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Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:26, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
American Standard Version
He that withholdeth grain, the people shall curse him; But blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
World English Bible version
People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
Proverbs 11:26 Meaning & Commentary
The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. Proverbs 11:26 (ESV)
The Bible contrasts two kinds of people here: One who holds back grain and one who sells it. What exactly does this mean? Grain is a type of food that nourishes and feeds other people. The Bible says that one who holds back grain will be cursed. Why would someone hold back grain? Well, the person could be stingy or have selfish motives or motives for destruction.
We can think of this in the literal or metaphorical context, where the grain (food) can be symbolic. We all have something we can give or offer to others, and it is our choice to either give it or hold it back. Giving of ourselves can either enlarge our lives and cause us to walk in a greater blessing or cause us to be cursed. Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Bible demonstrates that God himself is a giver; He loves the world so much that he GAVE his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but would have eternal life: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
You cannot love and not be a giver. Love gives – It is a natural response when you love someone to want to give to them. If you love a family member or spouse, no one needs to ask you or convince you to give to them; it flows out from within. You will certainly not withhold anything from them, unlike the person in Proverbs 11:26 who is, by nature, selfish!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:26 to our lives?
Withholding anything back from someone is not within God’s nature and character. So, if we desire to be Christlike, we need to practice the art of giving and not withholding what is right and fair. The Bible always teaches us to be outwardly focused: 1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
To be outwardly focused is to think of others, not only ourselves. The challenge is to start where we are, and with what we have, and to serve others: 1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
We all have gifts and need to use our talents and abilities to serve them to one another. As we do this, we begin to exercise faithfulness in our lives, and God will bring increase and blessing in every area of our lives: Luke 16:10 One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
The verse in Proverbs 11:26 references that the grain was sold, which is interesting because we usually think that to be blessed, we need to give away what we have, but this is not correct because our talents and gifts, although from God – Is what brings us income and how we add value to the world. In turn, we receive monetary compensation! So, we should not be afraid to serve our gift to the world but charge for it!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for this challenge and encouragement to not withhold anything I have in my possession or inside of me. I know that my gifts, talents, and abilities are from you and have been deposited in me with a purpose. I thank you for blessing me to be a blessing to others. Please bring people across my path who need what I carry. Thank you for the revelation that my gift will be a source of income and sustainability for me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
