Amsal 20:21

20:21 An inheritance gained easily ¹  in the beginning

will not be blessed ²  in the end. ³ 

[20:21]  ¹ tc The Kethib reads מְבֻחֶלֶת (mÿbukhelet), “gotten by greed” (based on a cognate Syriac verb, “to be greedy”); but the Qere is מְבֹהֶלֶת (mÿvohelet), “gotten hastily [or, quickly].” A large number of mss and the ancient versions read with the Qere (cf. KJV, ASV “gotten hastily”; NAB “gained hastily”; NIV “quickly gained”; NRSV “quickly acquired”).

[20:21]  sn If the inheritance is obtained quickly, it could mean prematurely (e.g., Luke 15:12) or cruelly (Prov 19:26). The inheritance is gained without labor or without preparation.

[20:21]  ² tn The form is the Pual imperfect, “will not be blessed,” suggesting that divine justice is at work.

[20:21]  sn The Hebrew verb means “enriched, made fruitful, prospered.” Whatever the inheritance was, it will not reach its full potential or even remain permanent.

[20:21]  ³ tn Heb “in its end”; KJV, ASV “the end thereof.”