Making a fortune by a lying tongueThis phrase highlights the moral and ethical implications of acquiring wealth through deceit. In biblical context, honesty and integrity are highly valued, as seen in the Ten Commandments, which prohibit bearing false witness (
Exodus 20:16). The Bible consistently warns against dishonest gain, emphasizing that God detests lying lips (
Proverbs 12:22). Historically, deceitful practices in trade and commerce were common, yet the biblical narrative calls for fairness and truthfulness. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the dangers of wealth obtained through unrighteous means (
Luke 16:10-13).
is a vanishing mist
The imagery of a "vanishing mist" suggests the fleeting and insubstantial nature of wealth gained through deceit. This metaphor is consistent with biblical teachings that emphasize the temporary nature of earthly riches (James 4:14). The mist represents something that appears substantial but quickly dissipates, illustrating the futility of relying on dishonest wealth. This concept is reinforced in Ecclesiastes, where the pursuit of wealth is described as "vanity" and "chasing after the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
a deadly pursuit
The phrase "a deadly pursuit" underscores the spiritual and moral dangers associated with dishonest gain. In biblical terms, the pursuit of wealth at the expense of integrity leads to spiritual death and separation from God. This is reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who warns that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). The pursuit of wealth through deceit is not only morally wrong but also leads to destructive consequences, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their possessions and faced dire consequences (Acts 5:1-11). This serves as a cautionary tale about the ultimate cost of dishonest pursuits.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address moral and ethical living.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key part of teaching and guiding the community in righteous living.
3.
The Deceptive PersonThis refers to individuals who use deceit to gain wealth, a common theme in wisdom literature warning against unethical behavior.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Dishonest GainWealth obtained through deceit is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. It is like a mist that vanishes, offering no lasting security or peace.
The Moral Consequences of DeceitEngaging in deceitful practices not only harms others but also leads to spiritual and moral decay. It is a "deadly pursuit" that can lead to one's downfall.
The Value of IntegrityTrue prosperity comes from living a life of integrity and righteousness. God honors those who are honest and upright in their dealings.
The Eternal PerspectiveChristians are called to focus on eternal values rather than temporary wealth. Our actions should reflect our faith and trust in God's provision.
Guarding Against TemptationBelievers must be vigilant against the temptation to use dishonest means for personal gain. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:6?
2.How does Proverbs 21:6 warn against dishonest gain and its consequences?
3.What does "fleeting vapor" in Proverbs 21:6 suggest about ill-gotten wealth?
4.How can Proverbs 21:6 guide Christians in ethical business practices?
5.Connect Proverbs 21:6 with another verse about the dangers of deceit.
6.How can believers apply Proverbs 21:6 to financial decisions today?
7.What does Proverbs 21:6 reveal about the morality of wealth acquisition?
8.How does Proverbs 21:6 challenge the pursuit of dishonest gain?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 21:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What does the Bible say about seeking fame?
12.What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?
13.Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous--how do we reconcile this contradiction?
14.What does 'If the Lord wills' mean?What Does Proverbs 21:6 Mean
Making a fortune“Making a fortune” is not condemned in itself—Scripture commends diligent labor and wise stewardship (Proverbs 10:4; 13:4). The issue is what our hearts crave and how we go about gaining wealth. Godly prosperity flows from faithfulness, hard work, and generosity, never from compromise. AsProverbs 10:22 reminds us, “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it”.
by a lying tongueDeception turns the desire for provision into sin.
•Proverbs 12:22 warns, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD.”
•Ephesians 4:25 calls believers to “speak truth each one to his neighbor.”
When words become tools to manipulate, contracts, friendships, and testimonies crumble. Dishonesty not only harms those deceived but also sears the conscience of the deceiver (1 Timothy 4:2).
is a vanishing mistIll-gotten gain looks solid for a moment, then slips away.
•Proverbs 23:5 pictures wealth sprouting wings and flying off.
•James 4:14 compares life itself to “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Dishonest profit evaporates through guilt, exposure, or divine discipline. Even if it lasts a lifetime, it disappears at death, leaving the soul bankrupt (Luke 12:20-21).
a deadly pursuitThe chase itself is lethal.
•Proverbs 1:19 warns that greedy paths “take away the lives of their possessors.”
•Romans 6:23 states, “The wages of sin is death.”
When lying becomes a habit, it hardens the heart, estranges relationships, and invites judgment. What began as a shortcut to prosperity ends as a highway to ruin (Proverbs 28:20).
summaryProverbs 21:6 shows the steep price of shady profit: pursuit through deceit is fleeting like morning fog and fatal to soul and society. God offers a better way—truthful speech, honest work, and trust in His blessing that endures.
(6)
Is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.--Rather,
is(as)
the driven(fleeting)
breath of those who are seeking death.They are seeking in reality not riches, but death, and these riches will vanish like their own breath. (Comp.
Wisdom Of Solomon 5:14;
Psalm 68:2).
Verse 6. -
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue - the acquisition of wealth by fraud and falsehood -
is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The latter clause is variously rendered and interpreted. The Hebrew is literally,
a fleeting breath, those seeking death. The Revised Version makes the last words a separate proposition, "They that seek them seek death." But this seems unnecessary, and somewhat opposed to the gnomic style, which often combines two predicates in one construction; and there is no reason why we should not render the words, as in the Authorized Version, "of seekers of death." Such a mode of obtaining wealth is as evanescent and unstable as the very breath, and ends in death, which is practically the result of their quest. Thus Wisd. 5:14, "The hope of the ungodly is like dust that is blown away with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with the tempest, and passeth away. as the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day." Some think that the comparison regards the mirage of the desert, which deceives travellers with the phantasms of cool waters and refreshing shade. Such an allusion is found in
Isaiah 35:7. The Talmud enjoins, "Speak no word that accords not with the truth, that thy honour may not vanish as the waters of a brook." The Septuagint and Vulgate have followed a different reading (
מוק שׁי־מות), and render thus: Vulgate,
Vanus et excors est, et impingetur ad laqueos mortis, "He is vain and foolish, and will be taken in the snares of death;" Septuagint, "pursues vain things unto the snares of death (
ἐπὶπαγίδας)" (
Proverbs 13:14;
Proverbs 14:27). So St. Paul says (
1 Timothy 6:9), "They that desire to be rich fall into a into a temptation and a snare (
παγίδα), and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Makingפֹּ֣עַל(pō·‘al)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6467:Doing, deed, worka fortuneא֭וֹצָרוֹת(’ō·w·ṣā·rō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 214:Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouseby a lyingשָׁ֑קֶר(šā·qer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267:Deception, disappointment, falsehoodtongueבִּלְשׁ֣וֹן(bil·šō·wn)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 3956:The tongueis a vanishingנִ֝דָּ֗ף(nid·dāp̄)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5086:To shove asunder, dispersemist,הֶ֥בֶל(he·ḇel)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1892:Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactorya deadlyמָֽוֶת׃(mā·weṯ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194:Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruinpursuit.מְבַקְשֵׁי־(mə·ḇaq·šê-)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive after
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue (Prov. Pro Pr) 
