Proverbs 13:7 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:7 mean?

Proverbs 13:7 describes how some people pretend to be rich but actually have nothing, while others present themselves as poor yet possess great wealth. The verse points out that outward appearances can be misleading, and true wealth or poverty is not always obvious.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon is sharing wisdom with his son and with anyone seeking understanding about life. This proverb uses a contrast to teach that a person’s real situation may be very different from what they show on the surface. The verse encourages readers to look beyond appearances and to recognize that value is not always measured by what can be seen.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:7

• The word for "rich" is עָשַׁר (ʿāshar), which means to have wealth or abundance. Here, it highlights the act of making oneself appear wealthy, not necessarily being wealthy in reality.
• The word for "poor" is רוּשׁ (rûsh), meaning to be destitute or lacking. In this verse, it refers to someone who appears to have little, even if that is not their true state.
• The word for "great" is רַב (rav), which means much or many. It emphasizes that the person who seems poor actually has an abundance, suggesting hidden or inward riches.
• The word for "riches" is הוֹן (hôn), meaning wealth or possessions. The use of this word points to the kind of riches that may not be visible or material.

Why Proverbs 13:7 matters

• Proverbs 13:7 warns against judging people’s worth or situation based on what they show outwardly, reminding readers that appearances can be deceiving.
• The proverb highlights a theme in Proverbs about the difference between true and false value, encouraging wisdom in how we view wealth and poverty.
• This verse fits into a larger section where Solomon teaches about honesty, humility, and the dangers of pride, showing that what matters most is not what others see, but what is real.