Proverbs 21:26

Hee coueteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giueth and spareth not. Proverbs 21:26 (KJV)

The proverb contrasts the insatiable desire of the greedy with the generous disposition of the righteous. The greedy covet continuously, seeking more without satisfaction, while the righteous give freely and do not hold back. This pattern reflects the broader biblical principle that the heart’s orientation determines behavior. The way of the righteous is described as uprightness; thou that art upright dost direct his path. In other words, a person who lives righteously is guided by a moral compass that leads to generous action rather than selfish accumulation. Some readers note that the quotation is often cited but does not appear verbatim in the King James Version of the Bible. This observation reminds the study participant to verify scriptural references and to be cautious about relying on secondary quotations without checking the original text. Nevertheless, the sentiment expressed in the proverb remains consistent with the biblical theme that greed is condemned and generosity is praised. The phrase “giveth and spareth not” underscores that the righteous do not limit their generosity, reflecting the fullness of upright conduct.

The contrast invites believers to examine their own motives: whether they are driven by endless covetousness or by a spirit that gives without restraint.

By aligning one’s life with the upright path, the believer follows the direction set by righteousness, allowing generosity to become a natural outflow. Thus, the proverb calls the faithful to adopt an attitude that mirrors the upright path, where giving flows naturally from a heart aligned with divine righteousness. The study therefore encourages a self‑examination of desire versus duty, urging a shift from greedy longing to a lifestyle marked by giving and the preservation of the righteous way.