A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 28:25
What does Proverbs 28:25 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 28:25
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse contrasts a "greedy man" with one who trusts in the Lord. However, the Hebrew phrase for "greedy" literally means "wide of soul," suggesting an insatiable hunger or an enlarged, restless desire that fuels strife. This profound insight shows that it's not just material greed, but a heart that's too big for God, constantly grasping for more, that ultimately brings chaos.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb contrasts two ways of living: one driven by a greedy or proud heart that leads to conflict, and the other rooted in trust in God, which brings true security. It's part of a larger section of Proverbs that explores the consequences of wisdom versus folly, highlighting how our inner desires—whether for more or for God—shape our interactions and ultimate well-being.
Ever wonder why some people seem to constantly attract conflict? This verse points to a core issue that fuels arguments and division.
The verse describes someone with a 'proud heart' as stirring up strife. Interestingly, some ancient translations and interpretations point to the idea of a 'wide soul' or an 'insatiable' spirit behind this pride.
A Soul Too Big for Its Boots
This isn't just about being a little arrogant. It's about a soul that's puffed up, convinced of its own importance, and perhaps driven by an insatiable desire for more – more status, more possessions, more control. This kind of person is constantly pushing, striving for pre-eminence, and easily offended when they don't get their way.
The Engine of Conflict
When your heart is 'wide' with pride or insatiable desire, you naturally clash with others. You might look down on those you deem beneath you, get jealous of others' success, or stubbornly refuse to yield. These attitudes are the very sparks that ignite quarrels and create a hostile environment.
What does it truly mean to be 'enriched'? This verse contrasts the turmoil of greed with a profound, lasting blessing.
The antidote to the strife caused by a 'wide soul' is found in 'trust[ing] in the Lord.' This isn't just a passive hope; it's an active reliance that reshapes our lives and brings true prosperity.
Beyond Material Wealth
Ask a follow-up
The 'enrichment' promised here isn't necessarily about accumulating vast wealth, though God can certainly bless us materially. More importantly, it speaks to a richness of peace, contentment, and well-being.
The Peace of a Yielding Heart
When you trust God, you release the need to constantly fight for your own way. You can yield to others, be content with what you have, and leave the outcomes in His hands. This humble, trusting spirit naturally diffuses conflict and leads to a life that is truly 'fat' – full, comfortable, and blessed, free from the misery that strife brings.
Understand the original words
rechab-nephesh · Hebrew Adjective phrase
A strong, often sinful, desire for more; an insatiable craving for material things that displaces trust in God.
madon · Hebrew Noun
Conflict, contention, or a quarrel; often used to describe social or interpersonal friction caused by sinful behavior.
batach · Hebrew Verb
To rely upon, lean on, or place full confidence in; the active, continuous posture of dependence on God’s character and promises.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and the I AM who enters into relationship with His people.
This verse directly parallels the idea that pride leads to conflict, stating that a hot-tempered person stirs up strife, while a calm person pacifies anger.
James 4:1-3James explains that quarrels and fights among believers stem from selfish desires and a lack of trust in God, echoing the core message of Proverbs 28:25 about the source of strife and the blessing of reliance on the Lord.
Psalm 37:3-5This psalm encourages trust in the LORD and to do good, promising that those who do will dwell in the land and be sustained, directly contrasting the outcome of wickedness and strife with the prosperity of those who commit their way to God.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage teaches believers not to be anxious but to bring their requests to God, promising that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds, illustrating the 'enrichment' that comes from trusting the Lord instead of worldly anxieties.
pooleProverbs 28:25: "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat."
He that is of a proud heart, whose property it is to overvalue himself, and to trust to himself and his own wit, or wealth, or strength, stirreth up strife, because he makes it his great business to advance and please himself, and hateth and opposeth all that stand in his way, and despiseth other men, and is very jealous of his honour, and impatient of the least slighti…
pulpitProverbs 28:25: "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat."
Verse 25. - He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife (Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 29:22); literally, he that is of a wide soul. This may certainly denote pride (qui se jactat et dilatat, Vulgate), in which case the gnome says that one who thinks much of himself and despises others is the cause of quarrels and dissensions, occasioned by his struggles for pre-eminence…
The verse contrasts a "greedy man" with one who trusts in the Lord. However, the Hebrew phrase for "greedy" literally means "wide of soul," suggesting an insatiable hunger or an enlarged, restless desire that fuels strife. This profound insight shows that it's not just material greed, but a heart that's too big for God, constantly grasping for more, that ultimately brings chaos.
This proverb contrasts two ways of living: one driven by a greedy or proud heart that leads to conflict, and the other rooted in trust in God, which brings true security. It's part of a larger section of Proverbs that explores the consequences of wisdom versus folly, highlighting how our inner desires—whether for more or for God—shape our interactions and ultimate well-being.
This proverb contrasts two ways of living: one driven by a greedy or proud heart that leads to conflict, and the other rooted in trust in God, which brings true security. It's part of a larger section of Proverbs that explores the consequences of wisdom versus folly, highlighting how our inner desires—whether for more or for God—shape our interactions and ultimate well-being.
"A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched." — The verse contrasts a "greedy man" with one who trusts in the Lord. However, the Hebrew phrase for "greedy" literally means "wide of soul," suggesting an insatiable hunger or an enlarged, restless de…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026