Proverbs 13:11 (NKJV) — 11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.

Temporary and permanent wealth. It may be possible to amass large sums of money improperly, but it will evaporate. Lottery winners and other gamblers often demonstrate this truth in a notable fashion, as do those who come into money dishonestly or illegally.

Those who work hard and honestly and who wisely handle their resources will increase in wealth over the long term. Researchers have discovered the major difference between the poor and rich is their attitude toward wealth. The rich tend to think of the future, planning in terms of years and decades. The permanently poor, however, tend to think in terms of the immediate. They often focus on instant gratification, immediate rewards. For example, they fantasize that they will win a lottery, inherit a fortune, or otherwise stumble into wealth. People with this attitude are not future-oriented, and they usually tend to rush into credit purchases beyond their means. They want the results of wealth without paying the price.

[archive]