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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 28:22.
Here again Solomon shows the sin and folly of those that will be rich; they are resolved that they will be so, per fas, per nefas - right or wrong; they will be so with all speed; they are getting hastily an estate. 1. They have no comfort in it: They have an evil eye, that is, they are always grieving at those that have more than they, and always grudging their necessary expenses, because they think the former keep them from seeming rich, the latter from being so, and between both they must needs be perpetually uneasy. 2. They have no assurance of the continuance of it, and yet take no thought to provide against the loss of it: Poverty shall come upon them, and the riches which they made wings for, that they might fly to them, will make themselves wings to fly from them; but they are secure and improvident, and do not consider this, that while they are making haste to be rich they are really making haste to be poor, else they would not trust to uncertain riches.
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Summary
Proverbs 28:22 issues a stern warning against the impatient and covetous pursuit of wealth, revealing that such a disposition, characterized by a "stingy eye," ultimately leads to an ironic and inevitable financial and spiritual destitution, contrary to the very riches it seeks. The proverb underscores the dangers of greed and short-sightedness, advocating for a different path to true prosperity.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 28 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings that often contrast the righteous and the wicked, particularly in their conduct regarding wealth, justice, and leadership. This chapter frequently uses antithetical parallelism, setting opposing behaviors and their consequences side-by-side. Verse 22, "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him," fits squarely within this thematic framework, immediately following a proverb about the blessing of generosity (Proverbs 28:21) and preceding one about the dangers of flattery (Proverbs 28:23). It serves as a specific caution against a common human temptation—the desire for quick riches—and its inherent moral and practical pitfalls, aligning with the broader wisdom tradition that values diligence, integrity, and patience over avarice and haste, themes echoed in passages like the warning against ill-gotten gain and the contrast between diligent and hasty plans.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel, like many societies, understood the value of wealth and prosperity, often viewing it as a sign of God's blessing. However, the wisdom literature consistently cautioned against the unrighteous acquisition or hoarding of it. The concept of the "evil eye" (Hebrew: ayin ra) was a well-understood cultural idiom in the ancient Near East, though its meaning varied. In the biblical context, particularly in Proverbs, it rarely refers to a magical curse but rather to a character trait: a miserly, stingy, or envious disposition. This person is unwilling to share, begrudges others their possessions, and is consumed by a desire for more, often at the expense of others. This contrasts sharply with the "generous eye" (ayin tovah), which signifies benevolence and liberality, as seen in the blessing of a bountiful eye. The cultural emphasis on community and care for the poor made such self-centered accumulation particularly reprehensible.
Key Themes
This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it addresses Impatience and Greed, highlighting the destructive nature of a hurried, unethical pursuit of wealth. The desire to "hasteth to be rich" bypasses the virtues of diligence and honest labor, often leading to dishonest schemes or reckless ventures. Secondly, the theme of Character and Disposition is central, as the "evil eye" reveals an inner state of covetousness, envy, and an unwillingness to be generous. This moral failing is presented as a direct consequence of the greedy pursuit. Thirdly, the proverb underscores the Paradoxical Consequences of such actions. The very haste and avarice intended to secure wealth ironically lead to "poverty." This is not just financial ruin but also a spiritual and relational destitution, as the individual sacrifices integrity, trust, and community for the sake of fleeting gain. This theme is consistent with the broader message of Proverbs that true prosperity is rooted in righteousness and wisdom, not merely material accumulation, as seen throughout Proverbs 11.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to "wealth," "riches," or "substance." In Proverbs 28:22, it denotes the material prosperity that the individual is so eagerly pursuing. The root conveys the sense of abundance or enough. The proverb critiques not wealth itself, but the haste and disposition with which it is sought. The individual is driven by a desire for this hôwn above all else, indicating a misplaced value system where material gain eclipses moral and spiritual considerations.
Literally meaning "eye," this word is used figuratively here to represent one's disposition, outlook, or character, particularly in relation to generosity or stinginess. When combined with "evil" (raʻ, H7451), it forms the idiom "evil eye," signifying a miserly, envious, or covetous spirit. It reflects an inward state that is unwilling to share, begrudges others their prosperity, and is solely focused on personal accumulation. This "eye" sees only what it can gain, not what it can give.
Derived from a root meaning "to lack," cheçer denotes "poverty" or "want." This word highlights the ironic outcome of the greedy person's actions. Despite their fervent pursuit of hôwn (riches), their path ultimately leads to cheçer (poverty). This can manifest as financial ruin due to reckless schemes, or a deeper spiritual and relational destitution, as their character flaws alienate them from true well-being.
Verse Breakdown
"He that hasteth to be rich"
This clause describes the primary action and motivation of the individual. The Hebrew verb for "hasteth" (bâhal) implies a frantic, anxious, or agitated pursuit, suggesting an impatient and often unethical drive to acquire wealth quickly, rather than through diligent and patient labor. This haste often bypasses moral considerations and leads to shortcuts or dishonest practices.
