How does Proverbs 28:22 warn against the dangers of greed and haste?

Setting Proverbs 28:22 in Focus

“A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.”

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Word-by-Word Insights

• Stingy (“greedy,” “tight-fisted”)—a heart that clutches instead of shares

• Hastens—rushing, shortcut-seeking, impatient for results

• Wealth—material gain that becomes the dominant pursuit

• Does not know—blind to consequences, self-deceived

• Poverty will come—loss is certain, both material and spiritual

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Greed: A Silent but Devouring Idol

• Greed redirects trust from the Lord to riches (Proverbs 11:28; Matthew 6:24).

• It fuels discontentment (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

• It invites many “sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10), including strained relationships and anxious hearts.

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Haste: The Shortcut That Backfires

• Quick-gain schemes bypass diligence and integrity (Proverbs 13:11; 20:21).

• Rushing clouds judgment, leading to unwise deals and compromised ethics.

• God’s pattern is “steady plodding” (Proverbs 21:5)—patient, faithful labor.

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The Certain Outcome: Poverty of Wallet and Soul

• Material lack—bad investments, wasted resources, shattered ventures.

• Moral bankruptcy—eroded character, isolation, broken witness.

• Spiritual emptiness—distance from God, loss of peace and joy.

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God’s Design for Honest Gain

• Diligent work with contentment (Proverbs 10:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

• Generosity as a safeguard against greed (Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

• Trust in the Lord’s provision rather than frantic striving (Matthew 6:31-33).

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Practical Takeaways for Today

• Pause before every financial decision; seek God’s wisdom first.

• Cultivate a giving lifestyle—regular, cheerful, proportionate.

• Embrace slow, honest progress over risky shortcuts.

• Measure success by faithfulness to Christ, not the size of a bank account.