Proverbs 20:14 Meaning: The Buyer's Lie and the Brag That Follows
“It’s no good, it’s no good,” says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.
It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
`Bad, bad,' saith the buyer, And going his way then he boasteth himself.
Bad! bad! saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
Meaning in one sentence
Proverbs 20:14 exposes the buyer who pretends goods are worthless to get a low price, then brags about the deal. A call to honesty in everyday transactions.
Context
This proverb sits in the heart of Solomon's wisdom, surrounded by sayings that confront dishonesty head-on. Just before it, verse 10 condemns differing weights and measures; just after, verse 15 praises lips of knowledge over gold. The chapter keeps returning to the gap between what people say and what they truly value. Here the focus is on a buyer who loudly declares a product worthless, drives the price down, and then once the deal is done, brags to others about the bargain. The scene is so familiar it almost feels neutral, but the surrounding verses push us to ask: does this match the integrity God calls for?
Key Words
The Hebrew word for 'bad,' ra, appears twice in the buyer's mouth, an emphatic claim that the goods have no value. It is the same word used for moral evil elsewhere, which adds weight to his deception. The buyer is the qoneh, one who acquires by purchase, often through negotiation. Then the verb for 'goes his way' is azal, which can also mean to vanish or be used up, hinting that the dishonesty is fleeting but not forgotten. Finally, the word for 'brags' is yithallel, a reflexive form where the buyer praises himself for his own cleverness. Together these words show that this is not just a transaction strategy but a heart issue, pride in a deception that God already sees.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this proverb as a moral warning, not a neutral observation. Matthew Henry calls it a 'reproveable practice.' Adam Clarke straightforwardly names it 'knavery.' The Cambridge Bible notes that the buyer is guilty of 'conventional lying.' Some Jewish commentators, like Jarchi, apply the verse metaphorically to the pursuit of wisdom, but the plain meaning has always carried ethical force. While traditions may differ on how to apply the principle today, they agree that God sees the buyer’s double heart and calls His people to single-hearted truth.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse as a simple observation of market behavior, with no moral judgment intended. In fact, the surrounding context of dishonest scales and fraudulent food (verses 10, 17) shows that the buyer’s words are not harmless; they are a form of deception. The later bragging is not a sign of success but of a conscience that celebrates its own sin. The proverb is meant to make us uncomfortable with our own reflection.
Living This Out
This week, watch for the small ways you might say something is worse than it truly is to get a better price or advantage. It might be a negotiation at work, a price check at a store, or even a comment about someone else's work. You don't need to become a victim of unfair deals, but you can speak what you truly believe. God honours the truth more than a bargain. Let your words match your honest assessment, and trust that He sees and rewards integrity.
Main takeaway: God sees the truth behind our words, and honest speech honours Him more than any bargain gained by deception.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes people say something is bad just to get it cheaper. But God wants us to be honest, even when we buy things. Telling the truth makes God happy.
For ages 9, 12
You might have pretended you didn't want something so you could get it for a lower price. This proverb describes that exact situation. The buyer says 'it's no good' to trick the seller, then brags about the bargain. But God sees the deception. He calls us to be honest in all our dealings, whether anyone is watching or not. Integrity means letting your yes be yes, even in a negotiation.
Questions People Ask
What does 'it's no good, it's no good' mean in Proverbs 20:14?
The buyer is trying to convince the seller the product is worthless so the seller will lower the price. It is a bargaining tactic, but the proverb presents it as dishonest.
Is it wrong to haggle or bargain?
Bargaining itself is not condemned in the Bible, but this verse warns against lying about the value of something. You can negotiate fairly without falsehood.
Why does the buyer brag after getting the bargain?
The bragging reveals pride in his own cleverness. The Hebrew word for 'brags' (yithallel) is reflexive, indicating he is praising himself for outwitting the seller. This pride is what makes the deception sinful.
How does this verse apply to modern life?
It applies to any situation where we downplay the true value of something to gain an advantage, such as negotiating a salary, selling a car, or even writing a review. God calls us to truthfulness in all things.
What do Christian commentators say about this proverb?
Most agree it condemns dishonest bargaining. Matthew Henry calls it a 'reproveable practice,' Adam Clarke calls it 'knavery,' and the Cambridge Bible sees it as a warning against 'conventional lying.'
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study