Proverbs 21:26

26 All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.

Proverbs 21:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth greedily all the day long
The slothful man does, as he has nothing to do to employ his time and his thoughts with; he is always craving something to eat and drink, or wishing he had such an estate, or so much wealth and riches, that he might live as such and such persons do; and this is what his head runs upon all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not;
not gives to the slothful, which does not restrain his desire, as Aben Ezra interprets it; but to the poor and necessitous, to proper objects; a good man will work with his hands, that he may have a sufficiency for himself and his family, and may have something to give to others that are in want; and "he spares not", or withholds not his hands, neither from working nor from giving.

Proverbs 21:26 In-Context

24 The proud, haughty person, named "Scoffer," acts with arrogant pride.
25 The craving of the lazy person is fatal, for lazy hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Gk: Heb [all day long one covets covetously]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.