Proverbs 11:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:26 mean?

Proverbs 11:26 says that someone who keeps back grain during a time when people need it will be disliked or cursed by the community, but someone who is willing to sell it receives praise and blessing. The verse highlights the difference between selfishness and generosity in dealing with essential resources.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for daily life, often written as advice from a wise teacher to a younger listener. The situation here imagines a time of need or scarcity, where one person has grain (a basic food) and faces the choice to either hoard it or make it available. The verse points out the social consequences of each choice, emphasizing the value of acting fairly and helpfully toward others.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:26

• "withholdeth" (כָּלָא, kālā’): This word means to hold back or restrain. In this context, it suggests someone intentionally keeping grain from the market, possibly to drive up prices or out of selfishness.
• "corn" (בָּר, bār): In ancient Hebrew, this word refers to grain in general, not just corn as we know it today. It could mean wheat, barley, or another staple crop, emphasizing the basic necessity involved.
• "curse" (קָבַב, qābab): This word means to curse or speak ill of. The verse uses it to show that the community reacts strongly against someone who withholds food in hard times.
• "blessing" (בְּרָכָה, berākhāh): This word means blessing or praise. It shows that the community honors and appreciates someone who sells grain instead of hoarding it.

Why Proverbs 11:26 matters

• Proverbs 11:26 clears up the idea that simply having resources is not enough; how a person uses them affects their reputation and relationships.
• The verse highlights the social responsibility that comes with having what others need, especially during difficult times.
• This proverb fits into a larger theme in Proverbs about fairness, generosity, and the consequences of selfishness versus kindness in everyday life.