A person who rushes to undervalue possessions and later brags about it undermines genuine community and integrity.
“‘Bad, bad,’ says the buyer, but when he goes his way, then he boasts” (v.14) illustrates a common occurrence: someone who downplays the value of something while negotiating, only to take pride afterwards in how they made a savvy deal. This verse raises a caution about the mindset behind selfish and dishonest transactions. The buyer in this proverb declares, “‘Bad, bad,’” wishing to lower the perceived worth of the item for sale (v.14). Then, once a low cost is secured, “he goes his way, then he boasts” about his cleverness in outmaneuvering the seller (v.14). The wisdom here points out that such behavior is rooted in exaggeration and misplaced confidence rather than in godly virtue.
In the culture of ancient Israel, bargaining was a standard part of daily commerce. This was true in many marketplaces throughout the Near East. Sellers set an asking price, and buyers would attempt to argue for a lower price, often by pointing out real or perceived flaws. The scriptural insight is not to condemn the healthy practice of negotiation, but to warn against undermining honesty and fair dealing. Practical business dealings that honor God do not rely on false claims or cunning deceptions but rather reflect integrity and sincerity (Proverbs 11:1).
By highlighting the buyer’s misplaced boast, this proverb teaches that true accomplishments do not come through trickery but through the righteousness derived from wise living. There is a call here for believers to reflect the nature of Jesus, who taught that our words should be sincere and honest (Matthew 5:37), rather than manipulative or boasting. Ultimately, it is better to trust God’s provision than to chase after short-term gains at the expense of honesty in our interactions with others.
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Proverbs 20:14 meaning
“‘Bad, bad,’ says the buyer, but when he goes his way, then he boasts” (v.14) illustrates a common occurrence: someone who downplays the value of something while negotiating, only to take pride afterwards in how they made a savvy deal. This verse raises a caution about the mindset behind selfish and dishonest transactions. The buyer in this proverb declares, “‘Bad, bad,’” wishing to lower the perceived worth of the item for sale (v.14). Then, once a low cost is secured, “he goes his way, then he boasts” about his cleverness in outmaneuvering the seller (v.14). The wisdom here points out that such behavior is rooted in exaggeration and misplaced confidence rather than in godly virtue.
In the culture of ancient Israel, bargaining was a standard part of daily commerce. This was true in many marketplaces throughout the Near East. Sellers set an asking price, and buyers would attempt to argue for a lower price, often by pointing out real or perceived flaws. The scriptural insight is not to condemn the healthy practice of negotiation, but to warn against undermining honesty and fair dealing. Practical business dealings that honor God do not rely on false claims or cunning deceptions but rather reflect integrity and sincerity (Proverbs 11:1).
By highlighting the buyer’s misplaced boast, this proverb teaches that true accomplishments do not come through trickery but through the righteousness derived from wise living. There is a call here for believers to reflect the nature of Jesus, who taught that our words should be sincere and honest (Matthew 5:37), rather than manipulative or boasting. Ultimately, it is better to trust God’s provision than to chase after short-term gains at the expense of honesty in our interactions with others.