Proverbs 15 27

Proverbs 15:27 kjv

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Proverbs 15:27 nkjv

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 niv

The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 esv

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27 nlt

Greed brings grief to the whole family,
but those who hate bribes will live.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 27 Meaning

Proverbs 15:27 illustrates a profound moral contrast: the individual consumed by a desire for unjust gain brings turmoil and destruction upon their entire household, whereas the one who actively rejects corrupt gifts, such as bribes or ill-gotten profits, will experience true life, flourishing, and enduring stability. The verse highlights the destructive ripple effect of covetousness on one's most intimate sphere and the blessing that flows from integrity.

Proverbs 15 27 Context

Proverbs 15 is a rich collection of maxims primarily focusing on the power of the tongue, the importance of a right heart, and the contrasting outcomes of righteous and wicked living. It addresses various aspects of life, including family relations, speech, financial integrity, humility, and the Lord's omnipresence. Verse 27, situated within a section that highlights the dangers of various vices and the benefits of virtue (v. 26 warns against evil thoughts, v. 28 commends the righteous' thoughtful response), specifically warns against covetousness (desire for unjust gain) and promotes the integrity of rejecting bribes. Historically, in ancient Israel and the broader Near East, economic life involved transactions that often included gifts, and the distinction between a legitimate gift and a bribe (which could corrupt justice) was a critical moral and societal concern, frequently addressed in legal and wisdom literature. The verse directly opposes any contemporary practices that encouraged corruption for personal or familial advancement.

Proverbs 15 27 Word analysis

• He that is greedy (הוֹאֵ֥ל - hō'ēl) of gain (בֶּ֖צַע - betzaʿ):

  • hō'ēl: From the root y-'-l, meaning "to be eager," "to derive advantage from," or "to consent to gain." Here it conveys a strong, almost compulsive, desire for profit.
  • betzaʿ: This term is crucial. It means "gain," but in the biblical context, it almost invariably refers to dishonest, unjust, or ill-gotten gain, often acquired through violence, exploitation, oppression, or bribery. It implies taking more than one's due or profiting illegitimately.
  • Significance: This phrase paints a picture of someone whose primary motivation is acquisitiveness, particularly through corrupt means, emphasizing a moral deficiency.

• troubleth (עֹכֵ֥ר - ‘ōkhēr):

  • From the root ‘ākar, meaning "to stir up," "to disturb," "to bring trouble upon," "to ruin," "to muddy," or "to defile."
  • Significance: The action is not just slight annoyance but a deep, destructive disruption. It's an active ruination.

• his own house (בֵּיתֽוֹ - bêtō):

  • This refers to the immediate family, the household members, descendants, and the general welfare or legacy of the family.
  • Significance: The consequences of corrupt gain are deeply personal and familial. They don't just affect the individual but spread suffering and instability throughout their entire sphere of influence, potentially across generations. This highlights the intergenerational impact of unrighteous behavior within a patriarchal society.

• but he that hateth (וְשׂוֹנֵ֥א - wəśōwnē’):

  • wəśōwnē’: "And one who hates." This denotes a strong, active aversion and moral repulsion, not merely disinterest. It signifies a clear moral stance against such practices.
  • Significance: It's a deliberate choice, reflecting integrity and a commitment to righteous principles.

• gifts (מַתָּנֹ֥ת - mattānōth):

  • While mattānōth can refer to legitimate presents, in antithesis to "ill-gotten gain" and within the context of the wisdom literature's strong condemnation of corruption, it clearly refers to illicit gifts or bribes offered to sway judgment or secure an unfair advantage.
  • Significance: This clarifies that the hatred is specifically directed at gifts that compromise integrity or justice, underlining the righteous character.

• shall live (יִחְיֶֽה - yiḥyeḥ):

  • From the root chayah, meaning "to live," "to remain alive," "to prosper," "to thrive," "to enjoy wellbeing." It encompasses not just physical existence but a full, rich, secure, and blessed life – spiritually, morally, and materially (within proper limits).
  • Significance: This contrasts sharply with the "trouble" and ruin inflicted by the covetous. True life and lasting prosperity come from integrity.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house": This phrase links obsessive pursuit of illicit financial profit directly to familial ruin. The individual's personal moral decay infects their intimate sphere, causing domestic unrest, financial instability, potential legal woes, and moral corruption within the family structure. The selfish pursuit of gain overrides family welfare and godliness.
  • "but he that hateth gifts shall live": This is a powerful antithesis, highlighting that active rejection of corruption and bribery is foundational to a life of flourishing. The 'hating' is an ethical stand, distinguishing between rightful earnings and morally compromising acquisition. This attitude safeguards the individual's spiritual well-being, reputation, and grants them genuine peace and stability that the covetous can never attain.

Proverbs 15 27 Bonus section

The term "house" (bêt) in Hebrew wisdom literature often extends beyond the physical dwelling to encompass one's lineage, legacy, and entire social and economic standing. Therefore, "troubleth his own house" can also mean the one greedy for ill-gotten gain is sabotaging his future generations and undermining the very foundation of his name and heritage. Conversely, "shall live" does not guarantee material wealth in every circumstance, but it promises an enduring and fulfilling life aligned with God's design, which includes true prosperity and security. This is often framed as "lengthening one's days" or "establishing one's house," signifying God's blessing and favor over a life of integrity, providing protection from the ruinous consequences that naturally follow deceit and greed. This principle applies not only to personal finances but also to those in positions of authority or leadership, whose covetousness can bring ruin to their organizations or nations.

Proverbs 15 27 Commentary

Proverbs 15:27 offers a concise, yet profound, moral economy lesson. It does not condemn wealth itself but rather the "greed for gain," specifically betza, which implies dishonest or ill-gotten profits. This avarice invariably destabilizes "his own house," signifying that a man's illicit financial practices do not only affect him but permeate and pollute the domestic environment, potentially leading to familial disputes, economic hardship for dependents, a damaged family reputation, or even divine judgment that impacts generations. This stands in stark contrast to the person who "hateth gifts," meaning they have a moral repugnance for bribes or any forms of corrupt influence and unrighteous gain. Such integrity is rewarded with "life," a holistic term in the Hebrew worldview denoting not mere existence, but true well-being, spiritual vitality, peace, stability, and enduring prosperity in every dimension of life. This verse underscores the foundational truth that lasting success and peace are built on integrity, not ill-gotten wealth. For instance, a person who compromises their ethics for quick money might neglect family, face legal issues, or find their children influenced by their poor example, leading to disarray. Conversely, one who refuses bribes, even at personal cost, earns respect, fosters peace in their home, and builds a legacy of righteousness.