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“Family Duty and Divine Sovereignty”· Proverbs 20:20–25
Translation
King James Version
¶ An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
American Standard Version
An inheritancemay be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.
World English Bible Messianic
An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won’t be blessed in the end.
Geneva Bible (1599)
An heritage is hastely gotten at the beginning, but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Young's Literal Translation
An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.
See also
In the KJVVerse 16,976 of 31,102 · 54.6%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
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 20:21.
Passage under commentProverbs 20:21
21¶ An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Note, 1. It is possible that an estate may be suddenly raised. There are those that will be rich, by right or wrong, who make no conscience of what they say or do if they can but get money by it, who, when it is in their power, will cheat their own father, and who sordidly spare and hoard up what they get, grudging themselves and their families food convenient and thinking all lost but what they buy land with or put out to interest. By such ways as these a man may grow rich, may grow very rich, in a little time, at his first setting out. 2. An estate that is suddenly raised is often as suddenly ruined. It was raised hastily, but, not being raised honestly, it proves soon ripe and soon rotten: The end thereof shall not be blessed of God, and, if he do not bless it, it can neither be comfortable nor of any continuance; so that he who got it at the end will be a fool. He had better have taken time and built firmly.
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Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Post-NiceneEarly Medieval
600700
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
When people burn to be filled at once with all manner of wealth, let them hear what Scripture says, “He that makes haste to be rich will not be innocent.” For certainly those who are determined to increase their wealth do not seek to avoid sin; and, being caught like birds, while looking greedily at the bait of earthly things, they are not aware they are being strangled in the noose of sin. When they long for the gains of the present world and are ignorant of the losses they will suffer in the world to come, let them hear what Scripture says, “An inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning will in the end not be blessed.” For indeed we derive our beginning from this life, that we may come to the destiny of blessing. They, therefore, that make haste to an inheritance in the beginning cut off from themselves the destiny of blessing in the end. Since, while they crave to be increased in goods here through the iniquity of avarice, they become disinherited there of their eternal patrimony. When they either solicit very much, or succeed in obtaining all that they have solicited, let them hear what Scripture says: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul?”
When these people burn with the desire of being replete with all manner of wealth at once, let them hear what Scripture says: “He that makes haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.” Obviously, a person who strives to increase his resources is not interested in avoiding sin; and being caught after the way of birds, while looking greedily at the bait of earthly things, he does not perceive that he is being strangled in the noose of sin. When these long for the gains of this world and ignore the losses they will suffer in the future life, let them hear what Scripture says: “The inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning, in the end shall be without a blessing.” Indeed, it is this our life from which we take our beginning, that we may come at the end to the lot of the blessed. They, therefore, who hasten to an inheritance in the beginning cut themselves off from the lot of the blessed in the end, because, while desiring increase here through evil cupidity, they become hereafter disinherited of their everlasting patrimony. When they either aim at getting much, or are able to compass all they desired, let them hear what Scripture says: “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul?” Pastoral Care.
An inheritance obtained hastily in the beginning, etc. Those who seek to be multiplied in this life through the wickedness of avarice will be disinherited in the future from eternal patrimony. Alternatively: An inheritance obtained hastily in the beginning will lack a blessing in the end. He who takes up a position of leadership before learning to be subordinate takes it in an improper order; in the end, he will lack the reward of blessing that is owed to good rulers. He who rashly and unlearnedly approaches the ministry of the altar will also lose the grace of the reward, which is promised to those who minister well, in the last day. It can also be understood this way, that he who seeks to avenge his own injuries here will lack the crown of patience in the future. This sense seems to fit especially with the following statement: Do not say, I will repay evil, etc. Which is also strengthened by the following verse, which says:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Proverbs 20:21 issues a profound caution against the perils of acquiring an inheritance or wealth through impulsive, ill-considered, or overly eager means. While such a rapid gain might initially appear advantageous, the proverb asserts that its ultimate outcome will lack genuine divine favor and lasting well-being. It underscores the foundational biblical principle that true, enduring prosperity is not merely about accumulation, but about the righteous manner of acquisition and the presence of God's holistic blessing, which consistently accompanies diligence, patience, and integrity.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 20 is situated within the "Sayings of Solomon," a substantial collection of wisdom literature spanning Proverbs 10:1-22:16. This chapter, characteristic of the book's didactic style, presents a series of independent, often antithetical, wisdom aphorisms that offer practical guidance for navigating life righteously. Proverbs 20:21 specifically addresses themes of wealth, stewardship, and the long-term consequences of one's choices, integrating seamlessly into the book's overarching emphasis on discerning wisdom from folly. It stands in direct alignment with other proverbs that caution against quick riches and advocate for diligent labor, such as Proverbs 13:11 and Proverbs 28:20, reinforcing the consistent message that shortcuts to wealth often lead to ruin.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, an "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachălâh) was far more than a mere financial asset; it primarily referred to land, which served as the bedrock of family identity, security, and economic livelihood. The division, transfer, and stewardship of such an inheritance were governed by specific Mosaic laws and deeply ingrained customs, emphasizing careful, orderly succession and the preservation of familial patrimony. The concept of "blessing" (Hebrew: bârak) was profoundly embedded in the Israelite worldview, signifying God's active favor, resulting in holistic prosperity, shalom (peace), and flourishing across all facets of life—family, land, and spiritual well-being. To acquire an inheritance "hastily" (Hebrew: bâhal) would have stood in stark contrast to the patient, diligent, and often generational process of stewardship and wealth accumulation that was highly esteemed within their agrarian society.
