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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue <i>is</i> a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Getting treasures by a lying tongue <i>Is</i> the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Working for treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting breath, by those who pursue death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking <i>and</i> pursuit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Making a fortune through a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a pursuit of death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Cheating to get rich is a foolish dream and no less than suicide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vapour driven to and fro; they that seek them seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Those who gather wealth by lying are wasting time. They are looking for death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The riches you get by dishonesty soon disappear, but not before they lead you into the jaws of death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A fortune gained by deceit is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and forth; they seek death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro by them that seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The making of treasures by a lying tongue, "" [Is] a vanity driven away of those seeking death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The making of treasures by a lying tongue, Is a vanity driven away of those seeking death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The making treasures by the tongue of falsehood is vanity scattered from those seeking death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that gathereth treasures by a lying tongue, is vain and foolish, and shall stumble upon the snares of death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever gathers treasures by a lying tongue is vain and heartless. And he will stumble into the snares of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Trying to get rich by lying is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The getting of treasure by a lying tongue will bring destruction and death to those who seek it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The effect of a treasure by a lying tongue is even unto destruction; those that seek death will be overthrown.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapour driven to and fro; they [that seek them] seek death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that gathers treasures with a lying tongue pursues vanity <i>on</i> to the snares of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4184" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6467.htm" title="6467: pō·‘al (N-msc) -- Doing, deed, work. From pa'al; an act or work.">Making</a> <a href="/hebrew/214.htm" title="214: ’ō·w·ṣā·rō·wṯ (N-mp) -- Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse. From 'atsar; a depository.">a fortune</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: šā·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">by a lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: bil·šō·wn (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/5086.htm" title="5086: nid·dāp̄ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To drive, drive asunder. A primitive root; to shove asunder, i.e. Disperse.">is a vanishing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">mist,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mā·weṯ (N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">a deadly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·šê- (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">pursuit.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-36.htm">Mark 8:36</a></span><br />What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-11</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a></span><br />Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-10.htm">Micah 6:10-12</a></span><br />Can I forget any longer, O house of the wicked, the treasures of wickedness and the short ephah, which is accursed? / Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights? / For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Habakkuk 2:6-9</a></span><br />Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ / Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey. / Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you—because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Psalm 62:10</a></span><br />Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2</a></span><br />Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a></span><br />Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Proverbs 28:8</a></span><br />He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-13.htm">Ezekiel 22:13</a></span><br />Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.</p><p class="hdg">getting</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2</a></b></br> Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a></b></br> Wealth <i>gotten</i> by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Proverbs 20:14,21</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> naught, <i>it is</i> naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth… </p><p class="hdg">seek</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Proverbs 8:36</a></b></br> But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Ezekiel 18:31</a></b></br> Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/28-18.htm">Acquisition</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/psalms/144-10.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">False.</a> <a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Fleeting</a> <a href="/job/42-10.htm">Fortune</a> <a href="/psalms/107-27.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-8.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/109-23.htm">Tossed</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Treasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/psalms/148-8.htm">Vapor</a> <a href="/psalms/148-8.htm">Vapour</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/25-45.htm">Acquisition</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">False.</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Fleeting</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-11.htm">Fortune</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-20.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-14.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Stores</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-11.htm">Tossed</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Treasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/acts/2-19.htm">Vapor</a> <a href="/acts/2-19.htm">Vapour</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In biblical context, honesty and integrity are highly valued, as seen in the Ten Commandments, which prohibit bearing false witness (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). The Bible consistently warns against dishonest gain, emphasizing that God detests lying lips (<a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a>). 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 (<a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10-13</a>).<p><b>is a vanishing mist</b><br>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 (<a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>). 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" (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a>).<p><b>a deadly pursuit</b><br>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 (<a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a>). 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 (<a href="/acts/5.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a>). This serves as a cautionary tale about the ultimate cost of dishonest pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_person.htm">The Deceptive Person</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who use deceit to gain wealth, a common theme in wisdom literature warning against unethical behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_dishonest_gain.htm">The Futility of Dishonest Gain</a></b><br>Wealth obtained through deceit is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. It is like a mist that vanishes, offering no lasting security or peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_moral_consequences_of_deceit.htm">The Moral Consequences of Deceit</a></b><br>Engaging 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_integrity.htm">The Value of Integrity</a></b><br>True prosperity comes from living a life of integrity and righteousness. God honors those who are honest and upright in their dealings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_perspective.htm">The Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Christians are called to focus on eternal values rather than temporary wealth. Our actions should reflect our faith and trust in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_temptation.htm">Guarding Against Temptation</a></b><br>Believers must be vigilant against the temptation to use dishonest means for personal gain. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_fame.htm">What does the Bible say about seeking fame?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_leaving_parents_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about earthly treasures?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_prosperity_paradox.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'baptized_into_his_death'.htm">What does 'If the Lord wills' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">is </span>(as) <span class= "ital">the driven </span>(fleeting) <span class= "ital">breath of those who are seeking death. </span>They are seeking in reality not riches, but death, and these riches will vanish like their own breath. (Comp. <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/5-14.htm" title="For 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 a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day.">Wisdom Of Solomon 5:14</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-2.htm" title="As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.">Psalm 68:2</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The getting of treasures by a lying tongue</span> - the acquisition of wealth by fraud and falsehood - <span class="cmt_word">is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death</span>. The latter clause is variously rendered and interpreted. The Hebrew is literally, <span class="accented">a fleeting breath, those seeking death.</span> 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 <a href="/isaiah/35-7.htm">Isaiah 35:7</a>. 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 (<span class="hebrew">מוק שׁי־מות</span>), and render thus: Vulgate, <span class="accented">Vanus et excors est, et impingetur ad laqueos mortis</span>, "He is vain and foolish, and will be taken in the snares of death;" Septuagint, "pursues vain things unto the snares of death (<span class="greek">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="greek">παγίδας</span>)" (<a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Proverbs 13:14</a>; <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Proverbs 14:27</a>). So St. Paul says (<a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9</a>), "They that desire to be rich fall into a into a temptation and a snare (<span class="greek">παγίδα</span>), and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Making</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹּ֣עַל</span> <span class="translit">(pō·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6467.htm">Strong's 6467: </a> </span><span class="str2">Doing, deed, work</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fortune</span><br /><span class="heb">א֭וֹצָרוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·ṣā·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_214.htm">Strong's 214: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by a lying</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֑קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(šā·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְשׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(bil·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a vanishing</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֝דָּ֗ף</span> <span class="translit">(nid·dāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5086.htm">Strong's 5086: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shove asunder, disperse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mist,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֥בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a deadly</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽוֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursuit.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבַקְשֵׁי־</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇaq·šê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>