Proverbs 21:26

KJV

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

KJV (with Strong's)

He coveteth {H183} greedily {H8378} all the day {H3117} long: but the righteous {H6662} giveth {H5414} and spareth {H2820} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

he covets greedily all day long; but a righteous person gives without holding back.

Berean Standard Bible

All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.

American Standard Version

There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:26 powerfully contrasts two fundamental human dispositions concerning material possessions and self-interest: the insatiable desire of the covetous individual and the open-handed generosity of the righteous. It vividly portrays the perpetual dissatisfaction of the greedy heart, which ceaselessly longs for more, against the joyful and unreserved liberality of the one whose character is aligned with God's wisdom, demonstrating a deep trust in divine provision and a compassionate spirit towards others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21 is a collection of individual wisdom sayings, or aphorisms, that often stand alone but frequently echo themes found throughout the book. This particular proverb is nestled among others that deal with themes of justice, diligence, the dangers of various vices (like pride, sloth, and perverted gain), and the character of the righteous versus the wicked. For instance, [Proverbs 21:13](/proverbs/21-13 "Proverbs 21:13 - Consequences of Ignoring the Poor") speaks of the consequences of ignoring the poor, while [Proverbs 21:25](/proverbs/21-25 "Proverbs 21:25 - The Sluggard's Desire") warns against the sluggard's destructive desires, providing an immediate literary backdrop that highlights the contrast between active, benevolent living and self-centered longing. The verse serves as a concise summary of the ethical implications of one's inner disposition towards wealth, reinforcing the book's overarching call to live wisely and righteously.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wealth often signified divine blessing, but its acquisition and use were subject to strict ethical guidelines rooted in the Mosaic Law. Covetousness was explicitly forbidden by the [Tenth Commandment](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment against Coveting"), indicating its profound spiritual danger. Generosity, particularly towards the poor, the widow, and the orphan, was a cornerstone of Israelite social ethics, reflecting God's own character and His covenantal care for the vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently addressed the practical outworking of these principles in daily life, emphasizing that true prosperity was not merely accumulation but also the righteous distribution and sharing of resources, fostering community and reflecting a heart aligned with God's justice.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb is a concise encapsulation of several major themes within the Book of Proverbs. The most prominent is the **contrast between the wicked/foolish and the righteous/wise**, a recurring literary device that highlights desired character traits. Here, it specifically focuses on **covetousness versus generosity**, presenting them as antithetical expressions of one's inner disposition. The "covetous" person embodies a restless, insatiable desire for more, a theme often associated with the foolish and those who trust in riches rather than God (e.g., [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil for Riches")). Conversely, the "righteous" individual demonstrates **open-handedness and trust in divine provision**, understanding that true security comes from God, not from hoarding (cf. [Proverbs 11:24-25](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24-25 - Generosity Leads to Prosperity")). This verse also subtly touches on the theme of **heart attitude**—it's not just about actions, but the underlying motivation and inner state that drives one's relationship with possessions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **coveteth (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** From H183, a primitive root meaning "to wish for," "to desire," or "to long." In this context, it denotes an intense, often restless and unsatisfied longing. It's not a fleeting wish but a deep-seated, active desire that characterizes the individual's disposition.
* **greedily (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** From H8378, meaning "a longing," "a delight," or "satisfaction." When combined with 'coveteth' (ʼâvâh), it intensifies the sense of insatiable desire. The KJV's "greedily" captures the negative implication of this longing, suggesting an excessive, self-serving appetite that is never truly satisfied, even when fulfilled.
* **spareth (Hebrew, _châsak'_):** From H2820, a primitive root meaning "to restrain or (reflex.) refrain," "to refuse," "to withhold," or "to hold back." The phrase "spareth not" (וְלֹא יַחְשׂוֹךְ - _v'lo yachsoch_) literally means "does not withhold" or "does not hold back." It paints a picture of unreserved, liberal giving, where the righteous person doesn't cling to possessions but releases them freely and without reservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He coveteth greedily all the day long:"** This clause describes the character and perpetual state of the covetous person. The Hebrew verb for "coveteth" (from _ʼâvâh_) combined with "greedily" (from _taʼăvâh_) emphasizes an intense, restless, and unsatisfied longing for more. The phrase "all the day long" highlights the ceaseless nature of this desire; it is a consuming preoccupation that dominates the individual's thoughts and actions from morning till night, leaving no room for contentment or peace. This person is perpetually grasping, never finding satisfaction in what they have.
* **"but the righteous giveth and spareth not."** This clause presents a stark contrast to the first, introducing the character and action of the righteous individual. The conjunction "but" signals this antithesis. The righteous person is defined not by what they desire to get, but by what they are willing to give. The verb "giveth" (from _nâthan_) is broad, implying a wide range of generous actions. Crucially, "spareth not" (from _châsak_) signifies an unreserved, liberal, and generous spirit. It means they do not hold back, do not withhold, and do not cling to their possessions out of fear or selfishness. Their giving is free, abundant, and reflects a trusting heart that is not anxious about future provision.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:26 primarily employs **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**), a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse sets two opposing character types—the covetous and the righteous—in direct opposition to highlight their distinct behaviors and underlying motivations. The first clause ("He coveteth greedily all the day long") describes a state of perpetual, self-centered desire, while the second clause ("but the righteous giveth and spareth not") presents an image of selfless, unreserved generosity. This sharp contrast serves to illuminate the moral and spiritual implications of each disposition, guiding the reader towards the path of righteousness. Additionally, the phrase "all the day long" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and ceaseless nature of the covetous person's longing, underscoring their chronic dissatisfaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 21:26 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that one's relationship with possessions is a direct indicator of their spiritual health and their relationship with God. Covetousness, as depicted, is not merely a desire for material things but a heart condition that reflects a lack of contentment and a failure to trust in God's provision. It is a form of idolatry, where the created thing is desired and pursued more than the Creator. Conversely, the generosity of the righteous stems from a heart transformed by wisdom, understanding that all possessions are ultimately from God and are to be stewarded for His glory and the good of others. This open-handedness demonstrates faith, love, and freedom from the anxieties that plague the greedy.

