Proverbs 10:22

Commentary on Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)

Proverbs 10:22 states, "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." This profound verse from the book of Proverbs encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom concerning true prosperity and its source.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding. Chapter 10 begins a section known as "The Proverbs of Solomon," which often contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, highlighting the consequences of each path. This specific proverb addresses the nature of wealth and success, distinguishing between prosperity that comes from God's favor and that which is gained through human effort or unrighteous means.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Source of True Wealth: The verse asserts that genuine richness, whether material, spiritual, or relational, originates from "the blessing of the LORD." It's not merely about accumulating possessions but about experiencing holistic flourishing that God provides. This contrasts sharply with the world's pursuit of wealth through any means necessary.
• Prosperity Without Pain: The crucial second part, "he addeth no sorrow with it," distinguishes God's blessing from worldly riches. Wealth gained through exploitation, greed, or illicit means often comes with anxiety, guilt, strife, fear of loss, or moral compromise. God's blessing, however, brings peace, contentment, and joy, demonstrating that true prosperity is not just about what you have, but how you have it and the peace that accompanies it.
• Contentment and Peace: This proverb points to a form of richness that includes inner peace and freedom from the burdens often associated with worldly success. It suggests that a modest amount with God's favor is far superior to great abundance achieved through stressful or unrighteous endeavors.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blessing" is berakhah, which signifies divine favor, empowerment, and prosperity. It implies more than just material gain; it suggests an overall state of well-being and flourishing. The term "maketh rich" (Hebrew: 'ashar) refers to becoming wealthy or prosperous. The key contrast lies with "sorrow" (Hebrew: 'etseb), which can mean pain, toil, trouble, or grief. This word is notably used in Genesis 3:17 regarding the curse of toil and pain in labor. Thus, God's blessing provides prosperity that is free from the burdensome toil and painful consequences that often accompany human-driven wealth acquisition.

Related Scriptures

This proverb resonates with other biblical teachings on wealth and God's provision. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, leading to "many sorrows." This directly parallels the contrast in Proverbs 10:22. Similarly, Matthew 6:33 encourages seeking first the kingdom of God, with the promise that "all these things shall be added unto you," implying a blessing without the accompanying sorrow of anxious pursuit. Another relevant passage is Psalm 37:16, which states, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."

Practical Application

For believers today, Proverbs 10:22 offers vital guidance:

• Prioritize God's Favor: Our focus should be on seeking God's will and living righteously, trusting that genuine prosperity and well-being flow from His hand.
• Evaluate the Source of Wealth: This verse challenges us to consider how wealth is acquired. Is it through ethical, God-honoring means, or does it involve compromise and potential future regret?
• Cultivate Contentment: Understanding that God's blessing brings richness without sorrow fosters an attitude of contentment, recognizing that true peace is more valuable than vast riches gained at great personal or moral cost.
• Redefine "Richness": The verse encourages a broader understanding of "richness" that includes spiritual peace, good relationships, health, and a clear conscience, not just material abundance.

In essence, Proverbs 10:22 teaches that God's blessing provides a holistic, peaceful prosperity that is fundamentally different from the often troublesome and unsatisfying wealth pursued by the world. It’s a call to trust in divine provision and to seek a life of integrity.