Proverbs 11:26

26 He who keeps back grain will be cursed by the people; but a blessing will be on the head of him who lets them have it for a price.

Proverbs 11:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:26

He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him
That hoards it up for a better price, in hopes of a better market; and does not bring it out, and expose it to sale, when there is a scarcity of it; so the Targum adds, "in famine"; or, "in straits", as the Syriac version; in a time of distress through, famine: this will bring the curse of the poor upon him, who will imprecate the most dreadful things on him and his family. Jarchi interprets it of the law, and of withholding the teaching of it; but it may be better applied to the Gospel, and the withholding the ministration of that, and so causing a famine, not of bread and of water, but of hearing the word of the Lord; which is done by the Papists, by prohibiting Gospel ministers preaching the word; forbidding the people to read it in their own language; locking it up from them in a language they understand not; and so starve the souls of men, which brings upon them a curse; but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it];
at a moderate price, so that the poor may be able to come at it; such will have their blessing; they will wish all happiness to them and their families, here and hereafter. Or, "that breaks" ^F4 it; separates it from the heap, breaks and grinds it into flour, and then sells it: or imparts it freely; so the Septuagint version, "that communicates": and the Arabic version, "that gives"; and may be fitly applied to a faithful minister of the Gospel, who breaks the bread of life, and freely and plentifully imparts it to the souls of men; and who has the hearty prayers and good wishes of the people to whom he ministers. The master of a family used to break the bread, as Christ often did.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (rybvm) "frangentis", Montanus.

Proverbs 11:26 In-Context

24 A man may give freely, and still his wealth will be increased; and another may keep back more than is right, but only comes to be in need.

25 He who gives blessing will be made fat, but the curser will himself be cursed.

26 He who keeps back grain will be cursed by the people; but a blessing will be on the head of him who lets them have it for a price.

27 He who, with all his heart, goes after what is good is searching for grace; but he who is looking for trouble will get it.

28 He who puts his faith in wealth will come to nothing; but the upright man will be full of growth like the green leaf.