Proverbs 11:26People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
The setting
Ancient marketplace in Jerusalem, ~950 BC. Grain merchants deciding whether to release stored wheat during shortage. Modern-day Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: indignant at marketplace injustice
The original word
monek (מֹנֵעַ) — one who restrains, holds back what others desperately need
Why it matters
Grain storage was often controlled by wealthy merchants who could manipulate prices during famines
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 11:26
This wasn't about normal business — it was about withholding basic food during crisis when people were starving
Common misconceptionPeople apply this to any business transaction, but Solomon was specifically addressing life-or-death hoarding during crisis, not normal market pricing.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 11:26
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 11:26 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 11:26 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include generosity, consequences. Notable phrases: curse; blessing; withholds grain.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 11:26 mean to you, today?
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