Proverbs 10:3

KJV

The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will not suffer {H7456} the soul {H5315} of the righteous {H6662} to famish {H7456}: but he casteth away {H1920} the substance {H1942} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:3 encapsulates a foundational principle of divine justice and moral order within the Solomonic wisdom tradition. It declares God's unwavering commitment to comprehensively sustain the righteous, ensuring their holistic well-being and preventing any form of spiritual or existential deprivation. In stark contrast, the proverb asserts that the Lord actively rejects or renders futile the ill-gotten gains and corrupt endeavors of the wicked, highlighting the transient and ultimately valueless nature of their worldly accumulations. This verse thus establishes a clear, divinely ordained consequence tied to one's moral alignment, underscoring that true security and lasting prosperity are found in righteousness, not in material acquisition divorced from God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:3 initiates a significant section of the book (chapters 10-29), predominantly comprising individual, often antithetical, two-line proverbs attributed to Solomon. Unlike the longer, thematic discourses found in [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1-9 "Proverbs 1-9 - Discourses on Wisdom and Folly"), these later proverbs are typically self-contained units that present sharp contrasts between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, diligence and sloth, and their respective outcomes. This particular verse immediately follows [Proverbs 10:1-2](/proverbs/10-1-2 "Proverbs 10:1-2 - Wise and Foolish Children"), which also introduces the theme of contrasting destinies based on moral character. By emphasizing divine oversight in the moral economy of the world, Proverbs 10:3 sets a foundational tone for the subsequent collection. The prevalent structure of antithetical parallelism, where the second line directly opposes or complements the first, is a hallmark of this section, making the distinction between the righteous and the wicked particularly stark and memorable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rooted deeply in the ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, the book of Proverbs reflects a society profoundly shaped by covenant theology, where the relationship with Yahweh inherently involved moral obligations and promised blessings or curses. The concept of "famish" (hunger) would have resonated profoundly in an agrarian society highly susceptible to drought and famine, making God's promise of sustenance a powerful and tangible assurance. Conversely, the "substance" or wealth of the wicked, often acquired through oppressive or unjust means, was viewed with suspicion, as it defied the communal and ethical principles embedded within the Mosaic Law. The proverb speaks to a worldview where God is not a distant, passive deity but an active participant in human affairs, upholding justice and ensuring that ultimate outcomes align with His righteous character. This pervasive divine involvement provided a comprehensive framework for understanding both prosperity and adversity, not merely as random occurrences, but as expressions of God's moral governance in the world.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 10:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Provision**, assuring that the Lord actively cares for and sustains those who walk in righteousness. This is not merely a promise of physical food, but a holistic provision for the "soul," encompassing spiritual, emotional, and existential well-being, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 37:25](/psalms/37-25 "Psalm 37:25 - The Righteous Not Forsaken"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting that God will not tolerate the ill-gotten gains or the corrupt pursuits of the wicked. Their "substance" is ultimately rejected, signifying that wealth acquired through unrighteousness is fleeting and carries no divine blessing, a truth reiterated in [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not"). Finally, the proverb reinforces the concept of a **Moral Economy of God**, where actions have divinely ordained consequences. It teaches that true and lasting prosperity is a spiritual and moral reality rooted in a right relationship with God, rather than a mere accumulation of material possessions. This moral framework encourages adherence to wisdom and righteousness as the path to genuine flourishing and divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_'):** (H5315) This term is remarkably versatile, referring not just to the spiritual aspect of a human but also to the entire person, their life, appetite, desires, or even their breath. In Proverbs 10:3, "the soul of the righteous" signifies their very being, their innermost life, and their deepest longings. The divine promise is that their holistic existence, encompassing fundamental needs and desires, will not be left unfulfilled or deprived by God.
* **famish (Hebrew, _râʻêb_'):** (H7456) This primitive root means "to hunger" or "to starve." When applied to the "soul," it extends beyond mere physical hunger to encompass a profound sense of lack, deprivation, or unfulfillment in a spiritual or existential sense. The Lord's promise is that the righteous will not experience this deep, debilitating emptiness or spiritual starvation; rather, they will be comprehensively satisfied.
* **substance (Hebrew, _havvâh_'):** (H1942) Derived from a root suggesting "eagerly coveting and rushing upon," this complex word can mean "desire," "ruin," "calamity," or "iniquity," as well as "substance" or "mischievous thing." In this context, it refers to the wealth, possessions, or even the very plans and desires of the wicked. The multifaceted meaning hints that what the wicked eagerly covet and rush upon (their "substance") is inherently linked to ruin or mischief, and it is this tainted accumulation that God actively rejects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish":** This initial clause presents a powerful divine promise of faithful and comprehensive provision. "The LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) is the active subject, guaranteeing that He will not permit the deepest needs and desires—the very life and being—of those who live in moral rectitude ("the righteous") to go unfulfilled or to experience profound deprivation. This implies a comprehensive, holistic sustenance that extends beyond mere physical needs to spiritual, emotional, and existential well-being, ensuring their ultimate flourishing.
* **"but he casteth away the substance of the wicked":** This contrasting clause highlights divine judgment and the futility of unrighteousness. The same "LORD" who provides for the righteous actively rejects, dismisses, or renders useless the "substance" (wealth, possessions, or even the corrupt desires and plans) of those who are morally wrong and actively bad ("the wicked"). This is not merely a passive withholding of blessing but an active nullification, indicating that their gains, however impressive they may appear, are ultimately fleeting, unstable, and devoid of divine approval or lasting value.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:3 is a quintessential example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a dominant literary device throughout the book of Proverbs. The first line presents a positive assertion about the righteous and their divine provision, while the second line directly contrasts it with a negative assertion about the wicked and their divine rejection. This structure vividly highlights the opposing destinies and divine responses to different moral characters. The proverb also employs **Synecdoche** by using "the soul" to represent the entire person of the righteous, extending the concept of hunger beyond physical need to encompass a holistic spiritual and existential state. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear **Didactic Statement**, directly teaching a fundamental moral truth about God's active governance and justice in the world. The strong verbs "suffer...to famish" and "casteth away" underscore the definitive nature of God's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:3 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution and the moral order of the cosmos, where God is actively involved in upholding justice. It reassures the righteous of God's unfailing care, demonstrating that their ultimate security and flourishing are rooted in their relationship with Him, not in worldly circumstances or material possessions. Conversely, it serves as a stern warning to the wicked, revealing the inherent futility of their ill-gotten gains and the certainty of divine disapproval. This proverb underscores that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but a state of holistic well-being and divine favor, while unrighteousness, despite any temporary success, inevitably leads to ultimate emptiness and rejection in God's economy. It reinforces the covenantal understanding that faithfulness to God brings blessing, and rebellion brings consequences, establishing a clear framework for understanding God's character as both benevolent provider and righteous judge.

