Proverbs 10:22

KJV

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

KJV (with Strong's)

The blessing {H1293} of the LORD {H3068}, it maketh rich {H6238}, and he addeth {H3254} no sorrow {H6089} with it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The blessing of ADONAI is what makes people rich, and he doesn't mix sorrow with it.

Berean Standard Bible

The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.

American Standard Version

The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:22 profoundly declares that true prosperity originates from the blessing of the LORD, a richness that comes without the painful toil, anxiety, or grief often associated with worldly gain. This verse distinguishes divine favor from human striving, asserting that God's provision brings holistic well-being, peace, and contentment, contrasting sharply with the burdens and sorrows that frequently accompany wealth acquired through ungodly or self-serving means. It underscores the qualitative difference of God-given abundance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10 marks a significant shift in the book, initiating a large collection of individual, often antithetical, proverbs primarily attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1-22:16). Unlike the longer discourses of the opening chapters, these proverbs are typically two-line couplets that contrast the path of the righteous with that of the wicked, or wisdom with folly. Proverbs 10:22 stands as a powerful statement within this section, articulating a core principle of divine blessing as opposed to the often-troubled outcomes of human effort or unrighteousness. It is part of a broader theme in Proverbs that consistently links righteousness with blessing and wickedness with ruin, offering a clear distinction between the nature and source of true prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wealth, land, and numerous offspring were often seen as tangible signs of divine favor and blessing. However, the means of acquiring such wealth varied greatly. While legitimate trade and agriculture were common, practices like exploitation, usury, and oppression of the poor were also prevalent. Proverbs 10:22 speaks into this context by asserting that the *source* of wealth is paramount. It implicitly critiques the pursuit of riches through methods that bring strife, injustice, or moral compromise. The concept of "sorrow" (Hebrew: `ʻetseb`) resonates with the curse pronounced in [Genesis 3:17](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17 - The Curse of Toil") where toil and pain are associated with human labor outside of Eden, suggesting that God's blessing can, in a sense, reverse or mitigate the painful aspects of human endeavor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes found throughout Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **divine sovereignty over prosperity**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of true wealth, not human ingenuity or effort alone. Secondly, it defines **true wealth as holistic flourishing**, encompassing peace, contentment, and freedom from anxiety, rather than mere material accumulation. This contrasts with the world's often narrow definition of "richness." Thirdly, it emphasizes the **qualitative difference between godly and worldly gain**, illustrating that wealth acquired through ungodly means often brings hidden burdens, while God's blessing is accompanied by peace. This theme is echoed in other wisdom literature, such as [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - Better a Little with Righteousness"), which states, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked." The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of **contentment and trust in divine provision**, urging the reader to seek God's favor above all else.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From H1293, this term signifies divine favor, empowerment, and prosperity. It implies more than mere material gain, encompassing an overall state of well-being, flourishing, and enablement from God. It is a benefaction that originates from the benevolent will of the LORD, leading to true, comprehensive good.
* **maketh rich (Hebrew, _ʻâshar'_):** From H6238, this primitive root means "to accumulate" or "to grow (causatively, make) rich." In this context, it refers to God's active role in bestowing wealth or prosperity. This "richness" is not limited to financial assets but extends to a holistic abundance that includes spiritual, relational, and physical well-being, all divinely granted.
* **sorrow (Hebrew, _ʻetseb'_):** From H6089, this word denotes painful toil, grief, or a pang of body or mind. It is notably used in [Genesis 3:17](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17 - The Curse of Toil") to describe the painful labor and toil that became humanity's lot after the fall. Here, it refers to the anxieties, burdens, regrets, and moral compromises that often accompany wealth acquired through human striving, greed, or unrighteous means, contrasting sharply with the peace that accompanies God's blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The blessing of the LORD":** This opening phrase identifies the singular, divine source of true prosperity. It is not human effort, cunning, or chance, but the active favor and empowerment of YHWH, the covenant-keeping God, that brings genuine abundance.
* **"it maketh rich":** This clause describes the direct effect of the LORD's blessing. The "richness" imparted is comprehensive, extending beyond mere material possessions to include spiritual, relational, and emotional well-being. It signifies a state of flourishing and abundance that God himself bestows.
* **"and he addeth no sorrow with it":** This crucial second half of the proverb distinguishes God's blessing from all other forms of wealth. The "he" refers to the LORD, who, in His benevolence, ensures that the prosperity He grants is free from the painful toil, anxiety, grief, or moral burdens (`ʻetseb`) that often accompany worldly riches. It implies peace, contentment, and a clear conscience.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Solomonic proverbs. While not explicitly stating a contrast in two clauses, the verse implicitly contrasts the nature of God-given wealth with wealth acquired through worldly means. The first clause, "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich," sets up the divine source of prosperity, while the second, "and he addeth no sorrow with it," highlights the unique characteristic of this divine wealth, implicitly contrasting it with the "sorrow" often associated with human-driven gain. This creates a powerful distinction. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through the strong negation "no sorrow," underscoring the absolute nature of this freedom from burden. There is also a subtle form of **Personification** where "the blessing" is presented as an active agent that "maketh rich," although the ultimate agent is the LORD. The entire proverb functions as a **Didactic Statement**, designed to instruct the reader on the true nature of prosperity and its divine origin, guiding them toward a life of wisdom and trust in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:22 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical perspective on wealth and divine provision. It fundamentally asserts that God is the ultimate source of all true and lasting prosperity, challenging the worldly notion that wealth is solely a product of human effort, ingenuity, or even exploitation. The "richness" spoken of here is not merely material accumulation but a holistic flourishing that encompasses spiritual peace, relational harmony, and freedom from the anxieties and burdens that often accompany worldly gain. This verse teaches that God's blessing is qualitatively different: it is pure, untainted by the "sorrow" of guilt, fear, or moral compromise. It points to a divine economy where righteousness and trust in God lead to a form of abundance that brings genuine contentment, contrasting sharply with the "love of money" that the New Testament warns can lead to "many sorrows" and straying from the faith.

* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Evil") - "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - Better a Little with Righteousness") - "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:22 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating a world often obsessed with wealth and material success. It challenges us to re-evaluate our definition of "richness," shifting our focus from mere accumulation to a holistic understanding of well-being that originates from God's favor. This verse calls us to prioritize seeking God's blessing and living righteously, trusting that true prosperity—whether material, spiritual, or relational—will flow from His hand without the accompanying anxieties, guilt, or burdens. It encourages an ethical approach to wealth acquisition, reminding us that means matter as much as ends. When we pursue wealth through ungodly means or with a greedy heart, we often invite "sorrow" in the form of stress, broken relationships, moral compromise, or a restless spirit. Conversely, embracing God's blessing cultivates contentment, peace, and a clear conscience, proving that a life of integrity, even with modest means, is infinitely more valuable than vast riches gained at great personal or spiritual cost. This proverb invites us to trust in divine provision and to find our ultimate security and satisfaction not in what we possess, but in the One who blesses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I personally define "richness," and does my definition align with the holistic view presented in Proverbs 10:22?**
* **What "sorrows" or anxieties have I experienced or observed in the pursuit of wealth apart from God's guidance?**
* **In what practical ways can I prioritize seeking God's blessing and living righteously over worldly striving for financial gain?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment and trust in God's provision, even when my material resources are limited?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promise material wealth to all believers?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 10:22 does not guarantee specific material abundance for every believer. Instead, it speaks of a holistic "richness" that encompasses spiritual, relational, and material well-being, always emphasizing that this blessing comes without the accompanying "sorrow" or painful toil. The verse highlights the *source* and *quality* of prosperity, not a universal promise of financial riches. God's blessing can manifest in various forms, including peace, health, strong relationships, wisdom, and contentment, which are often far more valuable than material possessions alone. The Bible teaches that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")), but this is distinct from a promise of extravagant wealth.

**What kind of "sorrow" is being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "sorrow" is `ʻetseb` (H6089), which implies painful toil, grief, anxiety, or trouble. It refers to the burdens, regrets, moral compromises, and relational strife that often accompany wealth gained through ungodly means, excessive striving, or a greedy heart. This "sorrow" can manifest as the stress of maintaining wealth, the fear of losing it, the guilt of how it was acquired, or the broken relationships and spiritual emptiness that can result from prioritizing money over God. It contrasts sharply with the peace, joy, and contentment that God's blessing brings, which is free from such painful consequences. This concept echoes the "toil" and "sorrow" mentioned in [Genesis 3:17](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17 - The Curse of Toil") as a result of the Fall, suggesting that God's blessing can bring a measure of relief from the curse's effects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the LORD's blessing making one rich without sorrow, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's supreme blessing to humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became poor that we might become truly rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Though He Was Rich, Yet For Your Sakes He Became Poor")). The "richness" He bestows is not primarily material, but spiritual, eternal, and holistic: reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, adoption into His family, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. This divine inheritance comes without the "sorrow" of sin, guilt, or the curse of the law, for Christ bore all our sorrows and griefs on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Has Borne Our Griefs and Carried Our Sorrows")). His invitation to take His yoke upon us promises that His "yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light" ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - My Yoke is Easy")), directly contrasting the painful toil and anxiety (`ʻetseb`) often associated with worldly striving. The peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) is the hallmark of the richness Christ offers, a blessing that truly adds no sorrow, but rather eternal joy and contentment.

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

Psalms 107:38

He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

Genesis 26:12

¶ Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Genesis 24:35

And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Psalms 37:22

For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.