Proverbs 28:20 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: A faithful person will abound with blessings, But one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.

CSB: A faithful person will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.

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

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

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

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) indicates that there are many advantages to being "faithful." The Hebrew root word 'emuwnah implies someone consistent, loyal, dependable, and secure. In this context, it means someone who diligently follows God's Word and His will, rather than chasing material wealth through immoral means (Proverbs 19:1; 22:1, 16; 28:6). Material poverty, when accompanied by godliness, is much better than material wealth accompanied by reckless or sinful living (Proverbs 11:6; 13:11). Moral integrity makes a person less liable to suffer legal or social consequences. Breaking laws or violating morals to get rich is far more likely to get a person in trouble. If the law does not apprehend and punish them, the Lord will surely punish them (Proverbs 11:4).

First Corinthians 4:2 notes that "it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." As stewards of Christ, we should be faithful to use everything the Lord has placed in our trust: money, possessions, talents, time, our bodies, and spiritual gifts. Faithfulness in these matters will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13–14; 2 Corinthians 5:9–10).

Proverbs 28:13–28 features several lessons about generosity and greed. The passage also notes the importance of integrity and honesty. Some proverbs contained here combine these ideas, speaking of work ethic, fairness, care for the poor, and so forth.

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.