbs 13 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 13
Pro 13:1
Among the children of the same parents it is no new thing for some to be hopeful and others the contrary; now here we are taught to distinguish.
Pro 13:2
Note,
Pro 13:3
Note,
Pro 13:4
Here is,
Pro 13:5
Note,
Pro 13:6
See here,
Pro 13:7
This observation is applicable,
Pro 13:8
We are apt to judge of men's blessedness, at least in this world, by their wealth, and that they are more or less happy accordingly as they have more or less of this world's goods; but Solomon here shows what a gross mistake it is, that we may be reconciled to a poor condition, and may neither covet riches ourselves nor envy those that have abundance.
Pro 13:9
Here is,
Pro 13:10
Note,
Pro 13:11
This shows that riches wear as they are won and woven.
Pro 13:12
Note,
Pro 13:13
Here is,
Pro 13:14
By the law of the wise and righteous, here, we may understand either the principles and rules by which they govern themselves or (which comes all to one) the instructions which they give to others, which ought to be as a law to all about them; and if they be so,
Pro 13:15
If we compare not only the end, but the way, we shall find that religion has the advantage; for,
Pro 13:16
Note,
Pro 13:17
Here we have,
Pro 13:18
Note,
Pro 13:19
This shows the folly of those that refuse instruction, for they might be happy and will not.
Pro 13:20
Note,
Pro 13:21
Here see,
Pro 13:22
See here,
Pro 13:23
See here,
Pro 13:24
Note,
Pro 13:25
Note,