Proverbs 21:26

26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous 1gives and does not hold back.

Proverbs 21:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth greedily all the day long
The slothful man does, as he has nothing to do to employ his time and his thoughts with; he is always craving something to eat and drink, or wishing he had such an estate, or so much wealth and riches, that he might live as such and such persons do; and this is what his head runs upon all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not;
not gives to the slothful, which does not restrain his desire, as Aben Ezra interprets it; but to the poor and necessitous, to proper objects; a good man will work with his hands, that he may have a sufficiency for himself and his family, and may have something to give to others that are in want; and "he spares not", or withholds not his hands, neither from working nor from giving.

Proverbs 21:26 In-Context

24 "Scoffer" is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

Cross References 1

  • 1. See Psalms 37:26
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.