He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

PROVERBS 21:26KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 21:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 21:26 mean?

Proverbs 21:26 describes a person who is always wanting more and never satisfied, contrasted with a righteous person who is generous and gives freely without holding back. The verse highlights the difference between selfish desire and open-handed generosity.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often contrasting the ways of the wicked and the righteous. Here, the writer points out that while some people spend their whole day longing for things they do not have, the righteous are marked by their willingness to give, showing a life shaped by generosity rather than greed.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:26

  • "Coveteth" (אָוָה, 'avah, H183) means to strongly desire or crave. The word suggests a deep, ongoing longing, not just a passing wish.
  • "Greedily" (תַּאֲוָה, ta'avah, H8378) refers to an intense craving or lust, often for things that are not truly needed. This word emphasizes the consuming nature of the desire.
  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq, H6662) describes someone who lives according to what is just and right, especially in their relationships with others. The contrast with the greedy person is sharp: the righteous is not focused on getting, but on giving.
  • "Giveth" (נָתַן, natan, H5414) means to give or bestow. The sense here is of active, intentional generosity.
  • "Spareth not" (חָסַךְ, chasak, H2820) means to withhold or keep back. The righteous person is described as not holding back in their giving, showing a full-hearted generosity.

Why Proverbs 21:26 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that wanting more is just a harmless feeling; it shows how constant craving can shape a person’s whole day and attitude.
  • The proverb emphasizes that true righteousness is seen not just in avoiding wrong, but in actively giving to others without hesitation.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying highlights a repeated theme: the difference between a life centered on self and a life that blesses others.

Where else these words appear

“greedily” Hebrew H8378 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
  • Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

“coveteth” Hebrew H183 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 11:4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
  • 1 Kings 11:37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.
  • Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

“spareth” Hebrew H2820 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
  • Job 16:5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
  • Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.