Bible Strands
Proverbs 28:25
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The verse appears in a wisdom collection addressed to a general audience, positioned between warnings against familial exploitation (Proverbs 28:24) and the folly of self-reliance (Proverbs 28:26).
The words — רְחַב־נֶפֶשׁ (re.chav-nefesh) literally means "arrogant of self," describing the disposition that provokes conflict, while יְדֻשָּׁן (ye.dushan) translates to "he will be made fat," indicating material and spiritual prosperity for the one who relies on Yahweh.
The thread — The contrast between greed-driven conflict and trust-driven provision echoes Proverbs 10:12 on strife versus love, Proverbs 11:25 on the prosperity of the generous soul, and 1 Timothy 6:6 on the gain of godly contentment.
Why it lands — The text demands a deliberate transfer of reliance from self-driven ambition to divine provision, warning that arrogance guarantees division while trust guarantees stability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 11:25 A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
- 1 Timothy 6:6 Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
- Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
- Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
- Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
- Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
- Psalms 84:12 O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!
- Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
- Proverbs 21:24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.
- Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.