Scripture Reading: Proverbs 13:11; 21:6

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)

There is a kind of wealth which is only temporal. It is deceptive, but most of the world covets it. Some would even sell their souls for it.

The Proverb says it is the kind of wealth that is obtained by vanity. The Hebrew word for “vanity” is hebel (1892). It means “emptiness, vanity, something transitory, to lead astray.”

Every profession that is built on the transitory is very temporal. This is true of the former beautiful actresses, singers, dancers and models. Once they lose their good looks, or their lovely voices, they lose their profession and their big salaries.

It is also true of the athletes who are stars in the sports world. The days of their greatness are very short-lived. As soon as they get a little older they are “put on the shelf.”

The wealth that is obtained through one’s personal beauty and strength is of very short duration; it is here today and gone tomorrow.

But the wealth that is gained through hard work shall increase because the worker is diligent, and he will continue to work, even though he is old. There is always a job for a hard worker.

“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” (Proverbs 21:6)

Wealth obtained through lies and deceit is very easily lost because there is always someone else who can lie or cheat better. There is no blessing on ill-gotten gains. It is as fleeting as time, and insecure as sand. Never build your plans on it. Never marry for it. Those who are rich today are often poor tomorrow. This kind of “treasure” is vain. It is like a dream. There is no future in it.

Gems of Wisdom by Gwen Shaw
Available from our webstore;