What does Proverbs 11:26 mean — 'He that withholds corn'?
What does Proverbs 11:26 mean — 'He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him'?
William Kelly places v. 26 in a section (vv. 24–31) that strikes "a deathblow at selfishness."
William Kelly"Next we hear the people, on the other side, cursing the withholder of corn in the time of want and suffering to enrich himself, as surely as blessing does not fail to be on his head that fairly disposes of it. See it in the beautiful tale of Joseph during Egypt's years of famine. Alas! the sad story prevails today too often where the glad one should be heard."
Within the broader principle of generosity:
"Even agriculture, trade, and commerce illustrate faith in the unseen, however severed from that sovereign grace which is the spring of blessing in the spiritual realm. But increase as the result cannot be without judgment along the way. On the other hand, niggardliness and fear cannot ward off want, nor do they deserve it."
A. J. Pollock applies the verse to economic exploitation — cornering commodities:
A. J. Pollock"We are exhorted to generous giving. The liberal soul shall be 'made fat' (Prov. 11:25). We are forbidden to make a corner in commodities, forcing prices up, and gathering a fortune out of other people's misfortunes. 'He that withholds corn, the people shall curse him.'"
Pollock also makes a spiritual application — withholding Scripture is worse than withholding corn:
"How much more so when the word of the living God is withheld. Since 1816 four pontiffs in succession have stated to the world that by the reading of the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue, 'the very foundations of their religion are undermined.'"
F. W. Grant applies the verse to the responsibility of sharing the gospel:
F. W. Grant"If 'he that withholdeth corn the people shall curse him,' what is the responsibility of those who hold back from perishing souls the 'word of life,' — the good word that can make glad the saddest heart, — yea, make the tongue of the dumb to sing for joy?"
There are two layers of meaning: (1) Hoarding grain during famine to drive up prices is denounced — the one who sells fairly receives blessing; the hoarder receives the people's curse. (2) If withholding physical food brings a curse, how much greater the responsibility to share spiritual food — the Scriptures and the gospel — with those who need it.