An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 20:21
What does Proverbs 20:21 mean?
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Proverbs 20:21
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This proverb isn't just about quick money; it hints that "hastily gained" wealth often comes through "unrighteous means" or by being impatient, like demanding an inheritance before one's time. The lasting consequence is that such riches ultimately won't hold God's blessing and will likely fade away.
An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb follows directly after a warning against cursing one's parents, suggesting the inheritance in question might be obtained through a son's impatience or even ill-will towards his elders. It speaks to the idea that wealth acquired too quickly, often through questionable means or a lack of diligence, won't ultimately prosper. The broader context of Proverbs emphasizes wisdom and righteous living as the path to lasting success, implying that shortcuts and dishonest gains lead to ruin.
Ever feel the urge to get rich quick? This proverb warns that 'hastily acquired' wealth rarely ends well.
The verse highlights a dangerous pattern: gaining wealth too quickly, especially at the beginning of one's journey or endeavors. This often implies that the means used were not honest or diligent. Real wealth, the kind that sustains and blesses, typically comes through consistent effort and integrity over time. Jumping to conclusions or using shortcuts in acquiring possessions often bypasses the natural, God-ordained process of building something lasting. It's like trying to build a skyscraper on a foundation of sand – it looks impressive for a moment, but it's destined to fall.
Why the rush is risky:
It's not just about losing money; the lack of blessing has deeper, more devastating consequences.
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The core of the warning lies in the phrase 'shall not be blessed.' This isn't simply about financial loss, though that is often the outcome. A lack of blessing signifies the absence of God's favor, protection, and sustaining power. It means the inheritance, no matter how substantial, will ultimately prove empty and destructive.
The consequences of an unblessed inheritance:
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to property or wealth passed down, often within a family. Biblically, it signifies both material possessions and spiritual blessings, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and God's sovereignty over provision.
barak · Hebrew Verb
A state of divine favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being bestowed by God. It signifies God's active approval and enrichment of someone's life or endeavors.
The parable of the prodigal son vividly illustrates this proverb, showing how an inheritance demanded and spent hastily leads to ruin and a lack of blessing.
Genesis 27:1-40Jacob's story shows how an inheritance obtained through deceit and haste, even if seemingly successful at first, ultimately brings a curse and turmoil.
Proverbs 28:20This verse directly links hastiness in financial dealings with a lack of lasting blessing, echoing the sentiment that quick riches often come with negative consequences.
1 Timothy 6:10This passage warns against the love of money as the root of all kinds of evil, aligning with the idea that the unrighteous means used to gain wealth 'hastily' ultimately undermine any true blessing.
ellicottProverbs 20:21: "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed."
(21) The end thereof shall not be blessed.— Comp. Proverbs 28:20 : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belonging to his brother.
pulpitProverbs 20:21: "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed."
Verse 21. - An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning - or, which in the beginning, is obtained in haste - but the end thereof shall not be blessed; or, its end shall not be blessed. The Khetib gives מְבֹהֶלֶת, which (comp. Zechariah 11:8) may mean "detested," but this gives no sense; it is better, with the Keri, to replace kheth with he, and read מְבֹהֶלֶת (meboheleth)…
This proverb isn't just about quick money; it hints that "hastily gained" wealth often comes through "unrighteous means" or by being impatient, like demanding an inheritance before one's time. The lasting consequence is that such riches ultimately won't hold God's blessing and will likely fade away.
This proverb follows directly after a warning against cursing one's parents, suggesting the inheritance in question might be obtained through a son's impatience or even ill-will towards his elders. It speaks to the idea that wealth acquired too quickly, often through questionable means or a lack of diligence, won't ultimately prosper. The broader context of Proverbs emphasizes wisdom and righteous living as the path to lasting success, implying that shortcuts and dishonest gains lead to ruin.
This proverb follows directly after a warning against cursing one's parents, suggesting the inheritance in question might be obtained through a son's impatience or even ill-will towards his elders. It speaks to the idea that wealth acquired too quickly, often through questionable means or a lack of diligence, won't ultimately prosper. The broader context of Proverbs emphasizes wisdom and righteous living as the path to lasting success, implying that shortcuts and dishonest gains lead to ruin.
"An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end." — This proverb isn't just about quick money; it hints that "hastily gained" wealth often comes through "unrighteous means" or by being impatient, like demanding an inheritance before one's time. The la…
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Last reviewed October 2026