Proverbs 28:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:20 presents a stark contrast between two distinct paths to prosperity and integrity. It asserts that an individual characterized by unwavering faithfulness and trustworthiness will experience an abundance of blessings, encompassing both material and spiritual flourishing. Conversely, the proverb warns that those who pursue wealth with impatient haste and a disregard for ethical means will inevitably face culpability and negative consequences, failing to maintain a clear conscience or an unblemished reputation before God or humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28:20 is situated within a broader collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, specifically within a section (chapters 25-29) often attributed to "the wise." This chapter, like many others in Proverbs, frequently employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting the righteous with the wicked, the diligent with the lazy, and the wise with the foolish. The immediate verses in [Proverbs 28](/proverbs/28 "Proverbs 28 - Righteousness and Wickedness") deal with themes of justice, leadership, and the acquisition of wealth. For instance, [Proverbs 28:19](/proverbs/28-19 "Proverbs 28:19 - Diligence vs. Vanity") speaks of the reward for diligent labor versus the futility of chasing vanity, setting a thematic stage for the contrast between patient faithfulness and hurried avarice found in verse 20. The chapter consistently highlights the consequences of one's actions, whether good or bad, reinforcing the principle of divine justice inherent in the wisdom tradition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, wealth was often associated with divine favor, though the Proverbs frequently nuanced this by emphasizing the *means* of acquiring wealth. The pursuit of riches was not inherently condemned, but *how* one pursued them was paramount. Integrity in business dealings, honesty in weights and measures, and patience in agricultural endeavors were highly valued. The concept of "making haste to be rich" would have conjured 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 emphasized justice, care for the poor, and trust in God's provision rather than human schemes.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution and Reward**, where righteous living (faithfulness) is inherently linked to blessings, and wickedness (hasty, unethical wealth pursuit) leads to negative outcomes. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Integrity and Character** in all aspects of life, particularly in financial dealings; a "faithful man" is one whose character is solid and trustworthy. Thirdly, it addresses **Stewardship and Wealth**, cautioning against the dangers of greed and impatience in the accumulation of riches, a theme echoed in other wisdom texts like [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth Gained by Vanity"). The proverb implicitly promotes **Patience and Diligence** as virtues, contrasting them sharply with the destructive nature of avarice and impetuousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** From H530, this term literally means "firmness" and figuratively "security" or "fidelity." It denotes trustworthiness, reliability, and steadfastness in character and action. A "faithful man" is one whose word is his bond, whose actions are consistent with his principles, and who can be depended upon in all circumstances. This fidelity extends to his relationship with God, his family, and his community, embodying a deep-seated integrity.
* **blessings (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From H1293, this word signifies "benediction" or "prosperity." It encompasses a wide range of positive outcomes, including material abundance, divine favor, peace, good reputation, and overall well-being. The "abound with blessings" (using H7227, _rab_, meaning "abundant") suggests a overflowing, plentiful experience of these good things, not merely a meager provision.
* **innocent (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_):** From H5352, this primitive root means "to be (or make) clean," "to be blameless," or "to be unpunished." In the context of "shall not be innocent," it implies that the one who makes haste to be rich will not escape culpability, consequences, or judgment. They will be found guilty, held accountable, and will not be acquitted of the negative repercussions of their actions, whether those are legal, social, or divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A faithful man shall abound with blessings":** This clause sets forth the positive consequence of a life lived with integrity and trustworthiness. The "faithful man" is not merely someone who believes, but one who acts consistently with that belief, demonstrating reliability and honesty in all his dealings. Such a person is promised an overflowing measure of "blessings," which can include material prosperity, good relationships, peace of mind, and divine favor. This is a statement of divine principle: God honors and provides for those who walk in integrity and patience.
* **"but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent":** This second clause stands in stark antithesis to the first, presenting the negative outcome of an alternative path. The phrase "maketh haste to be rich" (using H213, _ʼûwts_, meaning "to press" or "hurry," and H6238, _ʻâshar_, meaning "to grow rich") describes someone driven by impatience and often greed, willing to take shortcuts, engage in unethical practices, or pursue speculative ventures for rapid wealth accumulation. The consequence is severe: "shall not be innocent." This means such a person will not escape accountability or negative repercussions. They will be found guilty, suffer loss, face judgment, or experience the erosion of their reputation and peace, ultimately failing to achieve true security or blamelessness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 28:20 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure is characteristic of much of the wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines or clauses are set side-by-side to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the "faithful man" and his "blessings" are directly contrasted with the one who "maketh haste to be rich" and his lack of "innocence." This sharp dichotomy emphasizes the clear choice and the inevitable, divergent outcomes of these two lifestyles. The proverb also uses **Metonymy**, where "blessings" stands for the full range of positive outcomes associated with divine favor and righteous living, and "not innocent" stands for 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 comes to the pursuit of wealth. It teaches that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but is deeply intertwined with character, integrity, and trust in God's timing and methods. The proverb 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.

* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "The Blessing of the Lord")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9 "The Love of Money")
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Little with Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a timeless warning and encouragement for navigating the complexities of ambition and financial pursuit in any age. In a world often driven by instant gratification and the allure of "get-rich-quick" schemes, Proverbs 28:20 calls us back to foundational principles of patience, integrity, and trust in divine provision. It challenges us to examine our motivations for seeking wealth and to ensure that our methods align with God's character. Are we willing to compromise our values 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? 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 impatience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "make haste to be rich," and what might be the "innocence" I risk losing?**
* **How does my current approach to finances and career reflect a commitment to faithfulness, or a pursuit of quick gain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater patience and integrity in my work and financial dealings?**
* **How does trusting God's timing and provision impact my desire for immediate wealth?**

### 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 relationships, inner peace, health, and a sense of purpose. 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.

**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. In modern terms, this could manifest as engaging in speculative investments without proper due diligence, participating in fraudulent schemes, exploiting others for personal gain, taking unethical shortcuts in business, or sacrificing long-term integrity 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](/1_timothy/6-9 "The Root of All Evil").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied faithfulness and demonstrated the true nature of divine blessing. Unlike those who "make haste to be rich," Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), never sought earthly gain or hurried after worldly power. His life was marked by absolute fidelity to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Because of His perfect faithfulness, Christ "abounded with blessings" not for Himself, but for humanity, becoming the source of eternal life and spiritual riches for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), 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 restored to us through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as we are declared righteous in Him ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Obedience")). Thus, the proverb points to the ultimate blessing found in Christ, the perfectly faithful one, and the true wealth of His kingdom, which is not gained by human haste but by divine grace.

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

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.