Proverbs 21:26 Meaning and Explanation
“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked covet endlessly and give nothing; the righteous give freely without hoarding.
The Context of Proverbs 21:26
The covetous hoard while the righteous give freely.
What Does Proverbs 21:26 Mean?
Covetousness—desiring what belongs to others—characterizes the wicked person's entire existence. 'All the day long' suggests an obsessive, constant focus. This endless coveting is sterile and fruitless; it produces nothing but internal frustration and external conflict.
By contrast, the righteous gives and does not spare—sharing generously, not holding back. Rather than coveting what others have, they freely release what they have. This generosity reflects a different fundamental orientation: toward giving rather than taking, toward abundance-mindedness rather than scarcity-fear.
Proverbs 21:26 in the Original Language
tamah (תָּמַהּ), 'coveteth greedily' — to desire intensely and continually, with focused longing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:26
What does Proverbs 21:26 mean?
The wicked covet endlessly and give nothing; the righteous give freely without hoarding.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:26?
The covetous hoard while the righteous give freely.