Proverbs 28 20

Proverbs 28:20 kjv

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 28:20 nkjv

A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:20 niv

A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:20 esv

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:20 nlt

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 20 Meaning

The verse presents a profound contrast: a person marked by faithfulness, reliability, and integrity will ultimately experience an abundance of blessings from God. In stark opposition, one who is driven by impatience and covetousness to accumulate wealth quickly, often resorting to unrighteous means, will face inevitable judgment and not escape the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes that true prosperity and divine favor are the result of character rooted in God's ways, rather than a hurried and materialistic pursuit of riches.

Proverbs 28 20 Context

Proverbs 28 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon" and, like much of Proverbs, presents a series of moral maxims that often contrast two types of individuals or paths: the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. The chapter frequently deals with themes of justice, governance, wealth, poverty, diligence, and their respective consequences. Verse 20 directly speaks to the ethical dimensions of gaining wealth. It fits within a broader context in Proverbs that champions honest labor, integrity, and trust in God's providence as the path to true well-being, while simultaneously condemning covetousness, greed, and the pursuit of quick riches through unrighteous means. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, wealth was often associated with divine favor, but the sages continually qualified this by emphasizing that how wealth was acquired and how it was used were paramount. The verse critiques an ancient "get-rich-quick" mentality, which might have been exacerbated by surrounding pagan cultures that sought prosperity through illicit means or magic. The underlying principle is God's moral order and His ultimate role as the dispenser of blessings and justice.

Proverbs 28 20 Word analysis

• A faithful man (אִישׁ אֱמוּנוֹת - ish emunot):

  • Ish means "man."
  • Emunot is the plural form of emunah, which means "faithfulness," "steadfastness," "truth," or "reliability."
  • It describes a person characterized by unwavering integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty, and dependability, particularly in their walk with God and dealings with others. This isn't just about believing, but about being consistently faithful in action and character.

• will abound with blessings (יִבָּרֵךְ רָב - yibbarekh rav):

  • Yibbarekh is a verb derived from barak ("to bless"). The Hithpael imperfect indicates a continuous action of receiving blessings from a divine source. It signifies being "blessed over and over," or "abundantly blessed."
  • Rav means "many," "much," "great," or "abundant."
  • This implies a holistic blessing—not limited to material wealth, but encompassing peace, well-being, favor, honor, and a life truly enriched by God's hand.

• but he who hastens to be rich (וּמֵהֵר אִישׁ לְהַעֲשִׁיר - u-meher ish leha'ashir or variant with hirdaf):

  • Many translations reflect "he who hastens" or "is eager/desires to be rich." The Hebrew is more nuanced. It speaks of "rushing" or "being in a hurry" to accumulate wealth.
  • Meher (or related hirdaf for "chase/pursue") implies an eager, impatient, or even aggressive pursuit, often circumventing normal ethical channels or relying solely on human ingenuity without divine guidance or patient toil.
  • The problem is not wealth itself, but the haste driven by greed and a focus on materialism, leading to unprincipled actions.

• will not go unpunished (לֹא יִנָּקֶה - lo yinnaqeh):

  • Lo means "not."
  • Yinnaqeh is from the root naqah, meaning "to be clean," "to be acquitted," or "to be innocent."
  • Therefore, "will not be innocent" or "will not be acquitted." This signifies that the person will be held guilty and suffer consequences, whether through divine judgment, a loss of integrity, relational breakdown, or ultimate emptiness despite any superficial gains. The swift path to riches becomes a swift path to accountability.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • A faithful man will abound with blessings: This phrase highlights God's economy, where faithful character and diligent, righteous living lead to sustainable and comprehensive blessings. It teaches that true abundance flows from a relationship with God and obedience to His ways, rather than frantic, self-centered effort. The "blessings" are God-given and bring no sorrow (Prov 10:22).
  • but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished: This contrasting clause serves as a strong warning. It reveals that the pursuit of immediate wealth, often indicating a lack of patience, trust in God, and disregard for ethical boundaries, invariably leads to negative repercussions. This "punishment" can be diverse—from the loss of the ill-gotten gains (Prov 13:11, 20:21), to character decay, a burdened conscience, or divine judgment. It challenges the worldview that quick riches equate to ultimate success.

Proverbs 28 20 Bonus section

The term "faithful man" (אִישׁ אֱמוּנוֹת - ish emunot) highlights that faith is not just a theological concept but an active, demonstrable characteristic reflected in trustworthiness and consistent moral conduct. This implies that such a person conducts their business and personal life with integrity, not engaging in deceit or fraud. Their blessings are thus connected to their righteous deeds, aligning with the principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" (Gal 6:7). The warning against "hasting to be rich" extends beyond financial matters; it addresses a deeper heart issue—a lack of contentment, a trust in self or money over God, and a potential willingness to compromise moral standards for material gain. This desire often leads to cutting corners, unethical business practices, or neglecting spiritual duties, ultimately revealing a misplacement of faith. The verse thereby underlines the importance of perseverance, diligence, and ethical conduct as opposed to avarice and impulsivity, connecting temporal prosperity to eternal character and divine judgment.

Proverbs 28 20 Commentary

Proverbs 28:20 sets forth a foundational truth in God's moral universe: character determines destiny, especially concerning wealth. The "faithful man" embodies integrity, consistency, and trust in God's timing and provision. His abundance is a byproduct of righteous living, divine favor, and diligent labor according to God's principles. This abundance is not necessarily material riches but a holistic "blessing" that enriches every aspect of life, bringing peace and genuine contentment. In stark contrast, the individual "hastening to be rich" is driven by impatience, covetousness, and a desire for quick gratification, often at the expense of moral uprightness or reliance on God. This rapid pursuit often involves unethical practices, exploitative measures, or placing trust solely in human schemes. The inevitable consequence is divine reckoning: such a person "will not go unpunished," meaning they will be held accountable and experience negative outcomes, whether through the fleeting nature of their wealth, a damaged reputation, spiritual bankruptcy, or God's direct judgment. The verse urges patience, integrity, and faith in God's providence over a frantic, self-serving quest for worldly gain.

Examples:

• A craftsman meticulously perfecting his skill over years, building a reputation for quality and honesty, eventually receives consistent demand for his work and a thriving, respected business (faithful man).
• Someone investing their life savings in a questionable "get-rich-quick" scheme that promises impossibly high returns in a short period, only to lose everything (he who hastens).
• A person who consistently returns lost money, acts with integrity in their profession, and serves their community diligently finds that they are always provided for and respected (faithful man).