Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse hinges on the meaning of "faithful." It's not just about being honest in business, but choosing fidelity to God and integrity over the allure of quick riches, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth itself, when hurried, compromises one's inner uprightness.
This proverb continues the collection's exploration of wisdom versus foolishness, contrasting the character and outcomes of those who are trustworthy with those who are greedy. It follows verses discussing oppressors and those who harbor evil thoughts, setting up a clear choice between integrity and dishonest ambition. The verse immediately after warns against helping a wicked person, reinforcing the theme of separating from those who pursue ill-gotten gains.
What does it really mean to be 'faithful' in the eyes of God and others? It's more than just showing up; it's about deep integrity.
This verse contrasts two paths: one of faithfulness and one of hurried riches. The 'faithful man' isn't just someone who keeps promises, but someone who is 'true' in all their dealings. Think about what 'true' means in your everyday life:
This isn't about perfection, but about a consistent orientation towards truth and God's ways.
The verse warns against 'hastening to be rich.' What makes this pursuit so dangerous, and what's the consequence?
The second part of the verse pivots sharply to the danger of 'making haste to be rich.' This isn't about simple diligence or earning wealth over time. It points to:
The ancient commentators noted that this haste often stems from greed and can lead to serious trouble, even if the immediate means aren't overtly criminal.
Understand the original words
emunim · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to being reliable, trustworthy, and firm in character. It is often used of God's character and of those who reflect His nature in their conduct.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
The act of divine favor or the reception of good things from God, which often flows from obedience and living according to His wisdom.
This passage highlights the same core principle: seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first will lead to true abundance, contrasting with the anxiety and flawed pursuit of wealth mentioned in Proverbs.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse directly warns against the 'love of money' as a root of many evils, which strongly resonates with the idea that hastening to get rich can lead to impurity and punishment.
Jeremiah 17:11This verse offers a powerful parallel, illustrating how ill-gotten wealth ultimately fails and brings ruin, underscoring the short-sightedness and negative consequences of the 'hasty' pursuit of riches.
Psalm 37:3-4This psalm encourages trust in the Lord and doing good, promising that such faithfulness will lead to dwelling securely and receiving the desires of the heart, mirroring the blessings promised to the faithful in Proverbs.
pooleProverbs 28:20: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."
A faithful man, Heb. a man of truth , or truths , who deals truly and justly in all his bargains and transactions with men. That maketh haste; more than God alloweth him; that taketh the nearest and readiest way to riches, whether it be right or wrong; that is unfaithful and unjust in his dealings. Shall not be innocent; shall not obtain the blessings which he seeks, but shal…
clarkeProverbs 28:20: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."
He that maketh haste to be rich - See Proverbs 13:11 ; Proverbs 20:21 .
The verse hinges on the meaning of "faithful." It's not just about being honest in business, but choosing fidelity to God and integrity over the allure of quick riches, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth itself, when hurried, compromises one's inner uprightness.
This proverb continues the collection's exploration of wisdom versus foolishness, contrasting the character and outcomes of those who are trustworthy with those who are greedy. It follows verses discussing oppressors and those who harbor evil thoughts, setting up a clear choice between integrity and dishonest ambition. The verse immediately after warns against helping a wicked person, reinforcing the theme of separating from those who pursue ill-gotten gains.
This proverb continues the collection's exploration of wisdom versus foolishness, contrasting the character and outcomes of those who are trustworthy with those who are greedy. It follows verses discussing oppressors and those who harbor evil thoughts, setting up a clear choice between integrity and dishonest ambition. The verse immediately after warns against helping a wicked person, reinforcing the theme of separating from those who pursue ill-gotten gains.
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"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." — The verse hinges on the meaning of "faithful." It's not just about being honest in business, but choosing fidelity to God and integrity over the allure of quick riches, suggesting that the pursuit of…
