Rich vs. Poor

Proverbs 13:7-8 There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke. 

‘There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches.’ This proverb could have two meanings: The rich, poor man who hoards all riches for himself, not giving to others so he can receive true riches; and the poor rich man who gives his all for others and is rich in God (Luke 6:38; 12:21; 2Cor. 9:6). A poor man who pretends to be rich, and a rich man who pretends to be poor.

‘The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor hears not rebuke.’ A rich man may be able to ransom his life by giving him riches, but no amount of threats will force a poor man to pay anything.