Proverbs 20:22
"An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end."
Key Reflection
In first-century Israel, where agriculture was a primary occupation, an inheritance obtained hastily through deceit or unjust means early in life would eventually lead to its loss or curse. The ancient wisdom encapsulated in Proverbs 20:22 warns that such quick gains often come with hidden costs and ultimately result in the inheritor’s financial ruin or moral condemnation, reflecting the broader cultural understanding of honest labor and ethical business practices as essential for long-term prosperity and blessing.
More from Proverbs 20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion
From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes