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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 20:14.
See here 1. What arts men use to get a good bargain and to buy cheap. They not only cheapen carelessly, as if they had no need, no mind for the commodity, when perhaps they cannot go without it (there may be prudence in that), but they vilify and run down that which yet they know to be of value; they cry, "It is naught, it is naught; it has this and the other fault, or perhaps may have; it is not good of the sort; and it is too dear; we can have better and cheaper elsewhere, or have bought better and cheaper." This is the common way of dealing; and after all, it may be, they know the contrary of what they affirm; but the buyer, who may think he has no other way of being even with the seller, does as extravagantly commend his goods and justify the price he sets on them, and so there is a fault on both sides; whereas the bargain would be made every jot as well if both buyer and seller would be modest and speak as they think. 2. What pride and pleasure men take in a good bargain when they have got it, though therein they contradict themselves, and own they dissembled when they were driving the bargain. When the buyer has beaten down the seller, who was content to lower his price rather than lose a customer (as many poor tradesmen are forced to do - small profit is better than none), then he goes his way, and boasts what excellent goods he has got at his own price, and takes it as an affront and a reflection upon his judgment if any body disparages his bargain. Perhaps he knew the worth of the good better than the seller himself did and knows how to get a great deal by them. See how apt men are to be pleased with their gettings and proud of their tricks; whereas a fraud and a lie are what a man ought to be ashamed of, though he have gained ever so much by them.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
It is bad, it is bad, says every buyer, etc. Therefore, he who desires to obtain eternal rewards in the heavens must endure what is bad in the present, so that when he departs from the world, he may then glory; clearly perceiving that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
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Summary
Proverbs 20:14 offers a penetrating insight into human nature, specifically the deceptive practices often employed in commercial dealings. It describes a common scenario where a buyer deliberately disparages an item, claiming it is "naught" or worthless, in order to secure a lower price. However, once the transaction is complete and the buyer is out of the seller's presence, they boast about their shrewd acquisition, revealing the true value they placed on the item all along and their pride in having manipulated the exchange. This proverb exposes the hypocrisy, self-interest, and lack of integrity that can underlie seemingly simple negotiations.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 20 is situated within the broader collection of Solomonic wisdom, a section of the book (Proverbs 10-22:16) characterized by short, pithy sayings that offer practical guidance for ethical living. This chapter, like many others in Proverbs, frequently addresses themes of justice, integrity, the power of speech, and the dangers of various vices. Proverbs 20:14 specifically resonates with other verses that condemn dishonest commercial practices, such as the condemnation of "diverse weights" in Proverbs 20:10 and Proverbs 20:23. The proverb's observational style, presenting a common human behavior without explicit condemnation but with implicit disapproval, is characteristic of wisdom literature, designed to provoke reflection on moral conduct and its consequences.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, were agrarian and trade-based, with marketplaces serving as central hubs for economic and social interaction. Bargaining was an integral and often lively part of commercial transactions, a common practice that allowed for negotiation between buyer and seller. However, while haggling was expected, outright deception or false representation was considered a serious breach of integrity. A person's reputation was intrinsically linked to their honesty and trustworthiness in dealings. This proverb highlights a timeless human flaw—the desire to gain an advantage through manipulation—but it is framed within a cultural context where face-to-face interactions and verbal agreements carried significant weight, and where communal standards of truthfulness were upheld as foundational to social order.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. Firstly, it exposes deceit and manipulation in commerce, highlighting how words can be weaponized to gain an unfair advantage, directly opposing the biblical call for honest weights and measures (e.g., Deuteronomy 25:13-16). Secondly, it reveals the pervasive nature of human hypocrisy and self-interest, demonstrating how individuals prioritize personal gain over truthfulness, even to the point of contradicting their own words. The buyer's private boasting directly exposes the true value they assigned to the item, making their initial disparagement a clear act of disingenuousness. Lastly, the proverb underscores the power and consequence of speech, showing how words are not merely descriptive but can be used manipulatively, ultimately reflecting the speaker's character and integrity, a theme frequently explored in the book of Proverbs.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
H7451 - This word, repeated for emphasis ("naught, naught"), carries the meaning of "bad," "evil," "worthless," or "of no value." The buyer employs this strong, dismissive term to verbally devalue the merchandise. The repetition is a rhetorical device, underscoring the buyer's feigned conviction and manipulative intent to convince the seller of the item's inferiority and thereby lower its price.
H7069 - Derived from a primitive root meaning "to acquire," "to procure," or "to purchase," this term specifically identifies the individual engaged in the act of buying. The proverb pinpoints the specific role of the person who initiates and benefits from this deceptive practice, placing the responsibility for the deceit squarely on the one seeking to gain the item.
H1984 - This root word signifies "to be clear," "to shine," "to make a show," or "to praise." In this context, it conveys the idea of self-praise, glorying, or bragging. The buyer's boasting after the transaction reveals their true, positive assessment of the item from the outset and their pride in having secured it at a manipulated price, thereby exposing their earlier deception and underlying hypocrisy.
Verse Breakdown
"It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer"
This opening clause vividly portrays the buyer's manipulative tactic. The emphatic repetition of "naught" (Hebrew raʻ) highlights the buyer's feigned disdain and strong verbal devaluation of the merchandise. This is a deliberate act of deception, designed to create a false impression of worthlessness and thus drive down the asking price. It reveals a strategic use of language to gain an unfair advantage.
