CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_20_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:21 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/20-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/20-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm" title="Proverbs 20:20">◄</a> Proverbs 20:21 <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm" title="Proverbs 20:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance <i>may be</i> gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning, Will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning In the end will not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance hastily gained [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Getting rich quick may turn out to be a curse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />An inheritance quickly obtained in the beginning will never be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The more easily you get your wealth, the less good it will do you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />An inheritance quickly obtained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end of it shall not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, "" Even its latter end is not blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />An inheritance greedily gotten in the beginning; and its latter state shall not be.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning, in the end shall be without a blessing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When an inheritance is obtained hastily in the beginning, in the end it will be without a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Possessions greedily guarded at the outset will not be blessed in the end. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />An estate quickly acquired in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />An inheritance hastily acquired in the beginning, shall not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An inheritance that is hasty in its beginning will not be blessed in its end.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />An estate may be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A portion hastily gotten at first shall not be blessed in the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4076" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5159.htm" title="5159: na·ḥă·lāh (N-fs) -- From nachal; properly, something inherited, i.e. occupancy, or an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion.">An inheritance</a> <a href="/hebrew/973.htm" title="973: mə·ḇu·ḥɛ·lɛṯ (V-Pual-Prtcpl-fs) -- To feel a loathing. A primitive root; to loath.">gained</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: bā·ri·šō·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-fs) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">quickly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ṯə·ḇō·rāḵ (V-Pual-Imperf-3fs) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">be blessed</a> <a href="/hebrew/319.htm" title="319: wə·’a·ḥă·rî·ṯāh (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3fs) -- The after-part, end. From 'achar; the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity.">in the end.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:11</a></span><br />Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a></span><br />Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Proverbs 28:20</a></span><br />A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a></span><br />and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Proverbs 28:22</a></span><br />A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Proverbs 19:14</a></span><br />Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Proverbs 21:6</a></span><br />Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.</p><p class="hdg">gotten</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4</a></b></br> Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Proverbs 28:20,22</a></b></br> A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9</a></b></br> But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and <i>into</i> many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a></b></br> A good <i>man</i> leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner <i>is</i> laid up for the just.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Proverbs 28:8</a></b></br> He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16,17</a></b></br> Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/136-23.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Hastily</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Hurriedly</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Latter</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">End</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">First</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Hastily</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/daniel/2-25.htm">Hurriedly</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Latter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Won't</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>An inheritance gained quickly</b><br>This phrase suggests the acquisition of wealth or property without the usual process of earning or working for it. Biblically, inheritance often refers to the passing down of land or possessions from one generation to another, as seen in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 13-21). The idea of gaining an inheritance quickly may imply impatience or a lack of wisdom, contrasting with the biblical principle of diligent work and stewardship (<a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a>). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, inheritance was a significant aspect of family and tribal identity, and acquiring it hastily could disrupt social and familial structures.<p><b>will not be blessed</b><br>The concept of blessing in the Bible is closely tied to God's favor and approval. A blessing is often seen as a divine endorsement that brings prosperity, peace, and fulfillment. In this context, the lack of blessing suggests that an inheritance gained quickly may not have God's favor. This aligns with the biblical principle that true prosperity comes from God and is often linked to righteousness and obedience (<a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1-14</a>). The absence of blessing implies potential negative consequences, such as strife, loss, or moral decay.<p><b>in the end</b><br>The phrase "in the end" points to the ultimate outcome or long-term consequences of actions. Biblically, the end is often associated with judgment or the fulfillment of God's promises. This phrase serves as a warning that while an inheritance gained quickly may seem advantageous initially, it may lead to negative outcomes over time. This is consistent with the biblical theme that actions have consequences, and the true value of wealth is measured by its impact on one's life and relationship with God (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13-14</a>). The end times or eschatological perspective in Scripture also emphasizes the importance of eternal values over temporal gains.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and divine principles are reflected throughout the book.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where inheritance laws and family structures were significant aspects of society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance.htm">Inheritance</a></b><br>- In the context of ancient Israel, inheritance typically referred to the passing down of land, wealth, and family responsibilities from one generation to the next.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_patience.htm">The Value of Patience</a></b><br>Rushing to gain wealth or inheritance can lead to poor stewardship and lack of appreciation. Patience allows for maturity and wisdom in managing resources.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_character_over_wealth.htm">The Importance of Character Over Wealth</a></b><br>True blessing is not found in material wealth but in the character and wisdom to use it rightly. An inheritance gained without effort may not cultivate the necessary character to sustain it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_entitlement.htm">The Dangers of Entitlement</a></b><br>Feeling entitled to an inheritance can lead to a lack of gratitude and responsibility. Recognizing that all blessings come from God encourages humility and stewardship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_godly_wisdom_in_financial_matters.htm">The Role of Godly Wisdom in Financial Matters</a></b><br>Seeking God's wisdom in financial decisions ensures that wealth is used for His glory and the benefit of others, rather than selfish gain.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_return_after_losing_faith.htm">How does faith lead to true success?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_aging.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on aging?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_humble_believers_face_hardship.htm">Proverbs 22:4: If humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches and honor, why do many humble believers remain in poverty or face hardship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_choose_idols_over_the_true_god.htm">How does diligence lead to success and prosperity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">The end thereof shall not be blessed.--</span>Comp. <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm" title="A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.">Proverbs 28:20</a> : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belonging to his brother.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning</span> - or, <span class="accented">which in the beginning, is obtained in</span> haste - <span class="cmt_word">but the end thereof shall</span> <span class="cmt_word">not be blessed;</span> or, <span class="accented">its end shall not be blessed.</span> The Khetib gives <span class="hebrew">מְבֹהֶלֶת</span>, which (comp. <a href="/zechariah/11-8.htm">Zechariah 11:8</a>) may mean "detested," but this gives no sense; it is better, with the Keri, to replace <span class="accented">kheth</span> with <span class="accented">he</span>, and read <span class="hebrew">מְבֹהֶלֶת</span> (<span class="accented">meboheleth</span>), "hastened," "hastily acquired" (see <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a>, Septuagint). The maxim, taken in connection with the preceding verse, may apply to a bad son who thinks his parents live too long, and by violence robs them of their possessions; or to one who, like the prodigal in the parable, demands prematurely his portion of the paternal goods. But it may also be taken generally as denouncing the fate of those who make haste to be rich, being unscrupulous as to the means by which they gain wealth (see on Proverbs 23:11; 28:20, 22). A Greek gnome says roundly - <p><span class="greek">Οὐδεὶς ἐπλούτησεν ταχέως δίκαιος ὤν.</span> <p><span class="accented">"No righteous man e'er grew rich suddenly."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">An inheritance</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֭חֲלָה</span> <span class="translit">(na·ḥă·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5159.htm">Strong's 5159: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gained</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇō·he·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_973.htm">Strong's 973: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feel a loathing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">quickly</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ri·šō·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in place, time, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be blessed</span><br /><span class="heb">תְבֹרָֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·ḇō·rāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the end.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·ḥă·rî·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_319.htm">Strong's 319: </a> </span><span class="str2">The last, end, the future, posterity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-21.htm">Proverbs 20:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>