Proverbs 11:26
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
Original Language Analysis
מֹ֣נֵֽעַ
He that withholdeth
H4513
מֹ֣נֵֽעַ
He that withholdeth
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
1 of 7
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
בָּ֭ר
corn
H1250
בָּ֭ר
corn
Strong's:
H1250
Word #:
2 of 7
grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country
יִקְּבֻ֣הוּ
shall curse
H5344
יִקְּבֻ֣הוּ
shall curse
Strong's:
H5344
Word #:
3 of 7
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
Cross References
Job 29:13The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.Genesis 42:6And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.
Historical Context
Grain hoarding during famine was ancient equivalent of price gouging. Torah prohibited such exploitation (Lev 25:35-37), and wisdom literature reinforces this as cursed conduct.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your economic decisions reflect concern for others' welfare versus merely maximizing profit?
- What resources might you be 'withholding' that should be shared for others' benefit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He that withholds grain, the people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that sells it. Hoarding grain during scarcity for price gouging brings public curse. Selling it (even profitably) brings blessing. This verse addresses economic ethics - profiteering from others' need is cursed; providing needed goods is blessed. Free markets should serve human welfare, not merely maximize profit.