Proverbs 11:26 kjv

He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

Proverbs 11:26 nkjv

The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

Proverbs 11:26 niv

People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God's blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

Proverbs 11:26 esv

The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.

Proverbs 11:26 nlt

People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 26 Meaning

Proverbs 11:26 states a principle of justice and societal welfare: those who selfishly hoard essential goods, particularly in times of need, incur public scorn and divine disapproval, while those who act charitably by distributing or fairly selling such goods receive communal goodwill and divine favor. The verse highlights a core ethical conflict between individual greed and collective well-being, affirming that ethical business practices align with righteousness and bring blessing.

Proverbs 11 26 Context

Proverbs chapter 11 largely focuses on the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, illustrating the tangible consequences of their character and actions, both socially and individually. This verse specifically addresses economic ethics, a critical concern in ancient agrarian societies where subsistence depended on the successful cultivation and fair distribution of vital commodities like grain. In times of scarcity, such as drought or famine, withholding grain meant intentionally causing widespread suffering, starvation, and potentially death among the populace, driving up prices for personal gain. This was considered an act of profound social injustice and economic exploitation, going against the communal ethic that underpinned much of Israelite society as guided by God's Law. The "curse" spoken of is both the deep-seated public animosity and the implied divine judgment against such selfishness. Conversely, "selling" or distributing grain, especially when needed, was an act of civic responsibility, charity, and fair dealing, ensuring the well-being of the community.

Proverbs 11 26 Word analysis

• He who withholds (מֹנֵ֥עַ - mōnēʿa): From the verb mānaʿ, meaning "to hold back," "refuse," "prevent." This signifies a deliberate act of retention, not merely holding onto a surplus, but a calculated decision to create or exploit scarcity, often for undue profit.
• grain (תְּבוּאָ֑ה - těbûʾâ): Refers to the "produce" or "yield" of the ground, typically corn or grain. It represents staple food items, essential for survival in an agricultural economy. Its scarcity directly threatens life and sustenance.
• the people (עָ֥ם - ʿam): Refers to the community, the common populace, implying collective outrage and public condemnation. In biblical thought, the "voice of the people" can sometimes reflect God's displeasure.
• curse him (יִקְּבֻ֑הוּ - yiqqĕḇuhū): From the verb qābab, meaning "to curse" or "execrate." This is a strong imprecation, expressing fervent wishes for evil or misfortune to befall the hoarder. It reflects deep societal disapproval and hints at divine retribution for such an unjust act.
• but blessing (בְּרָכָ֥ה - bĕrākāh): From bārak, "to bless." It denotes divine favor, prosperity, welfare, and well-being. This is God's endorsement and an outpouring of His goodness, signifying material, social, and spiritual prosperity.
• is on the head (רֹ֝אשׁ - rōʾš): "Head" is used metonymically for the person themselves. The phrase means the blessing directly rests upon or surrounds the individual, indicating full and personal reception of the blessing. It's a complete bestowal of favor.
• of him who sells it (מַשְׁבִּ֣יר - mašbîr): From the verb shābar, "to break" or "to sell (grain)." In the Hiphil stem as used here, mashbir means "one who causes to break up" or "one who dispenses grain." It describes someone who acts as a provider, distributing or selling the commodity for the community's benefit, often from a storehouse. This is not exploitative sales but provision.

Words-group analysis

• He who withholds grain vs. him who sells it: This powerful antithetical parallelism highlights two opposing economic behaviors: selfish hoarding and compassionate distribution/fair sale. It starkly contrasts exploitative self-interest with beneficial communal service, revealing two different moral stances in trade.
• the people curse him vs. blessing is on the head: This contrasts the immediate, observable consequence of each action. The hoarder faces societal ostracism and verbal condemnation (which can carry spiritual weight), while the generous provider receives the full embrace of divine favor and popular appreciation. The "curse" implies harm and misfortune; the "blessing" implies flourishing and divine protection. This suggests that divine judgment often operates through societal response.

Proverbs 11 26 Bonus section

The principle articulated in Proverbs 11:26 extends far beyond merely withholding grain in an agrarian society. It encompasses any practice where vital resources, goods, or services are intentionally withheld or manipulated to exploit people's desperation for disproportionate profit. This could apply to medicine during an epidemic, housing during a crisis, or even basic utilities in times of hardship. The proverb highlights that such economic exploitation goes against the fabric of divine justice and communal care. It is not against making a profit in business; rather, it is against predatory practices that thrive on human suffering. The passage reveals that the divine economy operates on principles of generosity and reciprocity, where giving leads to greater abundance, and selfish retention leads to poverty and ruin, echoing a deeper spiritual truth that true riches lie in righteous living and loving service.

Proverbs 11 26 Commentary

Proverbs 11:26 offers a concise yet profound lesson in economic ethics and divine justice. It critiques the deeply unrighteous act of exploiting human need for personal gain. Hoarding essential provisions like grain, especially when others are in distress, demonstrates a complete disregard for the well-being of the community, prioritizing personal avarice above all else. Such behavior invites strong public disapproval and, more importantly, the curse of God. This curse is not merely a verbal denouncement but an actual withdrawal of divine favor, leading to eventual misfortune, reflecting the biblical principle that ill-gotten gain will not prosper. Conversely, the verse praises and promises blessing to those who responsibly and compassionately distribute or sell necessities, ensuring the sustenance of their neighbors. This acts as a divine incentive for ethical commerce and generosity, affirming that God's favor rests on those who serve others. The blessing promised encompasses not just material prosperity but also respect, good repute, and overall well-being. This proverb underscores that true prosperity comes through righteous and benevolent action, rooted in trust in God, not through greedy manipulation. It challenges believers to consider the broader impact of their economic choices and to prioritize justice and compassion in all their dealings, embodying a stewardship mindset over a hoarding one.