Proverbs 20:21 Commentary

Verse: "An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed." (Proverbs 20:21)

Introduction

The book of Proverbs is a compilation of wise sayings, teaching principles for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to humanity. Within these verses are timeless truths that span generations, providing insight into the nature of life, wealth, and righteousness. Proverbs 20:21 serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains and the wisdom of patience and diligence.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Perspective

Matthew Henry, in his comprehensive commentary on the entire Bible, offers a reflective perspective on this verse. He asserts that inheritance can sometimes come swiftly and with little effort, but warns that such fortunes rarely bear lasting fruit. He highlights three significant points regarding hasty wealth:

• Illusory Gains: Fast acquisitions can lead to a false sense of security, blinding individuals to the necessity of hard work and preparation.
• Temporary Blessing: Although an early inheritance may seem like a blessing, it often results in future troubles or unwise decisions that can squander the gift.
• God's Favor in Diligence: True prosperity comes through God’s blessing on diligent and principled living. Hard work and divine favor lead to enduring wealth.

Albert Barnes' Exegesis

Albert Barnes elaborates on the importance of understanding the context of inheritance and wealth. He suggests that this verse encapsulates a law of the spiritual economy: that which is gained easily or unlawfully tends to decay. Barnes elaborates on the following points:

• Hasty Inheritance: People may acquire wealth without struggle, yet this often leads to a lack of appreciation and careless management of resources.
• End Result: The consequence of acquiring wealth hastily is often a spiritual impoverishment or a moral decline. Such wealth may even become a curse rather than a blessing.
• Divine Order: God's established order promotes hard work, wisdom, and faithfulness, suggesting that true wealth is a product of sincere effort endorsed by God.

Adam Clarke's Interpretation

Adam Clarke examines the Hebrew terms involved in this proverb, highlighting that the word for "inheritance" implies not just material wealth but also larger spiritual or familial legacy. His insights include:

• Spiritual Value: Clarke brings attention to the eternal perspective, suggesting that earthly wealth is paltry compared to the inheritance believers have in Christ, which is obtained through struggle and faithfulness.
• Final Judgments: The idea that the "end thereof shall not be blessed" points to the finality of life’s choices and how they resonate into eternity. The greater blessing is the eternal legacy left by a life lived righteously.
• Application: Clarke challenges readers to consider how they seek their inheritance and what values they pursue, emphasizing diligence, faithfulness, and righteousness as the true pathways to lasting wealth.

Theological Implications

This verse raises profound theological questions about wealth, providence, and human behavior. The concept of inheritance extends beyond the material, prompting a deeper examination into what it means to inherit the earth, as promised in the Beatitudes. This transitions into a broader discourse regarding the kingdom of God and how believers are to view material wealth in light of eternal riches.

Moreover, this verse emphasizes divine providence, highlighting that God’s hand guides the true paths of prosperity and blessing. In the tension between human ambition and divine order, Proverbs 20:21 teaches that lasting gain is inherently tied to values of hard work, integrity, and spiritual fidelity.

Practical Application

For pastors, students, and theologians, the practical applications of Proverbs 20:21 are manifold. Here are some considerations:

• Encouraging Diligence: Pastors can encourage congregants to pursue their goals with patience, reinforcing the importance of hard work and sustained effort.
• Warning Against Greed: The verse serves as a caution against the temptation to seek quick gains at the expense of integrity.
• Teaching Stewardship: Bible scholars may use this teaching to underline the need for stewardship of both spiritual and material resources, reminding individuals of their responsibilities toward their inheritance.
• Reflecting on Legacy: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on what kind of legacy they wish to leave; focusing on building values that transcend material wealth.

Conclusion

In summary, Proverbs 20:21 presents a clear admonition against the dangers of seeking quick wealth. With insights from esteemed commentators like Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we understand the multifaceted implications of this teaching. It calls for a reflection on the nature of wealth, the importance of diligence, and the eternal perspectives we must hold as we navigate life's choices. Ultimately, it illustrates that while the pursuit of prosperity and inheritance is natural, it is the manner and motivation behind that pursuit that will determine whether the end thereof shall indeed be blessed.