Proverbs 28:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:22 mean?

Proverbs 28:22 warns that someone who is in a hurry to become rich is acting with selfish motives and does not realize that this path often leads to poverty. The verse highlights that chasing wealth without restraint or thoughtfulness can have the opposite effect of what is intended.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking practical wisdom for daily life. The verse uses the image of an “evil eye” to describe a person whose desire for wealth clouds their judgment, suggesting that greed can blind someone to the risks and consequences of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:22

• The phrase “evil eye” uses the Hebrew עַיִן רָע (ayin ra‘, "eye" + "evil"), which in Hebrew thought often refers to someone who is greedy or stingy, not just someone with bad intentions. This adds a layer of meaning: the verse is not just about intent, but about a grasping, selfish attitude.
• The word translated “poverty” is רֵשׁ (resh, "poverty" or "destitution"), emphasizing not just a lack of wealth but a state of real need or want. The verse warns that the pursuit of riches can ironically end in the very condition the person is trying to avoid.

Why Proverbs 28:22 matters

• This verse clarifies that the pursuit of wealth, when driven by haste and selfishness, is spiritually and practically dangerous, countering the common belief that quick riches are always desirable.
• The proverb connects to a broader biblical theme warning against greed and impatience, showing that wisdom values steady, honest living over risky shortcuts.
• The use of “evil eye” reveals a cultural insight: in ancient Israel, greed was seen not just as a private flaw but as something that affected relationships and community well-being.