Proverbs 11:26
The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about selling goods; it highlights how hoarding essential items for personal gain, especially during scarcity, actively harms the community. Conversely, someone who makes those necessary goods available, even if just selling them, brings a blessing because they are meeting a real need.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is being contrasted with folly through practical examples of daily life. This verse specifically addresses economic behavior, highlighting the consequences of hoarding essential goods like grain during times of scarcity versus generously selling them. It follows discussions on righteousness and wickedness and immediately precedes advice on the corrupting influence of ill-gotten wealth.
Imagine a town struggling with hunger. One person has plenty of food but refuses to sell, waiting for prices to skyrocket. How do you think the townspeople feel about them?
This verse paints a stark picture of how greed impacts a community, especially during difficult times.
Hoarding During Scarcity
When there's a shortage of essential goods like grain, the natural human instinct is to look out for oneself. But the proverb condemns those who actively withhold these necessities. This isn't just about waiting for a better price; it's about deliberately exacerbating a crisis for personal gain.
The People's Verdict
The consequence? A curse from the people. This isn't just grumbling; it's a deep-seated resentment and condemnation. Such selfishness breeds distrust and desperation, making the hoarder an enemy of the community's well-being.
What happens when someone steps into that same difficult situation, not to profit, but to help?
Proverbs offers a beautiful contrast to the curse of greed: the blessing that comes from generosity, especially when it meets a deep need.
Selling at a Fair Price
The proverb celebrates the one who 'sells it.' This doesn't just mean selling; it implies selling responsibly. The context suggests selling at a reasonable price, making the essential goods accessible even in tough times. It's about participating in the economy with integrity and compassion.
Divine and Human Favor
The result isn't just the absence of a curse, but an active 'blessing.' This blessing likely comes from both the community, who are deeply grateful, and from God Himself, who favors those who act justly and charitably. It's a reputation built on kindness, not avarice.
Understand the original words
qabab · Hebrew Verb
A public declaration calling for divine judgment or misfortune upon someone, often in response to perceived injustice or evil.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of divine or human goodwill, favor, and prosperity, often resulting from obedience to God or righteous conduct.
This passage directly condemns the same practice of hoarding goods for profit during times of scarcity, highlighting the severe consequences for those who exploit the poor.
Luke 12:15Jesus warns against greed and covetousness, stating that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, which resonates with the folly of hoarding in Proverbs.
Matthew 25:35-40Jesus teaches that caring for the needy is caring for Him, thereby emphasizing the blessing that comes from generosity and sharing, in contrast to hoarding.
Deuteronomy 28:1-14This passage outlines the blessings that come from obedience to God's commands, including righteous dealings, which directly contrasts with the curses pronounced on unjust practices.
pooleProverbs 11:26: "He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it."
Withholdeth corn, in a time of scarcity, when others need and desire it. Blessing; the blessing of God, which the people shall heartily beg for him. That selleth it upon reasonable terms.
pulpitProverbs 11:26: "He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it."
Verse 26. - He that withholdeth corn. The practice reprehended is not confined to any one time or place. The avaricious have always been found ready to buy corn and other necessary articles of consumption when plentiful, and wait till there was dearth in the market or scarcity in the land, and then sell them at famine prices. Amos sternly reproves this iniquity (Am…
The verse isn't just about selling goods; it highlights how hoarding essential items for personal gain, especially during scarcity, actively harms the community. Conversely, someone who makes those necessary goods available, even if just selling them, brings a blessing because they are meeting a real need.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is being contrasted with folly through practical examples of daily life. This verse specifically addresses economic behavior, highlighting the consequences of hoarding essential goods like grain during times of scarcity versus generously selling them. It follows discussions on righteousness and wickedness and immediately precedes advice on the corrupting influence of ill-gotten wealth.
In this section of Proverbs, wisdom is being contrasted with folly through practical examples of daily life. This verse specifically addresses economic behavior, highlighting the consequences of hoarding essential goods like grain during times of scarcity versus generously selling them. It follows discussions on righteousness and wickedness and immediately precedes advice on the corrupting influence of ill-gotten wealth.
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"The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it." — The verse isn't just about selling goods; it highlights how hoarding essential items for personal gain, especially during scarcity, actively harms the community. Conversely, someone who makes those n…