"hath an evil eye"
This phrase reveals the internal disposition of the person described in the first clause. As discussed in the key word analysis, the "evil eye" (Hebrew: ayin ra) signifies a character marked by stinginess, covetousness, and envy. It indicates a self-centered perspective, an unwillingness to be generous, and a preoccupation with one's own material gain, often at the expense of others or of moral integrity.
"and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him"
This final clause presents the ironic and inevitable consequence of such a mindset and behavior. The phrase "considereth not" (Hebrew: yâdaʻ - to know, perceive) implies a lack of foresight, wisdom, or even spiritual discernment. The individual is so consumed by the immediate desire for riches that they fail to recognize the ultimate, paradoxical outcome: that their very haste and covetousness will lead them to the very state they seek to avoid—poverty. This can be literal financial ruin, or a deeper spiritual and relational impoverishment.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. Metonymy is evident in the phrase "evil eye," where the "eye" (a part of the body) stands for the entire disposition or character of the person—their covetous, stingy, or envious nature. This is a common idiom in Hebrew wisdom literature to describe moral character. The proverb also features strong Irony, as the very pursuit of wealth through impatient and greedy means leads to the opposite outcome: poverty. This reversal of expectation serves as a sharp critique of the misguided individual. Furthermore, there is an implicit Antithesis between the desired outcome (riches) and the actual consequence (poverty), highlighting the self-defeating nature of the "evil eye." The concise, declarative statement also lends itself to Didacticism, directly instructing the reader on the consequences of certain behaviors.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 28:22 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true prosperity and the dangers of idolatry of wealth. It teaches that God's design for human flourishing is not found in the frantic accumulation of material possessions by any means necessary, but in a righteous character, diligent labor, and a generous spirit. The "evil eye" is not merely a social flaw but a spiritual one, reflecting a heart that trusts in riches rather than in God's provision, and values self-gain above love for neighbor. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true wealth is spiritual and relational, and that the pursuit of earthly treasures at all costs leads to spiritual bankruptcy. The proverb serves as a timeless reminder that while earthly resources are a blessing, their pursuit can become a snare if it displaces God from the center of one's life and corrupts one's character.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 28:22 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine our own hearts and motivations concerning wealth. In a world that often glorifies "get-rich-quick" schemes and material success at any cost, this proverb calls us back to foundational principles of integrity, patience, and generosity. It challenges us to consider whether our ambition is rooted in a healthy desire to provide and contribute, or in a covetousness that blinds us to ethical boundaries and the well-being of others. The warning of "poverty" is not just about financial ruin, but a deeper spiritual and relational destitution that results from a life consumed by self-interest. To truly flourish, we must cultivate a "generous eye"—a spirit of contentment, gratitude, and open-handedness, trusting in God's provision and finding our security not in what we possess, but in who we are in Christ and how we reflect His character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "hasteth to be rich" imply beyond just wanting money quickly?
The phrase "hasteth to be rich" (Hebrew: bâhal - to tremble inwardly, to hasten anxiously) implies more than just a desire for quick money. It speaks to an agitated, impatient, and often desperate pursuit of wealth that bypasses ethical considerations, diligence, and trust in God's timing. It suggests a willingness to cut corners, engage in dishonest practices, or take reckless risks out of an overwhelming desire for immediate gain. This haste often stems from a lack of contentment and a misplaced trust in material possessions as the ultimate source of security or happiness, leading to schemes that are often unsustainable or morally compromising. It contrasts sharply with the biblical emphasis on patient, diligent labor and righteous gain, as seen in Proverbs 13:11.
How is the "evil eye" in Proverbs different from its use in other cultures?
In many cultures, the "evil eye" refers to a malevolent gaze or a magical curse believed to bring misfortune. However, in the biblical context of Proverbs, particularly, the "evil eye" (Hebrew: ayin ra) almost exclusively describes a negative character trait or disposition. It signifies a person who is miserly, stingy, envious, or covetous. This individual is unwilling to share, begrudges others their prosperity, and is solely focused on their own accumulation of wealth. It is an internal moral failing, a disposition of the heart, rather than an external magical force. This is contrasted with a "good eye" or "generous eye" (ayin tovah), which denotes benevolence, generosity, and open-handedness, as highlighted in Proverbs 22:9.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 28:22, with its warning against the covetous pursuit of wealth and its ironic outcome of poverty, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Jesus. Christ perfectly embodies the antithesis of the "evil eye" and the hasty pursuit of earthly riches. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus consistently warned against the idolatry of wealth, declaring that "you cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24) and teaching His disciples to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20). His life was one of radical self-emptying, humility, and generosity, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which secured for believers true spiritual riches: forgiveness, eternal life, and an inheritance that is imperishable. The "poverty" that comes upon the one who hastens to be rich is ultimately spiritual destitution, a lack of the true life found only in Christ, who offers true and lasting abundance to those who seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).