Proverbs 10:2

KJV

¶ Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Treasures {H214} of wickedness {H7562} profit {H3276} nothing: but righteousness {H6666} delivereth {H5337} from death {H4194}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No good comes from ill-gotten wealth, but righteousness rescues from death.

Berean Standard Bible

Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

American Standard Version

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:2 presents a foundational truth within the wisdom tradition, starkly contrasting the ultimate futility of wealth acquired through unrighteous means with the enduring, life-preserving power of a righteous life. It asserts that material gain obtained through wickedness offers no lasting benefit or true security, while adherence to God's moral standards provides genuine deliverance, not merely from physical peril but from the ultimate consequences of sin and spiritual death. This proverb encapsulates a core principle of divine justice, demonstrating that true prosperity and security are found in alignment with God's character and will, rather than in earthly treasures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:2 serves as a pivotal verse, effectively initiating the main body of the "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22). This section is characterized by its collection of short, pithy, and often antithetical sayings, designed to instruct in practical wisdom and moral discernment. Unlike the longer, thematic discourses of the preceding chapters (Proverbs 1-9), these proverbs typically stand alone, each conveying a distinct insight. Verse 2 immediately establishes the dominant literary pattern of this section: a sharp contrast between the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked, setting the moral and theological tone for much of what follows by juxtaposing two opposing outcomes based on ethical choices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs emerged from ancient Israel's wisdom tradition, which sought to understand the moral order of the world established by God and to instruct individuals in living wisely within that order. In a society where economic disparity could be significant and temptations for dishonest gain were ever-present, proverbs like this provided a moral compass. The acquisition of "treasures" (wealth, possessions) was a tangible measure of success, but the wisdom literature consistently challenged the notion that material prosperity, especially when ill-gotten, equated to true blessing or security. Instead, it emphasized the importance of integrity, justice, and community well-being, reflecting a worldview where God's covenantal demands permeated all aspects of life, including economic practices.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Ill-Gotten Gain**, asserting that wealth obtained through injustice or sin ultimately offers no true advantage or lasting security, often leading to ruin (cf. [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Ill-Gotten Wealth Dwindles")). Secondly, it powerfully articulates the **Life-Giving Power of Righteousness**, portraying righteousness not merely as a moral virtue but as an active force that preserves and delivers from the destructive consequences of sin, including death itself (cf. [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath")). Lastly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, subtly implying that God's moral order ensures that actions have consequences, and while the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their gains are ultimately hollow, whereas the righteous are ultimately protected and blessed by God (cf. [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Better the Poor Who Walks in Integrity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, meaning "a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)." This word refers to stored wealth, accumulated riches, or valuable possessions. In the context of "treasures of wickedness," it denotes wealth that has been hoarded or acquired through illicit means, emphasizing its material nature and the illicit source.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _reshaʻ'_):** From H7562, meaning "a wrong (especially moral); iniquity, wicked(-ness)." This term signifies moral evil, ungodliness, or injustice. When paired with "treasures," it specifies that the wealth in question is tainted by sin, deceit, oppression, or any action contrary to God's righteous standards.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, meaning "rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)." This comprehensive term encompasses moral integrity, justice, conformity to God's law, and upright conduct. It is not merely a legal standing but an active, virtuous way of life that aligns with God's character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing":** This clause declares the ultimate futility and emptiness of wealth accumulated through unrighteous means. The Hebrew verb for "profit" (H3276, _yaʻal_) implies gaining value or being beneficial. The assertion "profit nothing" (literally "do not benefit") emphasizes that such gains, despite their superficial appearance of advantage, fail to provide true security, lasting satisfaction, or deliverance when it truly matters, particularly in the face of divine judgment or the ultimate reality of death.
* **"but righteousness delivereth from death":** This clause presents a stark contrast, highlighting the profound and redemptive power of righteousness. The Hebrew verb for "delivereth" (H5337, _nâtsal_) means "to snatch away," "rescue," or "preserve." "Death" (H4194, _mâveth_) refers not only to physical demise but also, in a deeper theological sense, to the spiritual death that is the consequence of sin, separation from God, and ultimate ruin. Thus, righteousness is depicted as an active force that rescues one from the destructive forces of sin and its ultimate outcome, leading to true life and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:2 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements in parallel, with the second line expressing the opposite of the first, thereby highlighting the difference between two paths or outcomes. Here, the "treasures of wickedness" are set in direct opposition to "righteousness," and their respective outcomes—"profit nothing" versus "delivereth from death"—are sharply contrasted. This structure effectively underscores the moral choice and its inevitable consequences. Additionally, there is a subtle element of **Personification**, where "righteousness" is depicted as an active agent capable of "delivering" or rescuing, endowing an abstract concept with the ability to perform a life-saving action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:2 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God's moral order and the inherent consequences of human actions. It teaches that true value and security are not found in material possessions, especially those gained unjustly, but in a life lived in conformity to God's righteous character. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God's justice ultimately prevails, and His covenant people are called to live righteously, trusting in His provision and protection rather than in fleeting worldly gains. The proverb foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, understanding that true life and salvation are found in Him alone, not in the accumulation of earthly wealth.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Psalm 49:6-7](/psalm/49-6 "Psalm 49:6-7 - Trusting in Riches is Vain")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:2 serves as a timeless challenge to re-evaluate our priorities and the sources of our perceived security. In a world often driven by the pursuit of wealth, this proverb reminds us that not all gain is true gain, and some "treasures" are ultimately worthless. It compels us to consider the ethical implications of our economic activities and to prioritize integrity, justice, and godliness above all else. A life of righteousness, characterized by honesty, compassion, and obedience to God, is portrayed as the ultimate safeguard and source of true life. This means actively pursuing what is right in God's eyes, even when it seems to come at a cost, trusting that His way leads to genuine and lasting deliverance from the destructive power of sin and death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to pursue "treasures of wickedness" in my own life, perhaps through dishonest means or by compromising my values for gain?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a belief that "righteousness delivereth from death," or do I implicitly trust more in worldly security?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize righteousness and integrity in my financial decisions and professional interactions?**

