King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:22 Mean?

Proverbs 28:22 in the King James Version says “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and evil eye hasteth to be rich”

Proverbs 28:22 · KJV

Context

20

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. innocent: or, unpunished

21

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth: or, hath and evil eye hasteth to be rich

23

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer . a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye (נִבְהָל לְהוֹן אִישׁ עַיִן רָע, nivhal lehon ish ayin ra)—נִבְהָל (nivhal, 'hastening, hurrying') toward הוֹן (hon, 'wealth, riches') reveals עַיִן רָע (ayin ra, 'evil eye'), a Hebrew idiom for stinginess, envy, and greed. Jesus warns against this 'evil eye' (Matthew 6:22-23, 20:15). The greedy person's vision is distorted—seeing others as competition, God's gifts as insufficient.

And considereth not that poverty shall come upon him (וְלֹא־יֵדַע כִּי־חֶסֶר יְבֹאֶנּוּ, velo-yeda ki-cheser yevo'ennu)—יָדַע (yada, 'to know, understand') is negated: he does not know that חֶסֶר (cheser, 'want, lack, poverty') approaches. Proverbs repeatedly warns that greed leads to poverty (Proverbs 11:24, 13:11). 'He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver' (Ecclesiastes 5:10); the insatiable appetite for more guarantees eventual loss.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine saw dramatic wealth disparities, with wealthy landowners exploiting peasant farmers. Jesus's parables frequently address greed (Luke 12:13-21, the rich fool; Luke 16:19-31, the rich man and Lazarus). Paul commands contentment: 'Having food and raiment let us be therewith content' (1 Timothy 6:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you recognize whether you have an 'evil eye'—a greedy, envious disposition?
  2. What warning signs indicate you're 'hastening to be rich' rather than trusting God's provision?
  3. Where has greed paradoxically led to poverty in your life—relational, spiritual, or even material?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נִֽבֳהָ֥ל1 of 10

“that hasteth”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

לַה֗וֹן2 of 10

“to be rich”

H1952

wealth; by implication, enough

אִ֭ישׁ3 of 10

“He”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רַ֣ע4 of 10

“hath an evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

עָ֑יִן5 of 10

“eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְלֹֽא6 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵ֝דַע7 of 10

“and considereth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי8 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֶ֥סֶר9 of 10

“not that poverty”

H2639

lack; hence, destitution

יְבֹאֶֽנּוּ׃10 of 10

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 28:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 28:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 23:61 Timothy 6:9Proverbs 28:20Matthew 20:15Job 27:16-17Genesis 13:10-13

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