What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:22? A stingy man Proverbs 28:22 opens with, “A stingy man….” The picture is of someone tight-fisted, clutching every coin, more concerned with keeping than sharing. • Scripture repeatedly warns against this heart posture. Proverbs 11:24 notes, “One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” • Stinginess flows from distrust in God’s provision and an idolatrous love of money (cf. Matthew 6:24; 1 John 3:17). • Ananias and Sapphira illustrate the peril of selfish hoarding (Acts 5:1-11). Hastens after wealth The verse continues, “…hastens after wealth….” The miser is not merely careful; he is frantic to pile up riches. • Proverbs 13:11 warns, “Dishonest wealth will dwindle,” yet the greedy press on anyway. • Quick-gain schemes betray impatience with God’s timing (cf. Proverbs 20:21; Luke 12:16-21). • Paul cautions, “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). And does not know Greed blinds. The miser “does not know” what is coming. • Sin dulls spiritual perception (Proverbs 5:22; 2 Corinthians 4:4). • Self-deception is easy when success looks immediate (Jeremiah 17:9; Revelation 3:17). • The mind fixed on earthly gain rarely pauses to ask, “At what cost?” (Luke 16:13). That poverty awaits him Ironically, the very thing he fears—lack—is what meets him. • Proverbs 11:24 again ties withholding to poverty, while generous giving leads to abundance. • Poverty here can be material, but it is certainly spiritual: empty relationships, a restless soul, and ultimately judgment (James 5:1-3; Luke 16:19-25). • God’s economy overturns worldly logic: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-26). summary Proverbs 28:22 exposes the tragic cycle of greed: a tight-fisted person races for riches, grows blind to spiritual reality, and ends up impoverished. Genuine wealth is found in trusting God, practicing generosity, and resting in His provision—choices that lead to true, lasting prosperity. |
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