### FAQ

**Does "delivereth from death" only refer to physical death?**

Answer: While "death" (Hebrew: _mâveth_) can certainly refer to physical demise and righteousness can indeed protect one from the dangers often associated with a wicked lifestyle (e.g., violence, legal repercussions), the wisdom literature, and the Bible as a whole, often uses "death" in a broader, more profound sense. It encompasses spiritual death, separation from God, ultimate ruin, and the eternal consequences of sin. Therefore, "righteousness delivereth from death" speaks to a holistic deliverance: from the destructive patterns of sin in this life and from eternal separation from God, leading to true, abundant, and everlasting life. This deeper meaning is echoed in passages like [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life") where belief in Christ leads to eternal life.

**How does this proverb relate to the New Testament concept of grace?**

Answer: Proverbs 10:2 emphasizes the beneficial outcomes of righteous living within God's moral order. While it highlights the principle that actions have consequences, it does not explicitly detail the means by which one becomes righteous. The New Testament reveals that true righteousness is not primarily achieved through human effort but is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (see [Romans 3:21-24](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-24 - Righteousness Through Faith")). However, this gifted righteousness then empowers and enables believers to live righteously, producing the good fruit described in Proverbs. Thus, the proverb describes the *fruit* of righteousness, while the New Testament reveals the *root* of righteousness in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of righteousness as an active force that delivers from death, it is in Christ that perfect righteousness is fully embodied and truly effective. Humanity, inherently unrighteous (as seen in [Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10 - None Is Righteous")), cannot earn the deliverance promised here. Instead, Christ, who "knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection are the ultimate act of righteousness that delivers from death—not merely physical death, but the spiritual and eternal death that is the wages of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Through faith in Him, believers are clothed in His righteousness and receive the gift of eternal life, truly being snatched away from the power of death. Thus, the proverb points beyond human effort to the divine work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the only true and lasting deliverance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:4

¶ Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Proverbs 12:28

¶ In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.

Proverbs 21:6

¶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Psalms 49:6

¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalms 49:10

For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Ezekiel 7:19

They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.