Proverbs 28:20

¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

A faithful {H530} man {H376} shall abound {H7227} with blessings {H1293}: but he that maketh haste {H213} to be rich {H6238} shall not be innocent {H5352}.

A trustworthy person will receive many blessings, but one rushing to get rich will not go unpunished.

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 28:20 from the King James Version offers a profound contrast between two paths: one of integrity and patience, leading to enduring reward, and another of hurried avarice, leading to detrimental outcomes. It highlights the wisdom of steadfastness over the folly of seeking instant riches.

Context

This verse is part of a larger collection of proverbs in chapter 28, which frequently addresses themes of righteousness, justice, wealth, poverty, and leadership. The chapter often contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the consequences of their actions. Proverbs 28:20 specifically speaks to the diligence required for true prosperity, echoing broader biblical principles about work ethic and financial stewardship.

Key Themes

  • The Reward of Faithfulness: The "faithful man" is characterized by trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity in all his dealings. This isn't just about spiritual fidelity but also about being dependable in business and personal relationships. Such a person is promised to "abound with blessings," which encompasses not only material prosperity but also favor, peace, good reputation, and spiritual richness. This speaks to God's faithfulness in blessing those who walk in His ways and are diligent in their callings.
  • The Peril of Haste to Be Rich: In stark contrast, the one who "maketh haste to be rich" is driven by impatience and often greed. This pursuit of quick wealth frequently leads to unethical practices, shortcuts, or speculation that ultimately proves destructive. The phrase "shall not be innocent" implies that such a person will face guilt, consequences, or judgment, whether from human law, natural consequences, or divine reckoning. It warns against schemes that promise instant riches, emphasizing that true wealth is often built through patient, honest labor and trust in God's timing, as seen in Proverbs 13:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "faithful" is 'emûnâh (אֱמוּנָה), which conveys ideas of firmness, steadfastness, fidelity, and reliability. It's the same root from which we get "amen," signifying truth and certainty. A man of 'emûnâh is one whose character is solid and trustworthy. The phrase "shall not be innocent" uses the Hebrew verb nâqâh (נָקָה), meaning to be clean, clear, or unpunished. Thus, the one who rushes to get rich will not escape culpability or negative consequences; they will be held accountable.

Related Scriptures

The principle of faithfulness leading to blessings is a recurring theme. Consider the broader promise of God's provision for those who seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). Conversely, the dangers of pursuing wealth unwisely are clearly articulated in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, where the love of money is identified as a root of all evil.

Practical Application

This proverb remains highly relevant today. It encourages patience, integrity, and diligence in our work and financial dealings. Instead of chasing get-rich-quick schemes or compromising our values for immediate gain, we are called to build our lives and careers on a foundation of faithfulness. This includes being trustworthy in our commitments, honest in our business practices, and patient in awaiting the fruit of our labor. Ultimately, it teaches us to trust God's timing and His provision, knowing that true and lasting blessings come from His hand, not from hurried human effort driven by greed.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 16:10

    He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

  • Luke 16:12

    And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

  • Proverbs 13:11

    ¶ Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

  • Proverbs 10:6

    ¶ Blessings [are] upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

  • Proverbs 28:22

    ¶ He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

  • Proverbs 20:21

    ¶ An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

  • Nehemiah 7:2

    That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back