Proverbs 21:26
Proverbs 21:26 in Multiple Translations
All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
All the day the sinner goes after his desire: but the upright man gives freely, keeping nothing back.
Some people only want more and more all the time, but the good give generously.
He coueteth euermore greedily, but the righteous giueth and spareth not.
All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.
There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold.
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
He longeth and desireth all the day: but he that is just, will give, and will not cease.
All during the day wicked people desire to obtain things, but righteous people have plenty, with the result that they are able to give things generously to others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:26
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 21:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
הַ֭/יּוֹם
הִתְאַוָּ֣ה
תַאֲוָ֑ה
וְ/צַדִּ֥יק
יִ֝תֵּ֗ן
וְ/לֹ֣א
יַחְשֹֽׂךְ
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ֭/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
הִתְאַוָּ֣ה
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Hithpael-Perf-3ms
תַאֲוָ֑ה
taʼăvâh
H8378
desire
N-fs
וְ/צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
יִ֝תֵּ֗ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַחְשֹֽׂךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 21:26
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ֭/יּוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הִתְאַוָּ֣ה
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Hithpael-Perf-3ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
תַאֲוָ֑ה
taʼăvâh
H8378
"desire"
N-fs
This word means desire or longing, and can refer to a positive or negative yearning. In the Bible, it is used to describe the desires of the heart, as seen in Psalm 38:9. It can also imply a delight or satisfaction.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire, wish, longings of one's heart 1a1) lust, appetite, covetousness (bad sense) 1b) thing desired, object of desire
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dainty, desire, [idiom] exceedingly, [idiom] greedily, lust(ing), pleasant. See also H6914 (קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה). See also: Genesis 3:6; Psalms 106:14; Psalms 10:3.
וְ/צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִ֝תֵּ֗ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַחְשֹֽׂךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:26
Context — The King’s Heart
24Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
25The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work.
26All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.
27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent! 28A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:26 | They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. |
| 2 | Acts 20:33–35 | I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:28 | He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 8:7–9 | But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. |
| 6 | Luke 6:30–36 | Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 2:5–9 | As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. |
| 8 | Matthew 5:42 | Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 9:9–14 | As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others. And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. |
Proverbs 21:26 Summary
This verse is saying that some people are never satisfied with what they have and always want more, but the people who love and follow God are different - they give freely and generously to others. This is because they trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, and they understand that true joy comes from giving, not getting. By trusting in God and focusing on giving, we can break free from the cycle of always wanting more and find true fulfillment and happiness. As it says in Acts 20:35, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'covet more' in Proverbs 21:26?
To covet more means to have an insatiable desire for something, often driven by greed or dissatisfaction, as seen in the warnings against coveting in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21.
How can the righteous give without restraint?
The righteous can give without restraint because they trust in God's provision and sovereignty, as expressed in Philippians 4:19, and they understand that true joy and fulfillment come from giving, not getting, as seen in Acts 20:35.
Is it wrong to want more in life?
It's not wrong to want more in life, but it becomes wrong when it's driven by selfishness or a lack of contentment, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, and when it leads to harm or exploitation of others, as seen in Proverbs 28:25.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse relates to your everyday life by challenging you to examine your motivations and actions, and to consider whether you're living with a mindset of coveting or giving, and to trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I'm constantly seeking more, and how can I surrender those desires to God?
- How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and giving, like the righteous in this verse?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's provision and sovereignty, rather than relying on my own efforts or desires?
- How can I balance my desire for more with the need to be content with what I have, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 6:6-10?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:26
He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. He (the slothful, Proverbs 21:25) coveteth greedily (literally, coveteth a covetousness) all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
He coveteth; the slothful man, mentioned in the last verse. But because the verses in this book are for the most part independent one upon another, this clause is and may be otherwise rendered, There is that coveteth, &c.; or, the wicked (which may be understood from the opposition of the righteous in the next clause) coveteth, &c. All the day long; spends his whole time in vain and lazy desires, but will not labour to get any thing, either to use himself, or to give to others. The righteous giveth and spareth not; by God’ s blessing upon his industry he procures enough, not only for his own support, but also for the liberal relief of others.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.Ver. 26. He coveteth greedily all day long.] But these greedy constant coverings come to nothing he makes nothing of them. Meteors have matter enough in the vapours themselves to carry them above the earth, but not enough to unite them to the element of fire, therefore they fall and return to their first principles. So it is with our wishers and woulders. Many came out of Egypt, that never came into Canaan; and why? The land they liked well, but complained, with those spies, of the strength of the Anakims, and the impossibility of the conquest, therefore their carcases fell in the wilderness; their sluggishness slew them. "They lusted and had not, they killed" themselves with coveting, as in the former verse, and "desired to have," as here, "but could not obtain." But the righteous giveth and spareth not.] Neither necessity nor niggardice hindereth him; he hath it, and he holds that he hath no more than he giveth. He is both painful and pitiful, and what he cannot do for the poor himself, he stirs up others to do; so far is he from forbidding, or hindering any from showing mercy. Some render the words thus: The righteous giveth, and forbiddeth not. "Give a portion," saith he to his richer friend, "to seven, and also to eight, for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
(26) He coveteth greedily all the day long, that he may “consume it on his lusts” (James 4:3), while the righteous (Proverbs 21:21) gives to all who need, remembering that he is a steward (Luke 16:9), not an owner, and that blessing will attend upon him for so doing (Acts 20:35).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:26
26. He coveteth] We may thus with A.V., Vulg., and others supply the subject of this clause from the preceding verse, or introduce a new subject, suggested perhaps by the preceding proverb and by contrast with the succeeding clause of this verse (ἀ ?óåâὴ ?ò, LXX.), and so make the verse a complete proverb: There is that coveteth greedily &c. giveth] Unlike the parched ground that covets ever, he resembles the perennial spring that gives forth unceasingly.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:26
All the day long - Better, every day. The wish of the slothful man passes into restless, covetous, dissatisfied desire; the righteous, free from that desire, gives without grudging.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:26
26. Coveteth greedily — Literally, he desireth a desire; a common Hebrew idiom expressive of intensity. This verse is supposed to refer to the preceding, the subject of the verb being the “slothful” of Proverbs 21:25.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate - Love of Money - Learned Behavioural Patterns by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of greed, covetousness, and the love of money, urging Christians to cultivate humility and meekness to combat these deadly sins. He highlights |
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Some Reasons for Perpetual Financial Difficulties by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the reasons behind perpetual financial difficulties, emphasizing that selfishness in holding onto God's blessings leads to spiritual death. He contrasts the cl |
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Is Your Work Being Tried by Fire? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his house burning down and how it challenged his theology. He reflects on the fact that there are some things in life th |
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Building the Body of Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a humble and sacrificial life, just as Jesus and the apostle Paul did. He highlights how Paul worked tirelessly to h |
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(The Foundation and the Building) the Secrets of Jesus Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the allure of materialism and the desire to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others. He warns against being deceived by the external appe |
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Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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The Wisdom of a Master Soul-Winner by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of passionate preaching and evangelism. He uses the analogy of a watchman sounding the trumpet to warn the city, stating that |