What does it mean to be greedy as the grave? (Habakkuk 2:5)
Habakkuk 2:5 5indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples. New International Version
Habakkuk 2:5
ESV - 5 "Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples."
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Asked September 23 2019
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
In my opinion, the simile "as greedy as the grave" refers to the fact that, just as people will always continue to die, and there will never be a point where death ceases because "enough" people have already died, a person (or nation) with similar greed will never be satisfied with what he (or it) has, but will always continue to desire more, whether through the accumulation of wealth, or (in the context of Habakkuk's prophecy) the conquering of other nations.
Shirley H
I think that this verse is a reminder that to be caught up in the things of the world is to be on the pathway to death. Surely self righteousness, pride, depends on one's own accomplishments. We need to depend on Jesus. We are to walk by faith!
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