Proverbs 11:26
Proverbs 11:26 in Multiple Translations
The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
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.
People curse those who hoard grain; but they bless those who sell.
He that withdraweth the corne, the people will curse him: but blessing shalbe vpon the head of him that selleth corne.
Whoso is withholding corn, the people execrate him, And a blessing [is] for the head of him who is selling.
People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it .
He that hideth up corn, shall be cursed among the people: but a blessing upon the head of them that sell.
People curse/despise someone who hoards his grain and does not sell it, waiting to get a higher/bigger price for it, but they praise someone who sells it when people need it, even when the price is not high.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֹ֣נֵֽעַ
בָּ֭ר
יִקְּבֻ֣/הוּ
לְא֑וֹם
וּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
מַשְׁבִּֽיר
מֹ֣נֵֽעַ
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal
בָּ֭ר
bâr
H1250
grain
N-ms
יִקְּבֻ֣/הוּ
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
לְא֑וֹם
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-ms
וּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
Conj | N-fs
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
מַשְׁבִּֽיר
shâbar
H7666
to buy grain
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:26
מֹ֣נֵֽעַ
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
בָּ֭ר
bâr
H1250
"grain"
N-ms
In Aramaic, 'bar' refers to a field of grain, like wheat or corn. It can also describe the open countryside. This term is used in books like Daniel, where it describes rural areas.
Definition: corn, grain
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: corn, wheat. See also: Genesis 41:35; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 65:14.
יִקְּבֻ֣/הוּ
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
לְא֑וֹם
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-ms
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
וּ֝/בְרָכָ֗ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
מַשְׁבִּֽיר
shâbar
H7666
"to buy grain"
V-Hiphil
To buy or sell grain, as in trading food for survival, is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to buy or purchase grain 1a) (Qal) to buy grain 1b) (Hiphil) to sell grain Aramaic equivalent: ze.van (זְבַן "to buy" H2084)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buy, sell. See also: Genesis 41:56; Genesis 43:20; Proverbs 11:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:26
Context — Dishonest Scales
24One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
25A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.
27He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it. 28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 29:13 | The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. |
| 2 | Genesis 42:6 | Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. |
| 3 | Amos 8:4–6 | Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” |
| 4 | Proverbs 24:24 | Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; |
Proverbs 11:26 Summary
[This verse teaches us that when we are generous and willing to share what we have, God blesses us, but when we are selfish and hoard our resources, people will not appreciate us. It's like what Jesus said in Acts 20:35, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' By being generous, we show that we trust God to provide for us, just like in Proverbs 11:25, where a generous soul will prosper. So, let's strive to be like the one who sells grain, blessing others with what we have, and trusting God to crown us with blessing.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a hoarder of grain in Proverbs 11:26?
In this context, a hoarder of grain refers to someone who selfishly withholds resources, such as food or wealth, from others in need, as seen in Proverbs 11:24, where withholding what is right leads to poverty.
How does selling grain in this verse relate to blessing?
Selling grain represents generosity and willingness to provide for others, which is crowned with blessing, as stated in Proverbs 11:25, where a generous soul will prosper and refresh others.
Is this verse promoting a socialist or communist ideology by condemning the hoarder of grain?
No, this verse is not promoting any specific economic system, but rather encouraging generosity, kindness, and fairness, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, where lending to the poor is considered lending to the Lord.
How does this verse apply to my life as a Christian?
As a Christian, this verse reminds you to be mindful of your resources and how you use them, considering the needs of others, as taught in Acts 2:45, where believers sold their possessions to give to those in need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of generosity in my own life, just like the one who sells grain in this verse?
- How can I balance my own needs with the needs of others, making sure I am not hoarding resources that could bless someone else?
- What are some potential consequences of hoarding resources, as warned in this verse, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for me as I seek to bless others, just like the promise in Proverbs 11:25?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:26
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
Withholdeth corn, in a time of scarcity, when others need and desire it. Blessing; the blessing of God, which the people shall heartily beg for him. That selleth it upon reasonable terms.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
Proverbs 11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].Ver. 26. The people shall curse him,] i.e., Complain and cry out of him, as the people of Rome did of Pompey in another case. Nostra miseria tu es magnus. Our misery is you greatness. In another case, I say; for in this I must acquit him, remembering that speech of his, when, being by his office to bring in corn from a far country for the people’ s necessity, and wished by his friends to stay for a better wind, he hoisted up sail, and said: Necesse est ut eam, non ut vivam - there is a necessity of my going, not so of my life; if I perish, I perish. Hence he was the people’ s Corculum, or sweetheart, as it is said of Scipio Nasica.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
(26) He that withholdeth corn till it has reached an exorbitant price, “the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it” at a fair price. The truth of this is not affected by the fact that the dealer’s selfishness is in the long run beneficial to the community by limiting consumption in consequence of the rise in the price of corn.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
Verse 26. He that withholdeth corn] Who refuses to sell because he hopes for a dearth, and then he can make his own price. The people shall curse him] Yes, and God shall curse him also; and if he do not return and repent, he will get God's curse, and the curse of the poor, which will be a canker in his money during time, and in his soul throughout eternity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:26
26. withholdeth] e.g. by keeping back his store in time of necessity to run up the price. See Amos 8:4-6, and comp. the legend of Bishop Hatto.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:26
In the early stages of commerce there seems no way of making money rapidly so sure as that of buying up grain in time of famine, waiting until the dearth presses heavily, and then selling at famine prices.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:26
26. Withholdeth — Selfishly garners it up when the grain is needed to prevent famine. People shall curse him — Shall utter sharp, piercing words concerning him.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Corinthians 15:11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of luxury and the importance of self-control, highlighting how indulging in excess leads to spiritual and physical harm, causing the soul |
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(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
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Rough, but Friendly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of experiencing deep trouble and affliction as a means for God to bring about blessings in our lives. It uses various analogies, such as |
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What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 2. Man- Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the plight of being poor and needy in this world. He explains that those who are in such a condition have a special appeal to the merciful a |
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The Poor of the Land and the Pride of Jacob by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the message of Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, who delivered a warning of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite Amos' faithful procla |
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From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus | Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th |