Proverbs 21:26 kjv

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

Proverbs 21:26 nkjv

He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.

Proverbs 21:26 niv

All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

Proverbs 21:26 esv

All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Proverbs 21:26 nlt

Some people are always greedy for more,
but the godly love to give!

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 26 Meaning

Proverbs 21:26 presents a sharp contrast between two distinct character types concerning desire and giving. The verse describes the person—often associated with the sluggard or the wicked—as perpetually consumed by unfulfilled desires and cravings. Their longing is continuous and unsatisfied. In stark opposition, the righteous individual demonstrates generosity and freely gives to others, without reservation or withholding. This highlights the inherent emptiness of self-serving covetousness compared to the abundant and liberating nature of god-honoring generosity.

Proverbs 21 26 Context

Proverbs 21:26 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, characteristic of the book of Proverbs, which often employs parallelism and antithetical statements to teach moral and spiritual truths.Within chapter 21, the verse fits neatly into the overarching theme of contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the outcomes of their respective ways of life. Specifically, it directly follows verse 25, which states: "The craving of a sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor." This immediate proximity strongly suggests that the "he" who "craves and craves" in verse 26 refers to the sluggard or a person characterized by idleness and unfulfilled desires because of a refusal to act righteously.Historically and culturally, the Old Testament strongly emphasized community and care for the needy, often mandated by the Law (e.g., leaving gleanings for the poor). Withholding resources (yahsok) went against this communal ethic and the spirit of generosity commanded by God. Intense craving (ta'avah) for worldly possessions could be seen as bordering on covetousness, a violation of the Tenth Commandment, and indicative of a heart not fully trusting in God's provision.

Proverbs 21 26 Word analysis

• "All day long" (כָּל־הַיּוֹם - kol-hayom):

  • Signifies a constant, incessant, and pervasive nature. This craving is not fleeting but occupies one's thoughts and disposition continually, pointing to a persistent inner turmoil.

• "he craves and craves" (מִתְאַוֶּה תַּאֲוָה - mit'avveh ta'avah):

  • This is an intensive form, a verb cognate with its noun, emphasizing the strength and persistence of the craving.
  • Ta'avah (תַּאֲוָה) denotes strong desire, often used in a negative sense as "lust" or "covetousness" when directed wrongly or inordinately. Here, it conveys an unfulfilled, grasping desire, perhaps for material things or for comfort without effort, that consumes the individual. The repetition underscores the futility and endless cycle of such a life.

• "but the righteous" (וְצַדִּיק - ve'tzaddiq):

  • Tzaddiq (צַדִּיק) refers to one who is just, upright, and in right relationship with God, living according to His moral standard.
  • This conjunctive "but" creates a powerful antithesis, highlighting the stark contrast in character and outcome between the two individuals.

• "gives" (נֹתֵן - noten):

  • This is an active present participle, emphasizing continuous action. The righteous person is characterized by their active and ongoing practice of giving, not merely a single act. It's a fundamental aspect of their character, demonstrating abundance of spirit and trust in God's provision.

• "and does not hold back" (וְלֹא יַחְשׂוֹךְ - velo' yahsok):

  • Yahsok (יַחְשׂוֹךְ) means to withhold, restrain, or spare.
  • The negative form stresses the unreserved nature of the righteous person's generosity. They give fully and freely, without hesitation or miserliness, demonstrating trust and contentment in God. This contrasts sharply with the unfulfilled craving of the other person, who always desires to gain rather than release.

• "he craves and craves, but the righteous gives":

  • This group of words emphasizes the fundamental opposition between a life dominated by inward, grasping desire (leading to emptiness) and a life characterized by outward, open-handed generosity (leading to blessedness). One focuses on what they lack, the other on what they can provide.

• "gives and does not hold back":

  • This phrase accentuates the wholeheartedness and completeness of the righteous individual's generosity. It's not begrudging or partial; it's a spirit of unrestrained giving that reflects the character of God.

Proverbs 21 26 Bonus section

The insatiable craving described here often relates to the heart's true object of worship. If a person's desires are perpetually directed toward self-gain, material possessions, or worldly comfort without effort, it reveals an underlying idolatry of self or mammon. This constant yearning acts as its own punishment, trapping the individual in a cycle of discontentment. Conversely, the generosity of the righteous stems from a heart that understands God as the ultimate provider and source of all good things. This understanding liberates them from the fear of scarcity and enables them to mimic God's own generous nature. Their satisfaction comes not from accumulating but from blessing others, reflecting the abundant life that Jesus promised (Jn 10:10). This also implies that true wisdom and righteousness transform the internal state of desire, shifting it from grasping to giving.

Proverbs 21 26 Commentary

Proverbs 21:26 brilliantly encapsulates a core biblical truth about human desire, contentment, and true blessedness. The image of the individual "craving and craving" paints a picture of spiritual and emotional emptiness, a relentless longing that remains unfulfilled. This person, often identified with the sluggard or wicked (from prior context), is self-focused, seeking to acquire rather than contribute, and consequently experiences constant dissatisfaction, their "craving kills them" (Prov 21:25). Their desires, if attained, provide no lasting satisfaction, forming a continuous cycle of yearning.In stark contrast stands the righteous. Grounded in their right relationship with God, they are free from the grip of insatiable worldly cravings. Their hearts are full, enabling them to give freely and generously without fear of lack. This selfless generosity ("gives and does not hold back") is not a burden but a natural overflow of a life submitted to God and trusting in His provision. This highlights a fundamental principle: true abundance is found in giving, and authentic contentment comes from God, not from ceaselessly striving for earthly possessions or fleeting desires.