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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.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/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />All day long he is insatiably craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He craves all the day long [and does no work], But the righteous [willingly] gives and does not withhold [what he has].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don’t hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is filled with craving all day long, but the righteous give and don&#8217t hold back. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But people who obey God are always generous. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There is that coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All day long he feels greedy, but a righteous person gives and does not hold back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />all they do is think about what they would like to have. The righteous, however, can give, and give generously. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />All day long he continues to crave, while the righteous person gives without holding back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and do not withhold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don’t withhold. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />All the day desiring he has desired, "" And the righteous gives and does not withhold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> All the day desiring he hath desired, And the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He longed a longing all the day: and the just one shall give and not keep back.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He longeth and desireth all the day : but he that is just, will give, and will not cease. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He covets and desires all day long. But whoever is just shall distribute and shall not cease.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Some are consumed with avarice all the day, but the just give unsparingly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />All day long the wicked covet, but the righteous give and do not hold back.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He covets greedily all the day long; but the righteous man gives and does not spare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He desires lust all day long; the righteous gives and does not spare.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and spareth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />An ungodly man entertains evil desires all the day: but the righteous is unsparingly merciful and compassionate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-26.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=4333" 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/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>The craving of the slacker kills him because his hands refuse to work. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">All</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day long</a> <a href="/hebrew/183.htm" title="183: hiṯ·’aw·wāh (V-Hitpael-Perf-3ms) -- To incline, desire. A primitive root; to wish for.">he covets</a> <a href="/hebrew/8378.htm" title="8378: ṯa·’ă·wāh (N-fs) -- A desire. From 'avah; a longing; by implication, a delight.">more,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: wə·ṣad·dîq (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">but the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">give</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/2820.htm" title="2820: yaḥ·śōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To withhold, refrain. A primitive root; to restrain or Refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; also to observe.">restraint.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!…<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="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a></span><br />Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-21.htm">Matthew 6:21</a></span><br />For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18</a></span><br />Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Philippians 4:17</a></span><br />Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Hebrews 13:16</a></span><br />And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Isaiah 32:8</a></span><br />But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-10.htm">Deuteronomy 15:10</a></span><br />Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not.</p><p class="hdg">coveteth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a></b></br> I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:5-9</a></b></br> For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God <i>is</i> witness: … </p><p class="hdg">the righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Psalm 37:26</a></b></br> <i>He is</i> ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed <i>is</i> blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a></b></br> He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-30.htm">Luke 6:30-36</a></b></br> Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask <i>them</i> not again… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/7-25.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Coveteth</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Covets</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Craves</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Craving</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Greedily</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Spareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Sparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Withholdeth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/micah/2-2.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Coveteth</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Covets</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Craves</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-24.htm">Craving</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-2.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-20.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Greedily</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-19.htm">Spareth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-27.htm">Sparing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/haggai/1-10.htm">Withholdeth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</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/21.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/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>All day long he covets more</b><br>This 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 (<a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Exodus 20:17</a>). 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 (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<p><b>but the righteous give without restraint</b><br>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 (<a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a>). 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 (<a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covetous_person.htm">The Covetous Person</a></b><br>This 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_act_of_giving.htm">The Act of Giving</a></b><br>The 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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_covetousness.htm">The Danger of Covetousness</a></b><br>Covetousness 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing_of_generosity.htm">The Blessing of Generosity</a></b><br>Generosity 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a></b><br>True 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_provision.htm">Trusting God's Provision</a></b><br>The 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_seven_deadly_sins.htm">What are the seven deadly sins?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_anger.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on anger?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_righteous_suffer_harm.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_threaten_violence_here.htm">1 Samuel 25:21-22 - Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">He coveteth greedily all the day long, </span>that he may "consume it on his lusts" (<a href="/james/4-3.htm" title="You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your lusts.">James 4:3</a>), while the righteous (<a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm" title="He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.">Proverbs 21:21</a>) gives to all who need, remembering that he is a steward (<a href="/luke/16-9.htm" title="And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.">Luke 16:9</a>), not an owner, and that blessing will attend upon him for so doing (<a href="/acts/20-35.htm" title="I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.">Acts 20:35</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - St. Jerome and many commentators connect this verse with the preceding, considering the two to form a tetrastich, thus: <span class="cmt_word">The desire of the slothful... he coveteth greedily all the day long, but the righteous giveth and spareth not.</span> 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" (<a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a>; comp. <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a>). So it is correct to consider this distich independent, and to translate, <span class="accented">There is that</span> (or <span class="accented">one</span>) <span class="accented">desireth greedily always, but the righteous giveth and withholdeth</span> <span class="accented">not</span>. 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 (<a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Luke 16:9</a>), and so arranges his expenditure that he has to give to him that needeth (<a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a>). Septuagint, "An ungodly man devises evil devices all the day long, but the righteous pitieth and showeth compassion unsparingly." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-26.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">All</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day long</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭יּוֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he covets</span><br /><span class="heb">הִתְאַוָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·’aw·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_183.htm">Strong's 183: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">more,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַאֲוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯa·’ă·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8378.htm">Strong's 8378: </a> </span><span class="str2">A longing, a delight</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצַדִּ֥יק</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝תֵּ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">restraint.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחְשֹֽׂךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yaḥ·śōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2820.htm">Strong's 2820: </a> </span><span class="str2">To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-26.htm">Proverbs 21:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:26 There are those who covet greedily all (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:27" /></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>