Proverbs 21:26
What does Proverbs 21:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 21:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 21:26 means
This proverb contrasts the covetous person with the righteous. The covetous individual is characterized by incessant, perhaps even obsessive, desire for material possessions or whatever they lack, expressed by "all day long he covets greedily." This depicts an insatiable longing that dominates their thoughts and actions. In stark opposition, the righteous person is depicted as generous, freely giving to others without holding back. This generosity is a direct counterpoint to covetousness, highlighting a spiritual and moral disposition that prioritizes giving over grasping. The verse essentially presents two radically different approaches to resources and relationships: one driven by selfish accumulation, the other by selfless distribution.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All the day the sinner goes after his desire: but the upright man gives freely, keeping nothing back.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He longeth and desireth all the day: but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Context
Proverbs 21 broadly addresses themes of righteousness, justice, and the consequences of good and evil actions, often contrasting the wise and the foolish, the just and the unjust. This particular verse continues the chapter's pattern of binary comparisons, frequently featuring in couplets that highlight opposing behaviors and their outcomes. It fits within a series of proverbs that discuss economic behavior, generosity, and the nature of greed, immediately following verses that touch on the diligence of the righteous versus the sloth of the wicked. It contributes to the overall mosaic of moral instruction by underscoring the virtue of giving as a hallmark of righteousness within practical, daily living.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 9:9
as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
- Psalms 37:26
All the day long he dealeth graciously, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed.
- Psalms 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the needy; His righteousness endureth for ever: His horn shall be exalted with honor.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5
For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;
- Acts 20:33
I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
- 2 Corinthians 8:7
But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
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