Proverbs 28:21

"A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished."

Key Reflection

In ancient Near Eastern culture, wealth and prosperity were often seen as signs of divine favor. The faithful man described in Proverbs 28:21 is one who maintains integrity and moral uprightness, trusting in God's provision rather than seeking earthly riches through dishonest means. Conversely, the individual eager to accumulate wealth quickly would face divine retribution, reflecting a worldview where ethical living is directly linked to spiritual blessing.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Dishonest partiality leads men who have enslaved themselves to it to transgress, even when the inducement is altogether disproportionate. A “piece of bread” was proverbial at all times as the most extreme point of poverty (compare the marginal reference).

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