Proverbs 28:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 28:20
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 28 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, salvation, prayer. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 28:20
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Analysis
A faithful man shall abound with blessings (אִישׁ אֱמוּנוֹת רַב־בְּרָכוֹת, ish emunot rav-berakhot)—אִישׁ אֱמוּנָה (ish emunah, 'man of faithfulness, trustworthiness, steadfastness') will have רַב (rav, 'many, abundant') בְּרָכָה (berakhah, 'blessings'). אֱמוּנָה shares roots with אָמֵן (amen)—firmness, reliability, faithfulness. Jesus's parable: 'Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord' (Matthew 25:21).
But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent (וְאָץ לְהַעֲשִׁיר לֹא יִנָּקֶה, ve'atz leha'ashir lo yinnaqqeh)—אוּץ (uts, 'to hasten, hurry, press') toward עָשַׁר (ashar, 'to be rich, wealthy') will not be נָקָה (naqqah, 'innocent, clean, unpunished'). Getting rich quick requires compromises, corner-cutting, exploitation. Proverbs 13:11: 'Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.'
Historical Context
Ancient commerce offered many temptations to dishonest gain—false weights, deceptive contracts, exploitative lending. Israel's law prohibited such practices (Leviticus 19:35-36, Deuteronomy 25:13-16). The contrast: faithful, patient work brings blessing; greedy haste brings guilt and eventual loss.
Reflection
- In what areas of life are you being faithful rather than seeking quick results?
- What shortcuts to wealth or success tempt you to compromise integrity?
- How does this proverb challenge prosperity gospel teaching that equates faith with rapid financial gain?
Word Studies
- Faith: אֱמוּנָה (Emunah) H530 - Faithfulness, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Nehemiah 7:2, Psalms 101:6, Revelation 2:10, 2:13
- Sin: Proverbs 10:6
- Blessing: Proverbs 20:21
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:11, 17:5, 23:4, 28:22