TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 21:25–26.
Here we have, 1. The miseries of the slothful, whose hands refuse to labour in an honest calling, by which they might get an honest livelihood. They are as fit for labour as other men, and business offers itself, to which they might lay their hands and apply their minds, but they will not; herein they fondly think they do well for themselves, see Pro 26:16. Soul, take thy ease. But really they are enemies to themselves; for, besides that their slothfulness starves them, depriving them of their necessary supports, their desires at the same time stab them. Though their hands refuse to labour, their hearts cease not to covet riches, and pleasures, and honours, which yet cannot be obtained without labour. Their desires are impetuous and insatiable; they covet greedily all the day long, and cry, Give, give; they expect every body should do for them, though they will do nothing for themselves, much less for any body else. Now these desires kill them; they are a perpetual vexation to them, fret them to death, and perhaps put them upon such dangerous courses for the satisfying of their craving lusts as hasten them to an untimely end. Many that must have money with which to make provision for the flesh, and would not be at the pains to get it honestly, have turned highwaymen, and that has killed them. Those that are slothful in the affairs of their souls, and yet have desires towards that which would be the happiness of their souls, those desires kill them, will aggravate their condemnation and be witnesses against them that were convinced of the worth of spiritual blessings, but refused to be at the pains that were necessary to the obtaining of them. 2. The honours of the honest and diligent. The righteous and industrious have their desires satisfied, and enjoy not only that satisfaction, but the further satisfaction of doing good to others. The slothful are always craving and gaping to receive, but the righteous are always full and contriving to give; and it is more blessed to give than to receive. They give and spare not, give liberally and upbraid not; they give a portion to seven and also to eight, and do not spare for fear of wanting.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
It belongs to angels never to have evil desires; it is human sometimes to have evil desires and other times not to have them; it belongs to demons always to have evil desires. The expression “all the day” signifies the entire life. So also, “continue in the fear of the Lord all the day” applies to the whole life.
When the soul does not direct itself toward higher things, it lets itself run loose uncared for in lower desires. While not directed with the vigor of lofty aims, it suffers the hunger pangs of lust, and, while neglecting to bind itself up with discipline, it scatters itself abroad in its craving after pleasures. Therefore, it is written again by the same Solomon, “The idle man is given wholly to desires.”
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Summary
Proverbs 21:26 presents a profound and vivid contrast between two antithetical human dispositions concerning material desires and generosity: the insatiable longing of the covetous individual and the open-handed liberality of the righteous. It powerfully depicts the perpetual dissatisfaction and restless pursuit characteristic of a greedy heart, which ceaselessly yearns for more, set against the joyful, unreserved, and trusting generosity of the one whose character is aligned with divine wisdom, demonstrating profound faith in God's provision and a compassionate spirit towards others.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 21 is a rich tapestry of independent wisdom sayings, or aphorisms, that, while often standing alone, frequently resonate with and reinforce broader themes woven throughout the book. This particular proverb is strategically placed among others that explore themes of justice, diligence, the pitfalls of various vices (such as pride, sloth, and ill-gotten gain), and the fundamental distinctions between the righteous and the wicked. For example, Proverbs 21:13 directly addresses the moral imperative of responding to the needs of the poor, while Proverbs 21:25 warns against the destructive desires of the sluggard, providing an immediate literary context that underscores the contrast between active, benevolent living and self-centered longing. Thus, Proverbs 21:26 serves as a concise summary of the ethical implications of one's inner disposition towards wealth and possessions, reinforcing the book's overarching call to live wisely and righteously in all aspects of life.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wealth was often perceived as a sign of divine blessing, yet its acquisition and, crucially, its use were governed by stringent ethical guidelines rooted in the Mosaic Law. Covetousness was unequivocally condemned as the Tenth Commandment explicitly forbade it, highlighting its profound spiritual danger as a sin of the heart. Conversely, generosity—especially towards the vulnerable such as the poor, the widow, and the orphan—was a foundational pillar of Israelite social ethics, directly reflecting God's own character and His covenantal commitment to caring for the marginalized (e.g., Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, consistently applied these divine principles to the practicalities of daily life, emphasizing that true prosperity was not merely the accumulation of riches but also the righteous distribution and sharing of resources, thereby fostering communal well-being and reflecting a heart aligned with God's justice and compassion.
