Proverbs 20:21

Context

Proverbs 20:21 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, which offers practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life according to God's principles. This particular verse addresses the acquisition of wealth, contrasting methods of gaining an inheritance or possessions. The book frequently emphasizes the importance of diligence, integrity, and patience over quick gains or unethical shortcuts, often highlighting the long-term consequences of one's choices, whether good or ill.

Key Themes

• Sudden Wealth vs. Enduring Blessing: The verse warns against the allure of quick riches, suggesting that wealth obtained too easily or impulsively, without proper process or patience, often lacks true, lasting blessing. It implies a contrast with wealth acquired through diligent labor and integrity.
• Divine Favor and Stewardship: True "blessing" (Hebrew: baruch) in the biblical sense implies divine favor, stability, and lasting well-being, not just material accumulation. The verse suggests that an inheritance gotten "hastily" (Hebrew: bahul, implying eagerness, impulsiveness, or even greed) will ultimately lack this divine endorsement and peace.
• Consequences of Impatience: The proverb highlights that while immediate gratification may seem appealing, the ultimate outcome of such rapid acquisition is often negative, leading to instability, dissatisfaction, or even loss. This theme is echoed in other proverbs that caution against the desire for quick riches, such as "he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent" (Proverbs 28:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hastily" is bahul, which carries connotations of being in a hurry, agitated, or acting impulsively. It suggests a lack of careful consideration, proper procedure, or even a greedy eagerness to acquire. It's not necessarily about illegality, but rather the manner and spirit of acquisition. The phrase "shall not be blessed" uses the negative form of baruch, emphasizing a fundamental absence of divine favor and the lasting well-being that comes with it. This lack of blessing often manifests as instability, trouble, or moral decay, rather than the peace and security associated with God's provision.

Practical Application

This proverb serves as a timeless warning against the temptations of "get-rich-quick" schemes, speculative ventures that promise immense returns with little effort, or even inheritances that are squandered due to a lack of appreciation or financial wisdom. It teaches us to value:

• Diligent Labor: True and lasting prosperity often comes through steady, honest work and prudent management. As Proverbs 13:11 states, "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
• Patience and Integrity: It encourages patience in financial matters and adherence to ethical principles, trusting that God's blessing accompanies righteous efforts rather than impulsive grabs for gain.
• Contentment and Wisdom: The verse fosters a mindset that prioritizes long-term stability and God's favor over immediate, potentially unsustainable, wealth. It encourages wise stewardship of all resources, whether inherited or earned.

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that true blessing is not merely about how much one possesses, but how it was acquired and how it is used, reflecting a deeper relationship with God and His principles.