Key Themes
This proverb significantly contributes to several pervasive themes throughout the book of Proverbs. It vividly illustrates the stark contrast between divine wisdom and human folly, demonstrating that what may initially appear as a shortcut to prosperity often culminates in long-term detriment and spiritual impoverishment. It powerfully emphasizes the consequences of impatience and the inherent dangers of seeking immediate gratification over the enduring, deeper blessing that accompanies righteous living. Furthermore, it underscores the critical distinction between true blessing and superficial gain, positing that genuine well-being and lasting prosperity emanate from God's favor, not from mere material accumulation or human ingenuity. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God's blessing is the ultimate source of all enduring good, as articulated in passages like Psalm 127:1, which declares that without the Lord's building, human labor is in vain.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term properly denotes something inherited, encompassing an heirloom, an estate, a patrimony, or a portion. In ancient Israel, an inheritance, particularly land, was foundational to a family's identity, security, and future, often representing God's provision and faithfulness to His covenant. The proverb's use of this word highlights that even legitimate forms of wealth, if acquired improperly, can become a source of trouble rather than true blessing.
This word signifies to tremble inwardly, be alarmed, agitated, or to hasten anxiously. It implies a sense of urgency, impulsiveness, or even a rash, greedy eagerness to acquire without due consideration, proper process, or divine timing. It suggests an acquisition driven by human desire for quick gain, bypassing patient, diligent, or divinely guided means. The underlying agitation points to a lack of peace in the pursuit.
This primitive root means to kneel, and by implication, to bless God (as adoration) or man (as a benefit). In this proverb, it is used in the negative ("shall not be blessed"), indicating the absence of divine favor, stability, and lasting well-being. It implies that wealth gained hastily will lack the true spiritual and practical benefits that accompany God's endorsement, often leading to instability, dissatisfaction, moral decay, or even ruin, rather than holistic flourishing.
Verse Breakdown
"An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning;"
This initial clause describes the immediate acquisition of wealth or property. The adverb "hastily" (Hebrew: bâhal) suggests an acquisition driven by impatience, impulsiveness, or an overly aggressive, even greedy, eagerness to gain without the necessary diligence, ethical consideration, or proper timing. It implies a shortcut or an overly zealous pursuit of gain, rather than a patient and righteous process. While the gain might be immediate and seemingly advantageous "at the beginning," the manner of its acquisition is fundamentally problematic and sets the stage for future consequences.
"but the end thereof shall not be blessed."