* [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment against Coveting")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Greed")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the disposition of our own hearts regarding material possessions and our posture towards others. Are we characterized by a restless, unending desire for more, perpetually unsatisfied with what we have, or do we find genuine joy and freedom in sharing? The call to cultivate contentment is paramount, recognizing that true satisfaction is not found in accumulation but in a heart at peace with God's sovereign provision and generous nature. Practically, this means actively seeking opportunities to give—whether of our time, talents, or financial resources—not out of obligation, but from a spirit of cheerful generosity. It challenges us to trust deeply that God will meet our needs, thereby freeing us from the anxiety and self-centeredness that fuel covetousness. Our willingness to give freely is a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful testimony to God's abundance in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the subtle ways covetousness might manifest in my own life, beyond just material possessions?**
* **How does my giving reflect my trust in God's provision versus my anxiety about the future?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more generous and open-handed spirit this week?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary contrast presented in Proverbs 21:26?**

Answer: The primary contrast is between the insatiable, self-serving desire of the covetous person and the unreserved, benevolent generosity of the righteous individual. The proverb highlights that one's attitude towards possessions and giving reveals fundamental differences in character and spiritual disposition.

**How does "coveteth greedily all the day long" describe the covetous person?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the persistent and consuming nature of the covetous person's desire. The Hebrew terms convey an intense, restless longing that is never satisfied. "All the day long" signifies that this desire is a perpetual preoccupation, dominating their thoughts and actions, preventing them from experiencing contentment or peace. It suggests a life driven by a constant yearning for more, regardless of what has already been acquired.

**What does "giveth and spareth not" imply about the righteous?**

Answer: This phrase describes the open-handed and liberal generosity of the righteous. "Giveth" (Hebrew _nâthan_) implies active distribution, while "spareth not" (Hebrew _châsak_) means they do not hold back, withhold, or cling to their possessions. It signifies a spirit of unreserved giving, stemming from a heart of trust in God's provision and a genuine love for others, demonstrating freedom from the anxieties and selfishness that characterize the covetous. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that "God loves a [cheerful giver](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 21:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counter-example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The covetous heart, described as perpetually longing and grasping, stands in stark opposition to the self-emptying love of Christ. While fallen humanity is prone to "covet greedily all the day long," seeking to gain the whole world, Jesus, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Self-Impoverishment")). He did not covet earthly glory or power, but rather "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He is the righteous one who truly "giveth and spareth not," ultimately giving His very life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of unreserved giving, demonstrating a love that "did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God's Unsparing Love")). Through His Spirit, believers are transformed from self-seeking individuals into generous givers, empowered to emulate His boundless love and liberality, reflecting the very heart of God, who "so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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

Psalms 37:26

[He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed.

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Psalms 112:9

He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Acts 20:33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.