Proverbs 28:22 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: A person with an evil eye hurries after wealth And does not know that poverty will come upon him.

CSB: A greedy one is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.

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

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

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

Get-rich-quick schemes and dishonest business practices frequently result in disaster. The person who "chases" wealth (Proverbs 23:4; 28:20) or cheats others (Proverbs 13:11; 20:17) to get it can expect negative consequences (Proverbs 11:4; 22:16). Frauds, con artists, gamblers, and unwise investors have learned this lesson the hard way. Even if wealth is gained legitimately, but not used in a godly way, it's likely to vanish (Proverbs 11:24).

Paul told Timothy that unhealthy desire for money inspires many sins (1 Timothy 6:10). He noted that "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9). Other proverbs caution that material wealth is worthless compared to moral integrity (Proverbs 8:11; 10:2; 15:27; 16:8, 16; 19:1).

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.

Accessed 11/21/2024 9:13:57 AM