Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Original Language Analysis
עֹכֵ֣ר
troubleth
H5916
עֹכֵ֣ר
troubleth
Strong's:
H5916
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict
בֵּ֭יתוֹ
his own house
H1004
בֵּ֭יתוֹ
his own house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
He that is greedy
H1214
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
He that is greedy
Strong's:
H1214
Word #:
3 of 7
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
Cross References
Proverbs 1:19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.Jeremiah 17:11As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.Proverbs 11:29He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Proverbs 28:16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.Exodus 18:21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:Joshua 6:18And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.2 Kings 5:27The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern corruption included bribery perverting justice. Exodus 23:8 prohibits bribes: "A gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous." Officials who accepted bribes enriched themselves while destroying families and communities. Those refusing bribes, though potentially poorer, lived righteously and enjoyed God's blessing. The principle applies to all ill-gotten gain.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might greed for gain be troubling your household through debt, workaholism, or unethical behavior?
- What 'gifts' (bribes, compromises, shortcuts) should you 'hate' to maintain integrity?
- How does contentment with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6) liberate you from greedy gain's troubles?
Analysis & Commentary
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Botsea' batsa ֹokher beyto (בּוֹצֵעַ בֶּצַע עֹכֵר בֵּיתוֹ, one greedy for gain troubles his house). Akhar (עָכַר, trouble, disturb, bring calamity) recalls Achan whose greed troubled Israel (Joshua 7:25). Greed destroys families. Vesone matanot yichyeh (וְשֹׂנֵא מַתָּנֹת יִחְיֶה, but one hating bribes lives). Mattanot (מַתָּנֹת, gifts) here means bribes. Resisting corruption brings life. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns love of money is root of all evil. Christ calls to generosity, not greed (Luke 12:15).