These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.” The second Proverb says, “The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hears no rebuke.”
The first Proverb indicates that there are some people who want to be held in high esteem or honor for their apparent wealth, when they are not really wealthy. These people may leverage their limited funds to lease an expensive car or house. They have a need to be what they are not.
On the other hand, there are people who do not have a need to impress others. They may have a large bank account, but they do not advertise it. Such people are content to live a simple life, even if they can afford more. I believe these people have a more stable and secure life.
The second Proverb reveals a hidden advantage of being poor. A rich person has the additional burden of protecting his or her wealth. In this regard, a person’s wealth adds anxiety to a their life.
On the other hand, a poor person does not have the burden of protecting their wealth. The value of a poor person’s life is not what they possess. Rather it is what possesses them: God, family, and friends. These things are far more valuable than material wealth. Indeed, the best things in life are free.