This subsequent clause presents the inevitable and negative consequence of such hasty acquisition. The "end" (Hebrew: ʼachărîyth) refers to the ultimate outcome, the future, or the lasting result of the initial action. The declaration that it "shall not be blessed" (Hebrew: lōʼ yəbōrāḵ) signifies a profound absence of divine favor, true prosperity, and lasting well-being. This lack of blessing can manifest in various forms: the wealth might be quickly squandered, lead to family strife, bring dissatisfaction or anxiety, be lost through poor decisions, or fail to provide genuine security and joy. It powerfully demonstrates that superficial gain without God's endorsement ultimately brings no true peace or enduring security.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:21 masterfully employs Antithetical Parallelism, a hallmark literary device in Hebrew wisdom literature. The first clause describes the hasty acquisition of an inheritance, setting up a contrast with the second clause, which reveals its negative, unblessed outcome. This structure creates a clear moral lesson by juxtaposing cause and effect. The proverb also functions as a concise piece of Proverbial Wisdom, offering a timeless, memorable statement that distills complex moral and theological truths into a practical, actionable insight for righteous living. Furthermore, the concept of "blessing" carries significant Symbolism, representing not merely material prosperity but also divine favor, holistic peace, and enduring well-being, standing in stark contrast to the superficial and unstable nature of wealth acquired through human impatience or greed.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical teaching on wealth, stewardship, and divine sovereignty. It challenges the inherent human tendency to prioritize immediate gain over righteous process, serving as a potent reminder that true prosperity is not merely measured by material accumulation but by the presence of God's blessing and the integrity of its acquisition. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of greed and the love of money, portraying them as roots of many evils that distract from a life centered on God and His kingdom. It emphasizes that God is the ultimate provider and that His blessing, not human striving or shortcuts, is the singular source of lasting peace and abundance. This profound wisdom encourages believers to cultivate patience, diligence, and unwavering trust in God's timing and methods for provision, rather than succumbing to the allure of quick, unblessed gains.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 20:21 serves as a timeless caution in a contemporary world often obsessed with "get-rich-quick" schemes, speculative ventures, and the relentless pursuit of immediate gratification. It compels us to critically examine the source and manner of our gains, whether financial, professional, or even relational. Are we seeking shortcuts that bypass integrity, patience, or ethical considerations? Are we so eager for a swift return that we neglect the foundational principles of diligent labor, wise stewardship, and humble reliance on God's sovereign provision? This proverb calls us to cultivate a profound mindset of contentment and trust, recognizing that true and lasting blessing emanates from God's hand, often through patient, righteous effort, rather than impulsive grabs for gain. It encourages us to prioritize character, integrity, and divine favor over mere material accumulation, understanding that what is genuinely blessed endures, while what is hastily acquired often crumbles into dissatisfaction or ruin.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this proverb mean that all inheritances are problematic, or that quick wealth is inherently evil?
No, the proverb does not condemn inheritances or wealth itself. The core issue is not the "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachălâh) but rather the manner in which it is "gotten hastily" (Hebrew: bâhal). The emphasis is squarely on the process and the spirit of acquisition. Wealth acquired through impatience, greed, or by bypassing ethical and diligent means is what the proverb warns against. A legitimate inheritance received and stewarded wisely is indeed a blessing; it is the "hasty" or impulsive acquisition, driven by human desire for shortcuts, that leads to an unblessed end. This aligns with other biblical teachings that consistently value diligent labor and wise stewardship, as seen in passages like Proverbs 10:4.
What does it mean for an inheritance to "not be blessed"?
To "not be blessed" (from Hebrew: bârak) signifies the profound absence of God's favor, true well-being, stability, and lasting peace. It does not necessarily imply a direct curse or immediate financial ruin, but rather a lack of the holistic flourishing and enduring satisfaction that comes from God's endorsement. Practically, this can manifest in various ways: the wealth might be quickly squandered due to poor judgment, lead to bitter family strife, bring deep dissatisfaction or anxiety despite material abundance, be lost through unwise decisions, or fail to provide genuine security and joy. It powerfully suggests that without God's blessing, even great material gain can ultimately become a source of trouble and emptiness rather than true prosperity, as highlighted in Proverbs 15:27.
How does this proverb apply to modern financial practices like investing or entrepreneurship?
This proverb offers crucial and enduring wisdom for modern financial practices. It serves as a potent caution against "get-rich-quick" schemes, overly speculative investments, or business ventures that promise immense returns with minimal effort or without ethical foundations. It strongly encourages patience, thorough due diligence, and unwavering integrity in all financial dealings. While innovation and calculated risk are inherent to entrepreneurship, the proverb warns against a "hasty" spirit driven by unbridled greed or a desire to bypass established principles of honest work and prudent management. It profoundly reminds us that lasting success and true blessing are often built on consistent, diligent effort, ethical practices, and a reliance on divine favor, rather than impulsive or unprincipled shortcuts, echoing the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs 21:5.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 20:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, who consistently reoriented our understanding of true wealth, lasting blessing, and eternal inheritance. While earthly inheritances can indeed be "gotten hastily" and lead to an unblessed end, Christ offers an eternal inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, securely reserved in heaven for all who place their faith in Him (1 Peter 1:4). Jesus Himself powerfully warned against the futility of earthly accumulation, posing the penetrating question, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). He taught His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all necessary temporal things would be added to them (Matthew 6:33). The holistic blessing that an earthly, hastily acquired inheritance inevitably lacks is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is our peace and the inexhaustible source of all true spiritual riches (Ephesians 1:3). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, we are granted not an inheritance "gotten hastily" by human effort, but one freely given by divine grace, ensuring an end that is eternally blessed, gloriously secure, and infinitely satisfying.