Key Themes
This proverb succinctly encapsulates several pivotal themes prevalent throughout the entire Book of Proverbs. Foremost among these is the pervasive contrast between the wicked/foolish and the righteous/wise, a fundamental literary and theological device used to illuminate desired character traits and their consequences. Here, the focus narrows specifically to covetousness versus generosity, presenting them as antithetical expressions of an individual's core disposition. The "covetous" person embodies a restless, insatiable craving for more, a theme frequently associated with the foolish and those who place their trust in fleeting riches rather than in God (e.g., Proverbs 23:4-5). In stark opposition, the "righteous" individual demonstrates open-handedness and profound trust in divine provision, understanding that genuine security and abundance flow from God, not from hoarding (Proverbs 11:24-25). This verse also subtly but significantly touches upon the theme of heart attitude—it is not merely about external actions, but the underlying motivation, inner state, and spiritual orientation that shapes one's relationship with possessions and with others.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to wish for," "to desire," "to long," or "to lust after." In this context, it denotes an intense, often restless, and perpetually unsatisfied longing. It signifies not a fleeting wish but a deep-seated, active desire that fundamentally characterizes the individual's disposition, driving their thoughts and actions.
Meaning "a longing," "a delight," or "satisfaction." When combined with the verb 'coveteth' (ʼâvâh), it intensifies the sense of insatiable desire. The KJV's translation "greedily" accurately captures the negative implication of this longing, suggesting an excessive, self-serving appetite that is never truly satisfied, even when seemingly fulfilled, leading to a perpetual state of wanting.
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 translates to "does not withhold" or "does not hold back." This paints a vivid picture of unreserved, liberal giving, where the righteous person does not cling to their possessions out of fear or selfishness but releases them freely, generously, and without reservation.
Verse Breakdown
"He coveteth greedily all the day long:"
This initial clause vividly portrays the character and persistent state of the covetous individual. The combination of the Hebrew verb for "coveteth" (from ʼâvâh) with the intensifying noun "greedily" (from taʼăvâh) underscores an intense, restless, and fundamentally unsatisfied longing for more. The temporal phrase "all the day long" highlights the ceaseless, pervasive nature of this desire; it is a consuming preoccupation that dominates the individual's thoughts, plans, and actions from morning till night, leaving no room for contentment, peace, or genuine satisfaction. This person is characterized by a perpetual grasping, never finding true fulfillment in what they acquire.
"but the righteous giveth and spareth not."
This second clause introduces a stark and deliberate contrast to the first, signaled by the adversative conjunction "but." It defines the character and action of the righteous individual not by what they seek to gain, but by what they are willing to impart. The verb "giveth" (from nâthan) is broad in its application, encompassing a wide spectrum of generous actions and dispositions. Crucially, the phrase "spareth not" (from châsak) signifies an unreserved, liberal, and profoundly generous spirit. It means they do not hold back, do not withhold resources, and do not cling to their possessions out of fear, anxiety, or selfishness. Their giving is free, abundant, and reflects a trusting heart that is confident in divine provision and liberated from the anxieties that plague the greedy.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:26 masterfully employs Antithesis (or Contrast), a quintessential characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse juxtaposes two diametrically opposed character types—the covetous and the righteous—in direct opposition to illuminate their distinct behaviors, underlying motivations, and ultimate spiritual states. The first clause, "He coveteth greedily all the day long," vividly describes a state of perpetual, self-centered, and unfulfilled desire. In sharp contrast, the second clause, "but the righteous giveth and spareth not," presents an image of selfless, unreserved, and joyful generosity. This profound contrast serves to highlight the moral and spiritual implications of each disposition, guiding the reader towards the path of wisdom and righteousness. Furthermore, the phrase "all the day long" utilizes Hyperbole to emphasize the extreme, ceaseless, and all-consuming nature of the covetous person's longing, underscoring their chronic dissatisfaction and inner turmoil.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 21:26 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that one's relationship with material possessions and wealth is a direct and telling indicator of their spiritual health and their fundamental relationship with God. Covetousness, as depicted in this proverb, is far more than a mere desire for material things; it is a deep-seated heart condition that reflects a profound lack of contentment, a failure to trust in God's sovereign provision, and ultimately, a form of idolatry where created things are desired and pursued more ardently than the Creator Himself. Conversely, the open-handed generosity of the righteous individual stems from a heart transformed by divine wisdom, understanding that all possessions are ultimately gifts from God and are to be stewarded for His glory and the welfare of others. This liberality demonstrates profound faith, genuine love, and a liberating freedom from the anxieties and bondage that inevitably plague the greedy.
