Proverbs 11:26

KJV

¶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

He that withholdeth {H4513} corn {H1250}, the people {H3816} shall curse {H5344} him: but blessing {H1293} shall be upon the head {H7218} of him that selleth {H7666} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people will curse him who withholds grain; but if he sells it, blessings will be on his head.

Berean Standard Bible

The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.

American Standard Version

He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:26 presents a stark ethical and economic contrast, declaring that those who hoard essential goods, particularly grain, for selfish gain will incur the severe condemnation of the community, while those who generously and fairly distribute them will receive widespread favor and divine blessing. This proverb underscores the profound moral implications of economic practices, linking communal well-being to individual integrity and generosity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is rich with antithetical parallelism, a common literary device in wisdom literature where two contrasting ideas or actions are presented to highlight a moral truth. This chapter frequently juxtaposes the righteous and the wicked, the humble and the proud, the generous and the greedy, and their respective outcomes. Proverbs 11:26 fits seamlessly into this pattern, immediately following a verse that praises generosity ("The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." – [Proverbs 11:25](/proverbs/11-25 "Proverbs 11:25 - The Blessing of Generosity")). It serves as a direct counterpoint, illustrating the negative consequences of the opposite behavior—hoarding. The proverb's placement emphasizes that economic actions are not merely transactional but are deeply intertwined with one's character and destiny, reflecting the broader wisdom tradition's concern for justice and social order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society where grain ("corn" in KJV, referring to any staple grain like wheat or barley) was the fundamental food source, essential for survival. Periods of drought or poor harvest could lead to scarcity, creating opportunities for unscrupulous merchants or landowners to "withhold" grain from the market. This practice, known as hoarding or price gouging, artificially inflated prices, making food unaffordable for the common people and leading to widespread suffering. Such actions were viewed not just as poor business practice but as a grave moral offense against the community, threatening its very fabric. The "curse" of the people was a powerful social sanction, reflecting deep indignation and loss of reputation, while "blessing" indicated public esteem and goodwill, often seen as a reflection of divine favor. This proverb thus reflects a societal expectation of ethical conduct in commerce, rooted in the communal values of ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the enduring tension between **greed and generosity**, portraying greed as a destructive force that invites societal wrath and generosity as a virtue that garners favor. Secondly, it emphasizes **social accountability and justice**, demonstrating that economic actions have profound communal consequences and that the community holds individuals responsible for their impact on others. The "curse" of the people is a tangible manifestation of this social judgment. Thirdly, it underscores the **principle of reciprocity and divine blessing**, suggesting that ethical conduct in the marketplace leads to prosperity and favor, aligning with the broader biblical concept that those who deal justly will be blessed (e.g., [Deuteronomy 25:15](/deuteronomy/25-15 "Deuteronomy 25:15 - Just Weights and Measures") and [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")). The proverb champions **integrity in commerce**, advocating for fair dealing and timely provision of necessities as foundational to a healthy society and individual well-being, echoing the Law's concern for the vulnerable and the equitable distribution of resources (cf. [Leviticus 19:36](/leviticus/19-36 "Leviticus 19:36 - Just Measures")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **withholdeth (Hebrew, _mânaʻ'_):** From H4513, this primitive root means "to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury; deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain." In this context, it carries the strong negative connotation of deliberately holding back essential goods, specifically grain, from the market. This act is not merely passive retention but an active, calculated decision to prevent access, often with the intent of creating artificial scarcity and driving up prices for personal gain, at the expense of communal welfare.
* **curse (Hebrew, _nâqab'_):** From H5344, meaning "to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)." Here, it denotes a strong verbal denunciation, an imprecation, or a public pronouncement of condemnation. It signifies the deep indignation and moral outrage of the "people" (H3816, _lᵉʼôm_, a community or nation) against the one who exploits their need. This curse is a powerful social and moral judgment, indicating a loss of reputation and standing within the community.
* **blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From H1293, meaning "benediction; by implication prosperity; blessing, liberal, pool, present." This term encompasses divine favor, material prosperity, and the goodwill and commendation of both God and humanity. It stands in direct antithesis to the "curse," signifying not only social approval but also the tangible and intangible benefits that accrue to those who act with integrity and generosity, ultimately rooted in God's favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that withholdeth corn":** This clause identifies the subject of the proverb: an individual who intentionally keeps back grain from the market. In an agrarian society where grain was the primary staple, withholding it during times of need was an act of extreme selfishness, designed to create artificial scarcity and inflate prices, thereby exploiting the vulnerable.
* **"the people shall curse him":** This is the immediate and direct consequence of the hoarding. The "people" (the community, the nation) will express their deep disapproval and condemnation. This "curse" is not merely a spoken word but signifies a profound loss of social standing, reputation, and goodwill, reflecting the collective moral outrage against such an exploitative act.
* **"but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it]":** This clause presents the antithetical outcome. The one who "selleth" (H7666, _shâbar_, to deal in grain, buy, or sell) implies fair and timely distribution, making necessities available to the community. The "blessing" upon his "head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_, the head, representing the whole person, leadership, or source) signifies not only the goodwill and commendation of the people but also divine favor and prosperity. It implies that integrity and generosity in commerce lead to a flourishing life, both socially and spiritually.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:26 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting lines or ideas to illuminate a moral truth, with the second line directly opposing or complementing the first. Here, the act of "withholding corn" is set against "selling it," and the consequence of "curse" is contrasted with "blessing." This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the moral choice and its inevitable outcomes. Furthermore, the phrase "upon the head" is an example of **Metonymy**, where the "head" represents the entire person, signifying that the blessing rests fully and comprehensively upon the individual. The "curse" and "blessing" also function as **Figurative Language**, representing not just verbal pronouncements but the tangible and intangible consequences—societal condemnation versus communal esteem and divine favor—that accrue from one's ethical choices in the marketplace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:26 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, economic ethics, and the nature of true prosperity. It reflects a theology where God is concerned not only with individual piety but also with the just ordering of society, particularly the protection of the vulnerable. The act of hoarding essential goods is a violation of the communal covenant, a sin against one's neighbor, and ultimately an affront to God, who is the ultimate provider. The "curse" of the people, while humanly expressed, often carries an implicit divine sanction, reflecting God's displeasure with exploitation. Conversely, the "blessing" upon the one who sells fairly signifies divine approval and the flow of God's favor, demonstrating that generosity and integrity are pathways to genuine flourishing. This proverb aligns with the broader biblical principle that true wealth is not merely accumulated possessions but is found in righteous living, ethical conduct, and a generous spirit that contributes to the well-being of others.