"but when he is gone his way"
This transitional phrase marks the completion of the commercial transaction and the buyer's physical departure from the seller's presence. It signifies the moment when the buyer is no longer under the direct observation or scrutiny of the one they deceived, allowing their true feelings and motives to surface without immediate social consequence or accountability. This separation provides the context for the subsequent revelation of their true character.
"then he boasteth"
This final clause reveals the full extent of the buyer's duplicity and hypocrisy. Once the deal is done and they are away from the seller, the buyer proudly brags about the "excellent" or "cheap" item they acquired. This boasting celebrates their perceived cleverness in outwitting the seller, directly contradicting their earlier claims of worthlessness and exposing their manipulative nature and pride in deceit.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:14 masterfully employs several effective literary devices to convey its message about human nature and commercial ethics. The most striking is Repetition, seen in "It is naught, it is naught," which serves to emphasize the buyer's feigned conviction and the intensity of their devaluation. This repetition makes the initial deception more pronounced and memorable. The proverb also utilizes powerful Juxtaposition and Contrast, setting the buyer's initial disparaging words against their later boastful actions. This stark opposition highlights the hypocrisy and duplicity of the individual, revealing the gap between their public pronouncements and private satisfaction. There is a clear element of Irony, as the very item declared worthless becomes the source of the buyer's pride and boasting, underscoring the deceptive nature of their initial claim. Finally, the proverb functions as a shrewd Character Study or Observation, offering a timeless insight into a common human flaw: the tendency to manipulate truth for personal gain and then take pride in the "shrewdness" of such deceit, a behavior that ultimately reveals a lack of integrity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb, though rooted in a seemingly mundane commercial scenario, touches upon profound theological truths regarding God's character and humanity's fallen nature. God is inherently truthful, just, and righteous; His very being is antithetical to deceit, manipulation, and hypocrisy. Therefore, any act of dishonesty, even in seemingly minor dealings, stands in direct opposition to the divine standard of integrity. The buyer's behavior reflects a heart driven by self-interest and a willingness to compromise truth for material gain, a common manifestation of humanity's sinful inclination. The subsequent boasting further reveals pride, another foundational sin, in having successfully executed a deceptive act. This proverb implicitly calls believers to embody God's truthfulness in all their interactions, recognizing that integrity in commerce is as much a spiritual matter as integrity in worship or relationships, reflecting the character of the God they serve.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 20:14 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting a pervasive human tendency that extends far beyond ancient marketplaces into every facet of modern life. This proverb challenges us to scrutinize our own integrity in all forms of negotiation, whether we are buying a car, negotiating a salary, or even offering an opinion in a discussion. Do we genuinely express our honest assessment, or do we strategically devalue something or someone to gain an advantage, only to later privately celebrate our "smart" maneuver? This verse calls us to a higher standard: to practice radical honesty, where our words align perfectly with our true intentions and valuations, even when it might mean paying a fair price, not securing the lowest possible deal, or foregoing a perceived advantage. It prompts us to consider whether our desire for personal gain or the pride of "winning" outweighs our commitment to truthfulness, fairness, and the integrity of our character. Ultimately, it urges us to cultivate a life marked by consistency, where our private thoughts and public declarations are in harmony, reflecting a heart that values truth and righteousness more than temporary advantage or the fleeting satisfaction of outsmarting another.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What makes the buyer's behavior in Proverbs 20:14 problematic from a biblical perspective?
The buyer's behavior is problematic because it involves deliberate deception and a profound lack of integrity, which are antithetical to God's character and His commands for His people. By falsely claiming an item is "naught" or worthless, the buyer manipulates the seller into accepting a lower price than the item's true value, which the buyer clearly recognizes and later boasts about. This violates the biblical principle of truthfulness in all dealings, as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:25, which commands believers to "put away falsehood and speak truth, each one of you with his neighbor." It also stems from a self-serving motive, prioritizing personal gain over fairness and honesty, which is contrary to the spirit of generosity, justice, and love that God desires for His people.
How does this proverb apply to situations beyond commercial transactions?
While rooted in a commercial context, the principle of Proverbs 20:14 is broadly applicable to any situation where individuals devalue or disparage something (or someone) to gain an advantage, only to later reveal their true, positive assessment once their goal is achieved. This manipulative pattern can manifest in various aspects of life:
The core issue is the hypocrisy and manipulative use of words for selfish gain, a behavior consistently condemned in wisdom literature and the New Testament, which encourages us to live with integrity and to consider others more significant than ourselves, as articulated in Philippians 2:3-4.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 20:14, with its stark portrayal of human deceit, self-serving hypocrisy, and the manipulation of value, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb's buyer devalues an item to gain it cheaply and then boasts of his shrewdness, Christ did the absolute opposite: He, who was of infinite and inestimable worth, did not cling to His divine equality but "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). He did not devalue humanity to gain us; rather, He paid the ultimate, immeasurable price—His own sinless life—to redeem us from sin, demonstrating a love that is utterly self-giving, truthful, and sacrificial (John 15:13). Jesus consistently spoke truth, even when it was costly and led to His crucifixion, declaring Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). His "boasting" was never in manipulative gains or shrewd dealings, but in glorifying His Father and perfectly fulfilling His redemptive mission (John 17:4). In Christ, we behold the perfect embodiment of integrity, where words and actions are perfectly aligned, and where the ultimate "purchase" of salvation was made at an immeasurable cost, not through deceit, but through sacrificial love, inviting us to live lives of honesty and truthfulness in imitation of Him (1 Peter 2:21-22).