Proverbs 15:27
Proverbs 15:27 in Multiple Translations
He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.
He whose desires are fixed on profit is a cause of trouble to his family; but he who has no desire for offerings will have life.
People greedy for ill-gotten gains make trouble for their families, but those who hate bribes will live.
He that is greedie of gaine, troubleth his owne house: but he that hateth giftes, shall liue.
A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth bribes shall live. By mercy and faith sins are purged away: and by the fear of the Lord every one declineth from evil.
Those who try hard to get money by acting dishonestly cause trouble for their family; those who refuse to accept bribes will live for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:27
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 15:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹכֵ֣ר
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
בָּ֑צַע
וְ/שׂוֹנֵ֖א
מַתָּנֹ֣ת
יִחְיֶֽה
עֹכֵ֣ר
ʻâkar
H5916
to trouble
V-Qal
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
bâtsaʻ
H1214
to cut off
V-Qal
בָּ֑צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
וְ/שׂוֹנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Conj | V-Qal
מַתָּנֹ֣ת
mattânâh
H4979
gift
N-fp
יִחְיֶֽה
châyâh
H2421
to live
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 15:27
עֹכֵ֣ר
ʻâkar
H5916
"to trouble"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
בֵּ֭ית/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
bâtsaʻ
H1214
"to cut off"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to cut off or stop, and can also describe being greedy or covetous, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : to cut off 1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) to stop 1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cut off, sever 1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish 1b3) to violently make gain of
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be) covet(-ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily), get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded. See also: Job 6:9; Jeremiah 8:10; Psalms 10:3.
בָּ֑צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
וְ/שׂוֹנֵ֖א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Conj | V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
מַתָּנֹ֣ת
mattânâh
H4979
"gift"
N-fp
Refers to a gift or present, including sacrificial offerings or bribes, with the word being the Aramaic equivalent of mattᵉnâʼ.
Definition: gift Aramaic equivalent: mat.t.na (מַתְּנָא "gift" H4978)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: Genesis 25:6; Esther 9:22; Psalms 68:19.
יִחְיֶֽה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:27
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.
26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.
27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. 29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:8 | Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:19 | Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 17:11 | Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 33:15–16 | He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. |
| 5 | Proverbs 11:29 | He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 7 | Exodus 18:21 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. |
| 8 | Joshua 7:24–25 | Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:9–11 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. |
| 10 | Zechariah 5:3–4 | Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” |
Proverbs 15:27 Summary
This verse is saying that if we're more interested in getting rich quickly, even if it means being dishonest, it can cause problems for us and our families. On the other hand, if we reject corrupt or dishonest ways of getting ahead, we can live a life of integrity and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 37:37, where it says that the blameless will inherit good things. It's a reminder that our choices have consequences, and choosing to live honestly and with integrity is the best way to live, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9. By following God's way, we can avoid trouble and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where it says that we have the choice to live or die, to bless or curse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be greedy for unjust gain?
Being greedy for unjust gain means desiring or taking something that doesn't belong to you, often in a way that harms others, as seen in Proverbs 28:25, where it says that the greedy stir up conflict, and in 1 Timothy 6:10, which warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
How does greed affect my family?
According to Proverbs 15:27, greed can bring trouble on your household, as it can lead to dishonest and hurtful decisions that affect those around you, similar to how the consequences of sin can impact our families, as seen in Exodus 34:7.
What is the significance of hating bribes?
Hating bribes means rejecting any form of corruption or dishonest gain, and as Proverbs 15:27 says, it can lead to life, implying a life of integrity and righteousness, as also encouraged in Psalm 15:5, where it says that the one who does not accept a bribe will never be shaken.
How can I apply this verse to my daily life?
You can apply Proverbs 15:27 by being honest and transparent in all your interactions, whether personal or professional, and by seeking to live a life of integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9, where it says that the man of integrity walks securely.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I tempted to prioritize gain over integrity, and how can I resist that temptation?
- How can I ensure that my desire for financial security or success doesn't lead me to compromise my values or harm others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be unknowingly accepting or participating in corrupt or dishonest practices, and how can I make a change?
- What does it mean to 'hate bribes' in my everyday life, and how can I demonstrate that in my relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house,.... Or "that covets a covetousness" (t), an evil one, as in Habakkuk 2:9; that seeks riches by unlawful means, that gathers the mammon of falsehood,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain, that seeketh wealth by unjust courses, as appears from the opposite clause, troubleth his own house; bringeth God’ s curse and destruction upon himself and his family, whom he designed to enrich and establish. That hateth; who refuseth them not with dissimulation, nor only from prudential reasons, but from a hearty abhorrency of all unrighteousness. Gifts, i.e. bribes given to corrupt judgment. See 23:8 . Shall live; shall preserve himself and (which is understood out of the former clause) his family from ruin.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.Ver. 27. He that is greedy of gain, troubleth his own house.] Fires his own nest while he thinks to feather it; fingers that which will burn in his purse, will prove lucrum in arca, damnum in conscientia, gain to his purse, but loss to his conscience. Add hereunto, that the covetous man’ s house is continually on a tumult of haste and hurry, "up, up, up," saith he; "to bed, to bed"; "quick at meat, quick at work," &c.; what with labour, and what with passion and contention, he and his household never live at heart’ s ease and rest. Thus it was in the houses of Laban and Nabal. But he that hateth gifts shall live.] Viz., Gifts given to pervert or buy justice. The "fire of God shall devour the tabernacles" of such corrupt judges. So for those that are bribed out of their religion, Stratagema nunc est Pontificium, ditare multos, ut pii esse desinant. The Papists propose rewards to such as shall relinquish the Protestant religion and turn to them, as in Ansburgh, where, they say, there is a known price for it of ten florins a year; and in France, where the clergy have made contributions for the maintenance of renegade ministers. Thus they tempted Luther, but he would not be hired to go to hell; and thus they tempted that noble Marquis of Vicum, nephew to Pope Paul V, who left all for Christ and fled to Geneva, but he cried out, Let their money perish with them that prefer all the world’ s wealth before one day’ s communion with Jesus Christ and his despised people. Augustine.
Joh. Egnat. Gelli dial. v. Specul. Europ. " Germana illa bestia non curat aurum."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
(27) He that is greedy of gain.—Ill-gotten gain, especially bribes, as is seen in the next line. Troubleth his own house.—The word used of Achan (Joshua 7:25). Gifts.—Bribes taken by a judge. (Ecclesiastes 7:7.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
Verse 27. He that is greedy of gain] He who will be rich; troubleth his own house-he is a torment to himself and his family by his avariciousness and penury, and a curse to those with whom he deals. But he that hateth gifts] Whatever is given to pervert judgment.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:27
27. gifts] The proverb, though universal in its moral, is Oriental in its form. Gifts “play a very important part in the social life of the East” (see Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Gift). Hence they form at once the bait by which “he that is greedy of gain” is lured, as Gehazi was, to the “troubling of his own house,” and the test, in the lofty disregard of them, of incorruptible honour and integrity.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:27
Gifts - There is a special application to the office of the judge.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:27
27. Greedy of gain — αεφςαφς, (botsea’h batsa’h.) We have no English phrase exactly equivalent. See note on Proverbs 1:19. It is applied to the extortion of kings and nobles who.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads, |
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Exposition on Psalm 55 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the division caused by those who separate themselves from unity, leading to spiritual deaths and deceitfulness. He emphasizes the importance of casting |
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(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 6: Concerned for Others by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of a person who can abide in God's tent and dwell in His holy hill. One of these qualities is not slandering with one's tongue. |
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Righteousness in the Old Testament by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and t |
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Debt and Being Surety by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. |
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Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |