The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

PROVERBS 21:6KJV
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Proverbs 21:6 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 21:6 mean?

Proverbs 21:6 warns that gaining wealth through lies is pointless and dangerous, comparing it to a fleeting illusion that ultimately leads to ruin. The verse suggests that those who pursue riches by dishonest means are, in effect, seeking their own destruction.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses strong language to show that dishonesty, even if it seems to bring success, is empty and self-destructive. The imagery of "vanity tossed to and fro" paints a picture of something unstable and worthless, emphasizing that ill-gotten gains do not last and bring serious consequences.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:6

  • "vanity" (הֶבֶל, hevel): This word often means something like "breath," "vapor," or "emptiness." Here, it highlights how wealth gained by lying is insubstantial and quickly disappears, no matter how real it seems at first.
  • "seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This verb means to search or strive after. The verse connects the pursuit of dishonest gain with actively seeking death, stressing the seriousness of the outcome.
  • "lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word refers to falsehood or deception. The focus is on the method of acquiring treasure, not just the treasure itself, showing that the means matter as much as the ends.

Why Proverbs 21:6 matters

  • Proverbs 21:6 clarifies that the problem is not wealth itself, but the way it is obtained—dishonesty is the real issue.
  • The verse warns that the consequences of deceitful gain are not just disappointment, but self-harm, connecting dishonesty to destruction rather than just moral failure.
  • This proverb fits within a larger biblical theme that values integrity and warns against trusting in wealth, especially when it is gained through wrongful means.

Where else these words appear

“of” Hebrew H5086 · used in 8 verses

  • Leviticus 26:36 And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
  • Job 32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
  • Psalms 68:2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

“getting” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 28:4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“vanity” Hebrew H1892 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: