Proverbs 28:20-22
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The contrast here is striking: "faithful" isn't just about being honest in your dealings, but about being loyal to God and His timing. The one who "hastens to be rich" isn't just impatient, they're inherently unfaithful to that deeper trust, and thus, can't expect true blessings.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts righteous living with wicked schemes. It sits within a chapter that highlights the stark differences between those who fear the Lord and those who do not, emphasizing the consequences of each path. Immediately following, the text continues to explore the outcomes of integrity versus corruption, particularly in matters of leadership and wealth.
What does it truly mean to be 'faithful' in God's eyes? It's more than just being honest; it's a deep character trait that leads to a life of abundance.
The verse contrasts two paths: faithfulness and hasty pursuit of wealth. Being 'faithful' here doesn't just mean telling the truth or keeping promises, though those are vital. It speaks to a person of integrity, someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and lives with a deep commitment to God's ways.
Is there anything wrong with wanting to be wealthy? This verse warns that how and why you pursue riches can lead you far from God's favor.
The second half of the verse is a stark warning against 'hastening to be rich.' This isn't about simply becoming wealthy, but about the impatient and often unscrupulous drive to get rich quickly.
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.
panim nasa' · Hebrew Verb phrase
The act of showing favoritism or bias, often in a judicial or interpersonal setting, which violates the biblical principle of equality and justice before God.
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
An immoral or unethical act; a transgression or departure from God's standard of righteousness.
This passage directly echoes the principle here, emphasizing that what we sow, we reap. A faithful life sows righteousness and reaps blessings, while a hasty pursuit of wealth often sows injustice and reaps ruin.
1 Timothy 6:10This verse speaks directly to the danger of the 'hasty to be rich' mindset, highlighting that the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, leading away from faithfulness.
Matthew 6:24This teaching from Jesus shows the fundamental conflict between serving God and pursuing wealth. A 'faithful man' naturally aligns with serving God, while one who 'hastens to be rich' often prioritizes earthly riches above all else.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm describes the characteristics of one who is truly 'faithful' and worthy to dwell with God. It paints a picture of integrity, justice, and trustworthiness, directly contrasting with the unscrupulous methods implied in hastening to be rich.
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 contrast here is striking: "faithful" isn't just about being honest in your dealings, but about being loyal to God and His timing. The one who "hastens to be rich" isn't just impatient, they're inherently unfaithful to that deeper trust, and thus, can't expect true blessings.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts righteous living with wicked schemes. It sits within a chapter that highlights the stark differences between those who fear the Lord and those who do not, emphasizing the consequences of each path. Immediately following, the text continues to explore the outcomes of integrity versus corruption, particularly in matters of leadership and wealth.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs that contrasts righteous living with wicked schemes. It sits within a chapter that highlights the stark differences between those who fear the Lord and those who do not, emphasizing the consequences of each path. Immediately following, the text continues to explore the outcomes of integrity versus corruption, particularly in matters of leadership and wealth.
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ra'-ayin · Hebrew Adjective phrase
An individual who is selfish, illiberal, or possessing an "evil eye," often characterized by a lack of generosity and excessive desire for gain.
"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. A stingy man hastens after wealth and d…" — The contrast here is striking: "faithful" isn't just about being honest in your dealings, but about being loyal to God and His timing. The one who "hastens to be rich" isn't just impatient, they're i…
