Does Proverbs 10:15 contradict Proverbs 11:28?

 Question: Does Proverbs 10:15 contradict Proverbs 11:28?

See Answer: http://ebible.com/answers/51801?ori=664697

 

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Work Ethic & Righteousness Over Riches

• Proverbs 13:4 – "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied."
  • Hard work is valuable and often leads to provision.
• Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."
  • Excellence in work can lead to success.

Wealth Alone is Not the Goal

• Ecclesiastes 5:10 – "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."
  • Wealth does not provide ultimate fulfillment.
• Psalm 62:10 – "If riches increase, set not your heart on them."
  • Money can be a tool, but not a source of trust.

God's Concern for the Poor

The Bible repeatedly shows that while wealth can offer temporary security, God ultimately lifts up the poor and warns against trusting in riches:

• Proverbs 19:17 – "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."
• James 2:5 – "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?"
  

 Conclusion

Solomon is not contradicting himself but presenting a balanced view: wealth can offer temporary security (Proverbs 10:15), but trusting in it leads to downfall (Proverbs 11:28). Instead, wisdom, righteousness, and diligence are more valuable than riches. Additionally, while hard work is important, social inequalities do exist, but God ultimately values faith over financial status.