Reflection and Application
This proverb serves as a powerful and convicting mirror, inviting each of us to engage in honest introspection regarding the true disposition of our hearts concerning material possessions and our posture towards the needs of others. Are we, by default, characterized by a restless, unending desire for more, perpetually unsatisfied with what we have, or do we find genuine joy, peace, and freedom in sharing what we possess? The call to cultivate profound contentment is paramount, recognizing that true satisfaction is not found in the endless accumulation of things but in a heart at peace with God's sovereign provision and His inherently generous nature. Practically, this means actively seeking out and embracing opportunities to give—whether of our time, our unique talents, or our financial resources—not out of mere obligation or guilt, but from a spirit of cheerful, unreserved generosity. It challenges us to trust deeply and implicitly that God, our faithful Provider, will indeed meet all our legitimate needs, thereby liberating us from the anxiety, fear, and self-centeredness that are the hallmarks of covetousness. Our willingness to give freely and without reservation is a tangible, powerful expression of our faith in God and a compelling testimony to His boundless abundance at work in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the primary contrast presented in Proverbs 21:26?
The primary contrast presented in Proverbs 21:26 is between the insatiable, self-serving, and restless desire of the covetous person and the unreserved, benevolent, and trusting generosity of the righteous individual. The proverb highlights that one's fundamental attitude and actions concerning possessions and giving reveal profound differences in character and spiritual disposition.
How does "coveteth greedily all the day long" describe the covetous person?
This phrase powerfully emphasizes the persistent, consuming, and never-ending nature of the covetous person's desire. The Hebrew terms convey an intense, restless longing that is fundamentally insatiable. "All the day long" signifies that this desire is a perpetual preoccupation, dominating their thoughts, actions, and very existence from morning till night, thereby preventing them from experiencing true contentment or inner peace. It suggests a life relentlessly driven by a constant yearning for more, regardless of what has already been acquired or possessed.
What does "giveth and spareth not" imply about the righteous?
This phrase describes the open-handed, liberal, and unreserved generosity that characterizes the righteous individual. "Giveth" (Hebrew nâthan) implies active and willing distribution of resources, while "spareth not" (Hebrew châsak) means they do not hold back, withhold, or cling to their possessions out of fear or selfishness. It signifies a spirit of unreserved giving, stemming from a heart of deep trust in God's abundant provision and a genuine, compassionate love for others. This contrasts sharply with the covetous, demonstrating freedom from the anxieties and self-centeredness that often define those who hoard, aligning perfectly with the New Testament teaching that "God loves a cheerful giver."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 21:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counter-example in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The covetous heart, described as perpetually longing and grasping, stands in stark opposition to the radical, self-emptying love exemplified by Christ. While fallen humanity is inherently prone to "covet greedily all the day long," ceaselessly seeking to gain the world for itself, Jesus, the Son of God, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). He did not covet earthly glory, power, or possessions, but rather "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). He is the singularly righteous one who truly "giveth and spareth not," ultimately giving His very life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). His sacrificial death on the cross is the supreme and unparalleled act of unreserved giving, demonstrating a divine love that "did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all" (Romans 8:32). Through the transformative power of His indwelling Spirit, believers are progressively delivered from self-seeking tendencies and empowered to become generous givers, thereby emulating His boundless love and liberality, and reflecting the very heart of God, who "so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).