* [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning")
* [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4-6 "Amos 8:4-6 - Oppression of the Poor")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient proverb resonates profoundly in contemporary society, offering timeless wisdom for personal and corporate ethics. It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards wealth, resources, and the needs of others. In a world grappling with economic inequality, supply chain disruptions, and the temptation to exploit crises for profit, Proverbs 11:26 serves as a powerful reminder of our social responsibility. It calls individuals and businesses to prioritize the common good over selfish gain, advocating for fair pricing, equitable distribution, and generous contribution to societal well-being. For the consumer, it encourages supporting businesses that embody ethical practices. For the producer or distributor, it serves as a warning against price gouging and hoarding, reminding them that true and lasting prosperity is built on integrity and the trust of the community, not on exploitation. Ultimately, the verse encourages a posture of open-handed generosity, recognizing that our resources are not solely for personal accumulation but are entrusted to us for the benefit of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the organizations I am part of, be "withholding corn" in a modern context, whether literally or figuratively?**
* **How can I actively contribute to a culture of fairness and generosity in my economic interactions, both as a producer/provider and as a consumer?**
* **What does "blessing upon the head" mean for me today, beyond material prosperity, in terms of reputation, relationships, and spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ
**What does "withholdeth corn" specifically refer to in the ancient context?**

Answer: In the ancient agrarian society of Israel, "corn" (Hebrew: _bar_) referred to staple grains like wheat or barley, which were essential for daily sustenance. To "withhold" (Hebrew: _mana'_) this grain meant to intentionally keep it off the market, often during times of scarcity or famine, in order to create artificial demand and drive up prices. This practice was a form of economic exploitation, as it directly impacted the ability of the common people, especially the poor, to feed themselves and their families. It was seen as a grave moral offense because it prioritized personal profit over the survival and well-being of the community.

**Is the "curse" mentioned in the proverb a divine curse or a human one?**

Answer: The "curse" (Hebrew: _naqab_) in this proverb primarily refers to the strong verbal condemnation and public denunciation by "the people" (Hebrew: _lᵉʼôm_, the community or nation). It signifies a loss of social standing, reputation, and goodwill within the community. However, in the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, human actions and their consequences are often viewed through a theological lens. While the curse is expressed by people, it implicitly reflects a divine disapproval of injustice and exploitation. The proverb suggests that such behavior is contrary to God's created order and will ultimately lead to negative outcomes, both socially and, by extension, divinely. The contrast with "blessing" (Hebrew: _Bᵉrâkâh_), which often implies divine favor, reinforces this dual dimension.

**How does this proverb apply to modern business ethics and economic practices?**

Answer: Proverbs 11:26 offers a timeless principle for modern business ethics. It cautions against practices such as price gouging, monopolistic hoarding, or exploiting crises (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters) for undue profit. It encourages businesses and individuals to prioritize social responsibility, fair dealing, and the common good over pure self-interest. The proverb advocates for transparent and equitable distribution of goods and services, reminding us that those who serve the community with integrity will earn respect, trust, and lasting favor, while those who exploit others may face public scorn, legal repercussions, and ultimately, a diminished reputation and spiritual well-being. It underscores that true prosperity is often intertwined with ethical conduct and a commitment to justice, as seen in passages like [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:26, with its condemnation of hoarding and commendation of generous provision, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of physical sustenance, Christ embodies the divine principle of ultimate provision and self-giving. He is the one who never "withheld" anything from humanity; rather, He freely gave Himself, becoming the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") for a starving world, offering spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). Unlike those who hoard for selfish gain, Jesus "sold" (or rather, gave) Himself completely, even to the point of death on the cross, to redeem humanity from the curse of sin (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). His entire life was an act of radical generosity, providing healing, forgiveness, and eternal life without cost to those who believe (cf. [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Drink Freely")). The "blessing" that rests upon the head of the one who sells fairly is a foreshadowing of the immeasurable blessings poured out through Christ, who, by His ultimate sacrifice, secured for us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the true Giver, the ultimate Seller of salvation, upon whose head rests eternal glory and blessing, and through whom all true blessing flows to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 29:13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Genesis 42:6

And Joseph [was] the governor over the land, [and] he [it was] that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him [with] their faces to the earth.

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Amos 8:6

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

Proverbs 24:24

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: