Proverbs 28:20
Proverbs 28:20 in Multiple Translations
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
A faythfull man shall abound in blessings, and he that maketh haste to be riche, shall not be innocent.
A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not acquitted.
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
A faithful man shall be much praised: but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.
God will greatly bless those who ◄are trustworthy/always do what they say that they will do►, but he will certainly punish [LIT] those who try to become rich quickly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:20
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 28:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ישׁ
אֱ֭מוּנוֹת
רַב
בְּרָכ֑וֹת
וְ/אָ֥ץ
לְ֝/הַעֲשִׁ֗יר
לֹ֣א
יִנָּקֶֽה
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֱ֭מוּנוֹת
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
faithfulness
N-fp
רַב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
בְּרָכ֑וֹת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
N-fp
וְ/אָ֥ץ
ʼûwts
H213
to hasten
Conj | V-Qal
לְ֝/הַעֲשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּקֶֽה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:20
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֱ֭מוּנוֹת
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
"faithfulness"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
רַב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
בְּרָכ֑וֹת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
N-fp
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.
וְ/אָ֥ץ
ʼûwts
H213
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
לְ֝/הַעֲשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
יִנָּקֶֽה
nâqâh
H5352
"to clear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:20
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 16:10–12 | Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own? |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:11 | Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied. |
| 3 | Revelation 2:10 | Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:6 | Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 5 | Psalms 112:4–9 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 6 | Psalms 101:6 | My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:21 | An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. |
| 8 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 7:2 | Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. |
| 10 | Proverbs 20:6 | Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? |
Proverbs 28:20 Summary
Proverbs 28:20 teaches us that when we are faithful and trust in God, we will experience a rich and fulfilling life, full of blessings (as seen in Psalm 1:1-3). On the other hand, when we are eager to be rich and prioritize wealth above all else, we will face consequences. This verse reminds us that our priorities and values should be centered on God, not on material possessions (as seen in Matthew 6:24). By trusting in God and living a life of integrity, we can experience true abundance and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a faithful man in Proverbs 28:20?
A faithful man is one who trusts and obeys God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, and is committed to living a life of integrity and honesty, as described in Proverbs 10:9.
Is it wrong to want to be rich, according to Proverbs 28:20?
While it's not wrong to desire financial security, Proverbs 28:20 warns against being eager to be rich, which can lead to greedy and dishonest behavior, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, where the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
What does it mean to abound with blessings in Proverbs 28:20?
To abound with blessings means to experience a rich and fulfilling life, with an abundance of spiritual and material blessings, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where obedience to God's commands leads to blessings in every area of life.
Will everyone who is eager to be rich be punished, according to Proverbs 28:20?
While Proverbs 28:20 states that one eager to be rich will not go unpunished, it's not a guarantee that everyone who desires wealth will be punished, but rather a warning that those who prioritize wealth above all else will face consequences, as seen in Luke 12:15, where Jesus warns against the dangers of greed and materialism.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing wealth or material possessions above my relationship with God?
- How can I cultivate a heart of faithfulness and trust in God, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways I can use my resources and talents to bless others and bring glory to God?
- What does it mean for me to 'abound with blessings' in my own life, and how can I experience this kind of abundance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man shall abound with blessings,.... Or, "a man of faithfulness" (u).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man, Heb. a man of truth, or truths, who deals truly and justly in all his bargains and transactions with men. That maketh haste; more than God alloweth him; that taketh the nearest and readiest way to riches, whether it be right or wrong; that is unfaithful and unjust in his dealings. Shall not be innocent; shall not obtain the blessings which he seeks, but shall bring curses and miseries upon him instead of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.Ver. 20. A faithful man shall abound in blessings.] God will bless him, and all that bless him. Men also shall rise up and call him blessed, saying, as Deuteronomy 33:29, "Happy art thou, O Israel; who is like unto thee, O peopIe, saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help," &c. Stars, though we see them sometimes in a puddle, in the bottom of a well, nay, in a stinking ditch, though they reflect there, I say, yet they have their situation in heaven. So God’ s faithfal servants, though in a low condition, yet are they fixed in the region of happiness. But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.] Nevessan (a better lawyer than good Christian) was wont to say, He that will not venture his body shall never be valiant; he that will not venture his soul shall never be rich. But let their money perish with them, that, Shimei-like, by seeking their servants, lose their souls; or, Jonaslike, care not to be cast over shipboard, so the ship of their worldly wealth may be in safety. Francis Xaverius counselled John III., King of Portugal, to meditate every day a quarter of an hour on that divine sentence, "What shall it profit a man to win the whole world and lose his own soul?" See 1 Timothy 6:9, with the note. What a woeful will was that of rich but wretched Hubertus. I yield, said he, my goods to the king, my body to the grave, my soul to the devil?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
(20) A faithful man, who is true to God and man, “shall abound with blessings” from God and man. Comp. Job’s description of his own blameless life and the blessings attending it (Job 29).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
Verse 20. He that maketh haste to be rich] See Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 20:21.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:20
20. faithful] i.e., as the second clause shews, one who puts fidelity above gain. Comp. Psalms 15:4. innocent] Rather, unpunished, A.V. marg. and R.V. οὐκἀτιμώρητοςἔσται, LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:20
Not the possession of wealth, nor even the acquisition of it, is evil, but the eager haste of covetousness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:20
20. A faithful man — Trusty. Literally, a man of fidelities. But he that maketh haste to be rich — Is unduly urgent, and hence open to temptation: cupidity oftentimes leads to fraud and occasionally to violence.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Many Aspire, Few Attain by Walter A. Henrichsen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make |
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The Word of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with God. He references Moses spending 80 days and nights alone with God on Mount Sinai, highlighting |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 355 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of fathers in raising their children in a way that allows them to receive the blessings of God. He shares the story of Esau, |
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The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 12 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall emphasizes the necessity of faith as a shield for Christians to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, which represent the temptations and attacks from the enemy. He |
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Responsibility by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in stewardship, highlighting the need for individuals to be dependable, keep their promises, pay debts promptly, and |
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Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha |
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Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with those who have not heard, highlighting the need for believers to submit their will and resources to God, be good st |