Proverbs 28 22

Proverbs 28:22 kjv

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Proverbs 28:22 nkjv

A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

Proverbs 28:22 niv

The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

Proverbs 28:22 esv

A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

Proverbs 28:22 nlt

Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don't realize they're headed for poverty.

Proverbs 28 verses

Proverbs 28 22 Meaning

Proverbs 28:22 describes the negative consequences for a person driven by an impatient desire for wealth. Such an individual, characterized by greed or a covetous spirit, hastens after riches, failing to realize that this very pursuit will lead to poverty rather than true abundance. Their covetousness blinds them to the inevitable lack that awaits.

Proverbs 28 22 Context

Proverbs chapter 28 frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, exploring the consequences of their actions in various aspects of life, particularly concerning wealth, governance, and justice. This verse (28:22) specifically delves into the theme of covetousness and the folly of seeking wealth through improper means or with an impatient spirit. It is a cautionary proverb that warns against a common human failing: the desire for quick riches and the short-sightedness that accompanies such an obsession. It fits within the broader Proverbial wisdom that encourages diligence, integrity, and trust in God's provision, contrasting it sharply with avarice and the destructive path it carves. Historically, ancient Israel's agrarian and communal society would have seen constant temptations for individuals to gain advantage, and this proverb addresses that propensity directly.

Proverbs 28 22 Word analysis

• He that hasteth (חוז / chūz): The Hebrew verb chûz primarily means "to seize," "to grasp," or "to take hold." In this context, it signifies eagerness, urgency, and an impatient desire. This person is not merely working hard but is impulsively grasping for riches, suggesting a lack of forethought or ethical consideration in their pursuit. It conveys a sense of impatience and a hurried effort, often bypassing diligence and integrity.

• after riches (עשׁר / ʿōšer): Refers to material wealth, possessions, or prosperity. The desire itself isn't inherently evil, but the manner of pursuit and the ultimate devotion to it become problematic. The "after" implies an active pursuit as an end goal.

• hath an evil eye (רַע־עיִן / raʿ-ʿayin): Literally translates to "evil of eye" or "bad eye." In Hebrew idiom, this signifies a miserly, stingy, envious, covetous, or greedy disposition. It indicates someone who is ungenerous, looks grudgingly at what others have, and is constantly grasping for more for themselves. It contrasts sharply with a "good eye" or "generous eye" (Prov 22:9), which describes a benevolent and liberal person. This "evil eye" is the internal motivation driving the hasty pursuit.

• and considereth not (ולא־יֵדַע / wəlōʾ yēḏaʿ): Literally "and does not know" or "is not aware." This denotes a profound lack of understanding, insight, or perception. The individual fails to comprehend the inevitable outcome of their covetous and impatient pursuit. They are blind to the reality of the consequences.

• that poverty (מחסור / machsor): Means "lack," "need," "want," or "deficiency." It's not just "not getting rich," but an active movement towards destitution or financial distress. The irony is profound: the very thing they chase will lead to its opposite.

• shall come upon him: Implies an unavoidable destiny. The consequence is not a mere possibility but a certainty for the one who acts out of such a disposition. The hasty, covetous person walks a path that inevitably terminates in financial ruin, often compounded by moral and spiritual bankruptcy.

• Words-group Analysis: "He that hasteth after riches hath an evil eye": This phrase combines the impatient action with the underlying motivation. The haste isn't just external; it stems from an internal character flaw – the "evil eye" of covetousness. It links impulsive desire for wealth with a character defined by greed and envy.

• Words-group Analysis: "and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him": This part highlights the ignorance and self-deception inherent in the covetous individual. They lack the wisdom or discernment to foresee the true and often ironic end of their efforts. The pursuit of wealth via covetousness paradoxically leads to the very state one desperately seeks to avoid.

Proverbs 28 22 Bonus section

The "evil eye" (raʿ-ʿayin) is a critical concept here, differentiating it from mere "envy." It describes a fundamental stinginess, a grudging spirit, and an insatiable desire for more, leading one to be ungenerous towards others and constantly focused on their own gain. This disposition itself is antithetical to biblical principles of giving and trust, ensuring that such a person will never be satisfied, even if they accumulate wealth, and will often resort to unethical means that lead to ruin. The Proverb underscores that genuine security and provision come from a diligent and righteous walk, rather than an impulsive and greedy scramble for riches.

Proverbs 28 22 Commentary

Proverbs 28:22 stands as a profound warning against the perils of an inordinate love for money and the impatience often accompanying it. The "hasty man" is not merely someone who works hard, but one who desires wealth quickly and often disregards ethical boundaries in its pursuit, driven by an "evil eye" of covetousness and a lack of generosity. This greedy mindset blinds them to the spiritual and practical consequences, leading them to pursue wealth so relentlessly that they neglect the patient work, integrity, and trust in God's provision that lead to lasting security. The ironic twist is that their desperate haste and covetousness, instead of making them rich, ultimately lead them to poverty and destitution, both materially and morally. It is a divine principle: the very sin used to gain desired wealth is the catalyst for its loss.