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Commentary on Proverbs 28 verse 20
Here, 1. We are directed in the true way to be happy, and that is to be holy and honest. He that is faithful to God and man shall be blessed of the Lord, and he shall abound with blessings of the upper and nether springs. Men shall praise him, and pray for him, and be ready to do him any kindness. He shall abound in doing good, and shall himself be a blessing to the place where he lives. Usefulness shall be the reward of faithfulness, and it is a good reward. 2. We are cautioned against a false and deceitful way to happiness, and that is, right or wrong, raising an estate suddenly. Say not, This is the way to abound with blessings, for he that makes haste to be rich, more haste than good speed, shall not be innocent; and, if he be not, he shall not be blessed of God, but rather bring a curse upon what he has; nor, if he be not innocent, can he long be easy to himself; he shall not be accounted innocent by his neighbours, but shall have their ill will and ill word. He does not say that he cannot be innocent, but there is all the probability in the world that he will not prove so: He that hasteth with his feet sinneth, stumbleth, falleth. Sed quae reverentia legum, quis metus, aut pudor, est unquam properantis avari? - What reverence for law, what fear, what shame, was ever indicated by an avaricious man hasting to be rich?
"A man who hastens to be rich," etc. For surely, he who ambitiously seeks to increase wealth neglects sin, caught like birds, when he begins, eager for the bait of earthly things, he does not realize he is being strangled by the snare of sin; when he desires any goods of this present world, he does not know what losses he will suffer in the future.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:20 presents a profound ethical and theological contrast, asserting that an individual characterized by unwavering faithfulness and trustworthiness will experience an abundant outpouring of blessings, encompassing both material prosperity and spiritual flourishing. Conversely, the proverb issues a stern warning that those who pursue wealth with impatient haste, often disregarding ethical means, will inevitably face culpability and negative consequences, failing to maintain a clear conscience or an unblemished reputation before God and humanity.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Proverbs 28:20 is strategically placed within a larger collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, specifically within chapters 25-29, which are often attributed to "the wise." This particular chapter, like much of the book, frequently employs antithetical parallelism, a literary device that contrasts two opposing ideas or actions to highlight a moral truth. Here, the righteous are contrasted with the wicked, diligence with laziness, and wisdom with folly. The immediate context of Proverbs 28 consistently addresses themes of justice, righteous leadership, and the acquisition of wealth. For instance, Proverbs 28:19 speaks to the reward for diligent labor versus the futility of chasing vanity, thereby setting a thematic foundation for the contrast between patient faithfulness and hurried avarice found in verse 20. The chapter as a whole reinforces the principle of divine justice, emphasizing that actions, whether good or bad, inevitably lead to corresponding consequences.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, wealth was often viewed as a sign of divine favor, but the wisdom tradition, particularly Proverbs, consistently nuanced this by emphasizing the means of acquiring wealth. The pursuit of riches was not inherently condemned, but the integrity of how one pursued them was paramount. Societal values placed high importance on honesty in business dealings, accuracy in weights and measures, and patience in agricultural endeavors. The phrase "making haste to be rich" would have immediately evoked images of unscrupulous merchants, usurers, or those who engaged in speculative or exploitative practices to gain quick profits, often at the expense of others. Such behaviors were antithetical to the communal and covenantal ethics of Israel, which prioritized justice, care for the vulnerable, and a deep trust in God's provision over human schemes driven by greed or impatience.
