Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 15:27
What does Proverbs 15:27 mean?
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Proverbs 15:27
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The verse isn't just talking about any greed; it specifically points to "unjust gain," highlighting that the ruin a greedy person brings on their family is a direct consequence of the dishonest way they sought wealth. It also shows that "hating bribes" isn't about being cautious, but about a deep-seated rejection of unrighteousness, which ultimately preserves life.
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish, particularly concerning their pursuit of wealth and justice. It immediately follows teachings on gentle answers and the pursuit of wisdom, setting up a stark choice between honest living and the destructive path of illicit gain, which leads to ruin for the whole household.
We often think of greed as a personal failing, but this proverb points to a far wider impact. What does 'troubling your own household' really mean?
The verse connects being 'greedy for unjust gain' directly with 'troubling your own household.' This isn't just about financial strain, though that's part of it. It's about bringing a curse and ruin upon your family.
A Spiritual Contagion
When wealth is pursued through dishonest means – like bribes or unfair practices – it doesn't just hurt those you cheat. It invites God's displeasure. This 'trouble' can manifest as:
The proverb presents a stark contrast: greed leads to trouble, but what leads to life? It hinges on a specific action – hating gifts.
The second half of the verse offers a path to life: 'he who hates gifts will live.' The 'gifts' here aren't ordinary presents; they specifically refer to bribes meant to pervert justice. To 'hate' them means more than just refusing them politely.
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Integrity as Life Itself
Understand the original words
botsea' batsa' · Hebrew Verb Phrase
A strong, often covetous desire to acquire wealth, possessions, or status, especially through dishonest means. It is warned against as a source of ruin for the individual and their family.
shochad · Hebrew Noun
A payment or gift given to influence a person in power to act dishonestly or unfairly. Hating bribes is a mark of integrity and justice in leadership and personal life.
This passage shows the devastating consequences of greed, where Achan's illicit gain brought ruin not just upon himself, but his entire family and nation, mirroring how unjust gain troubles one's own household.
Luke 16:9Jesus speaks of using 'unrighteous money' wisely, a concept that resonates with Proverbs' warning against greedy gain, highlighting the corrupting nature of wealth acquired through dishonest means.
Exodus 18:21When Moses appointed leaders, he instructed them to choose men who 'hate a bribe,' directly aligning with the wise instruction in Proverbs to reject dishonest gains and uphold integrity.
Psalm 15:5This psalm describes the righteous person as one who 'does not put out his money at interest' and 'does not take a bribe against the innocent,' echoing the principle of hating illicit gain found in Proverbs.
Ecclesiastes 7:7The Teacher notes that 'oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe destroys the heart,' underscoring how greed and bribery corrupt individuals and lead to destructive outcomes.
ellicottProverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."
(27) He that is greedy of gain.— Ill-gotten gain, especially bribes, as is seen in the next line. Troubleth his own house.—The word used of Achan (Joshua 7:25). Gifts.—Bribes taken by a judge. (Ecclesiastes 7:7.)
pooleProverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."
He that is greedy of gain, that seeketh wealth by unjust courses, as appears from the opposite clause, troubleth his own house; bringeth God’s curse and destruction upon himself and his family, whom he designed to enrich and establish. That hateth; who refuseth them not with dissimulation, nor only from prudential reasons, but from a hearty abhorrency of all unrighteousness. Gifts , i.e. br…
The verse isn't just talking about any greed; it specifically points to "unjust gain," highlighting that the ruin a greedy person brings on their family is a direct consequence of the dishonest way they sought wealth. It also shows that "hating bribes" isn't about being cautious, but about a deep-seated rejection of unrighteousness, which ultimately preserves life.
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish, particularly concerning their pursuit of wealth and justice. It immediately follows teachings on gentle answers and the pursuit of wisdom, setting up a stark choice between honest living and the destructive path of illicit gain, which leads to ruin for the whole household.
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish, particularly concerning their pursuit of wealth and justice. It immediately follows teachings on gentle answers and the pursuit of wisdom, setting up a stark choice between honest living and the destructive path of illicit gain, which leads to ruin for the whole household.
"Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live." — The verse isn't just talking about any greed; it specifically points to "unjust gain," highlighting that the ruin a greedy person brings on their family is a direct consequence of the dishonest way…
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Last reviewed October 2026