All day long he covets moreThis phrase highlights the insatiable nature of human desire and greed. In biblical context, coveting is often associated with a lack of contentment and a focus on material wealth, which is condemned in the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:17). The phrase suggests a continuous, unending cycle of wanting, which can lead to sin and separation from God. Historically, this reflects the human condition and the societal pressures of ancient times, where wealth and possessions were often seen as measures of success. Theologically, it contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (
Matthew 6:19-21).
but the righteous give without restraint
This part of the verse contrasts the behavior of the covetous with that of the righteous, who are characterized by generosity. The righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will, often depicted in Scripture as being blessed with a spirit of giving. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His followers to give freely and love their neighbors (Luke 6:38). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued community and mutual support, and this principle is echoed in the New Testament church's practice of sharing possessions (Acts 2:44-45). Theologically, this reflects the nature of God, who gives abundantly and without reservation, and it serves as a type of Christ, who gave His life for humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Covetous PersonThis individual is characterized by an insatiable desire for more, driven by selfishness and greed. The Hebrew word for "covets" ('avah) implies a longing or craving that is never satisfied.
2.
The RighteousIn contrast to the covetous, the righteous person is generous and selfless. The Hebrew word for "righteous" (tzaddik) denotes someone who is just, virtuous, and aligned with God's will.
3.
The Act of GivingThe righteous give "without restraint," indicating a heart of generosity and trust in God's provision. This act is not limited by fear of lack but is abundant and free.
Teaching Points
The Danger of CovetousnessCovetousness leads to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness. It is important to guard our hearts against the desire for more material possessions.
The Blessing of GenerosityGenerosity is a hallmark of the righteous. It reflects trust in God's provision and a heart aligned with His purposes. We are called to give freely and joyfully.
Contentment in ChristTrue contentment is found in Christ, not in material wealth. By focusing on our relationship with God, we can overcome the temptation to covet and instead live a life of generosity.
Trusting God's ProvisionThe righteous give without fear of lack because they trust in God's provision. This trust allows them to be open-handed and generous, knowing that God will supply all their needs.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:26?
2.How does Proverbs 21:26 contrast the desires of the righteous and the wicked?
3.What practical steps can we take to cultivate generosity in our daily lives?
4.How does Proverbs 21:26 relate to Jesus' teachings on giving in Matthew 6?
5.Why is it important for Christians to be generous according to Proverbs 21:26?
6.How can we ensure our desires align with God's will as in Proverbs 21:26?
7.How does Proverbs 21:26 challenge the concept of generosity versus greed in modern society?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 21:26?
9.How does Proverbs 21:26 reflect the overall theme of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What are the seven deadly sins?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on anger?
13.How does Proverbs 12:21, declaring no harm befalls the righteous, hold up when many faithful people throughout biblical and modern times have endured great suffering and tragedy?
14.1 Samuel 25:21-22 - Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy?What Does Proverbs 21:26 Mean
All day long- The phrase highlights an ongoing, habitual pattern. The selfish person’s appetite for more never pauses.
-Psalm 10:3-4 shows the same restless craving: “The wicked … blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.”
-Isaiah 57:20 portrays the wicked as “like the tossing sea, which cannot rest.”
- The lesson: unchecked desire crowds out peace, worship, and contentment every waking hour.
he covets more- Coveting is not mere admiration; it is a heart-level demand to possess what belongs to another (Exodus 20:17).
-Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out! Be on guard against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
-1 Timothy 6:9-10 traces ruin back to this craving: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation …”
-Ecclesiastes 5:10 confirms the futility: “Whoever loves money never has enough.”
- Covetousness feeds on itself; the more it gains, the more it wants.
but- This small word signals a radical contrast—two ways to live.
- Proverbs often pivots on “but” (e.g., 10:27-28; 11:19-20), underscoring that righteousness and wickedness move in opposite directions.
- God draws a firm line between self-centered acquisition and God-centered generosity.
the righteous give- Righteousness produces open-handed grace.
•Proverbs 11:24-25: “One gives freely, yet gains even more … A generous person will prosper.”
•Psalm 112:5: “Good will come to the man who is generous and lends freely.”
•Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Giving reflects trust in God as Provider and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).
- Rather than stockpiling, the righteous invest resources in people and kingdom purposes.
without restraint- “Without restraint” paints a picture of lavish, cheerful generosity.
•Deuteronomy 15:10: “Give generously to him and do not let your heart be grieved …”
•2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
•Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you … poured into your lap.”
- The righteous person doesn’t calculate the bare minimum; the heart is so free from clutching that giving becomes a joy, not an obligation.
summaryProverbs 21:26 contrasts two lifestyles. The ungodly spend every moment nursing an insatiable appetite for more, chaining themselves to perpetual discontent. The righteous, free from such bondage, open their hands wide, trusting God and blessing others. One path hoards and starves the soul; the other gives and thrives.
(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).
Verse 26. - St. Jerome and many commentators connect this verse with the preceding, considering the two to form a tetrastich, thus:
The desire of the slothful... he coveteth greedily all the day long, but the righteous giveth and spareth not. But in this division of our book there are only pure distichs; and, as Delitzsch observes, to make the contrast, one requires in the first hemistich an expression like, "and hath nothing" (
Proverbs 13:4; comp.
Proverbs 20:4). So it is correct to consider this distich independent, and to translate,
There is that (or
one)
desireth greedily always, but the righteous giveth and withholdethnot. There are claims made on all sides, demands for help, importunate prayers, such as one would think no man could satisfy; but the righteous has means enough and to spare, he is generous and charitable, he is industrious, and uses his stewardship well (
Luke 16:9), and so arranges his expenditure that he has to give to him that needeth (
Ephesians 4:28). Septuagint, "An ungodly man devises evil devices all the day long, but the righteous pitieth and showeth compassion unsparingly."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyday longהַ֭יּוֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayhe covetsהִתְאַוָּ֣ה(hiṯ·’aw·wāh)Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 183:To incline, desiremore,תַאֲוָ֑ה(ṯa·’ă·wāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8378:A longing, a delightbut the righteousוְצַדִּ֥יק(wə·ṣad·dîq)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousgiveיִ֝תֵּ֗ן(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setwithoutוְלֹ֣א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, norestraint.יַחְשֹֽׂךְ׃(yaḥ·śōḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2820:To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:26 There are those who covet greedily all (Prov. Pro Pr) 