Key Themes: This proverb significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Retribution and Reward, where righteous living, particularly faithfulness, is intrinsically linked to blessings, and wickedness, exemplified by hasty and unethical wealth pursuit, leads to negative outcomes. Secondly, it highlights the crucial importance of Integrity and Character in all aspects of life, especially in financial dealings; a "faithful man" is one whose character is solid, trustworthy, and dependable. Thirdly, it directly addresses Stewardship and Wealth, serving as a potent caution against the dangers of greed and impatience in the accumulation of riches, a theme echoed in other wisdom texts such as Proverbs 13:11. The proverb implicitly champions Patience and Diligence as virtues, contrasting them sharply with the destructive nature of avarice and impetuousness in the pursuit of material gain.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 28:20 is Antithetical Parallelism. This structure is a hallmark of much of the wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines or clauses are juxtaposed to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the positive outcome for the "faithful man" and his "blessings" is directly contrasted with the negative fate of the one who "maketh haste to be rich" and his lack of "innocence." This sharp dichotomy effectively emphasizes the clear choice presented to humanity and the inevitable, divergent outcomes of these two distinct lifestyles. The proverb also subtly uses Metonymy, where "blessings" stands for the full range of positive outcomes associated with divine favor and righteous living, and "not innocent" represents the array of negative consequences, including guilt, judgment, and loss, that accompany unethical and impatient wealth-seeking.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:20 powerfully articulates a core biblical principle: God rewards faithfulness and punishes unrighteousness, particularly when it pertains to the pursuit of wealth. It teaches that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but is deeply intertwined with character, integrity, and a profound trust in God's timing and methods. The proverb directly counters the worldly notion that "the end justifies the means," asserting that the means of acquiring wealth are as crucial as the wealth itself. It underscores divine justice, where those who seek to circumvent ethical boundaries for gain will ultimately face accountability, while those who patiently walk in integrity will find enduring favor and provision. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's moral order in the universe and His commitment to justice and righteousness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a timeless warning and a profound encouragement for navigating the complexities of ambition and financial pursuit in any age. In a world often driven by instant gratification, the allure of "get-rich-quick" schemes, and the pressure to achieve rapid success, Proverbs 28:20 calls us back to foundational principles of patience, integrity, and an unwavering trust in divine provision. It challenges us to critically examine our motivations for seeking wealth and to ensure that our methods align with God's character and His righteous standards. Are we willing to compromise our values, cut ethical corners, or sacrifice our relationships for a perceived shortcut to success, or are we committed to building our lives and livelihoods on a bedrock of faithfulness, knowing that true and lasting blessings come from God's hand and are not solely measured in material gain? This proverb invites us to cultivate a steadfast character, to be diligent and honest in our work, and to patiently await the fruit of our labor, rather than succumbing to the destructive pull of greed and impetuousness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "abound with blessings" specifically mean in this context?
Answer: "Abound with blessings" (Hebrew: rab bᵉrâkâh) signifies a plentiful, overflowing experience of good things. While it certainly includes material prosperity and financial well-being, it extends beyond that to encompass a holistic sense of flourishing. This can include divine favor, a good reputation, strong and healthy relationships, inner peace, physical well-being, and a profound sense of purpose and contentment. It suggests that the faithful person will not merely have enough, but will experience an abundance that reflects God's generosity and approval of their integrity and steadfastness.
How does "maketh haste to be rich" relate to modern financial practices?
Answer: The phrase "maketh haste to be rich" (Hebrew: ʼûwts ʻâshar) speaks to an impatient, often greedy, pursuit of wealth that bypasses ethical considerations or natural processes of diligent labor and honest growth. In modern terms, this could manifest as engaging in highly speculative or risky investments without proper due diligence, participating in fraudulent schemes, exploiting others for personal gain, taking unethical shortcuts in business, or sacrificing long-term integrity and reputation for short-term profits. It warns against any path to wealth that prioritizes speed and volume over honesty, diligence, and justice, echoing biblical warnings against the love of money found in 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:20 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied faithfulness and demonstrated the true nature of divine blessing. Unlike those who "make haste to be rich," Jesus, though infinitely "rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9), never sought earthly gain or hurried after worldly power. His entire life was marked by absolute fidelity to the Father's will, a faithfulness that culminated in His obedient death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Because of His perfect faithfulness, Christ "abounded with blessings" not for Himself, but for humanity, becoming the inexhaustible source of eternal life and spiritual riches for all who believe (Ephesians 1:3). He is the "faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14), and through union with Him, believers are called to live lives of faithfulness, trusting in God's provision rather than pursuing fleeting earthly wealth. The "innocence" that the hasty seeker loses is graciously restored to us through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as we are declared righteous and blameless in Him (Romans 5:19). Thus, the proverb points beyond mere human endeavor to the ultimate blessing found in Christ, the perfectly faithful one, and the true, enduring wealth of His kingdom, which is not gained by human haste but by divine grace.