* [Psalm 34:10](/psalms/34-10 "Psalm 34:10 - The Young Lions Suffer Want")
* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Place of the Wicked")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:3 offers profound encouragement and a sober warning for believers today, challenging our contemporary understanding of security and success. For the righteous, it is a powerful reminder to trust implicitly in God's comprehensive provision. In a world often driven by anxiety over material security and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse calls us to release our grip on earthly possessions and instead anchor our hope in the Lord, who promises to sustain our very "soul." It challenges us to define "famishing" not merely as physical hunger, but as a deep spiritual or existential void that only God, through His presence and truth, can truly fill. Our pursuit of righteousness, rather than worldly success, becomes the pathway to genuine contentment and holistic fulfillment. For those tempted by dishonest gain, expedient shortcuts to prosperity, or the allure of ill-gotten wealth, the proverb serves as a stark caution: any "substance" acquired through unrighteousness, no matter how impressive or secure it appears in the short term, is ultimately worthless in God's eyes and will be "cast away." This compels us to critically examine our motivations, the sources of our "substance," and to prioritize integrity, obedience, and divine approval above all else, knowing that only what is built on God's truth and righteousness will endure with lasting value.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "soul" be "famishing" today, and how am I actively seeking God's comprehensive provision for those deeper spiritual and emotional needs?**
* **What "substance" (possessions, achievements, relationships) in my life might I be accumulating that God might deem "wicked" or ultimately "cast away" due to its unrighteous foundation or pursuit?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my current understanding of true prosperity and security in a materialistic and performance-driven world?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more fully trust in God's provision for my life, rather than relying solely on my own efforts, worldly systems, or the accumulation of fleeting wealth?**

### FAQ
**Does "famish" only refer to physical hunger for the righteous?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word _nephesh_ (soul, H5315) is remarkably broad, encompassing the entire person, their life, appetite, and deepest desires. Therefore, "famish" (_râʻêb_, H7456) here extends beyond mere physical hunger to include spiritual, emotional, and existential deprivation. The Lord's promise is that the righteous will not suffer a profound lack or unfulfillment in any essential aspect of their being. This holistic provision ensures their well-being in every dimension of life, reflecting God's comprehensive care for those who align with His will, as seen in the assurance that [the Lord is their shepherd and they shall not want](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

**What does "substance of the wicked" refer to, and how is it "cast away"?**

Answer: "Substance" (_havvâh_, H1942) refers to the wealth, possessions, or even the plans and desires of the wicked. The term itself carries connotations of ruin or mischief, suggesting that what the wicked acquire is often tainted or leads to their own downfall. "Cast away" (_hâdaph_, H1920) implies an active, forceful rejection or rendering useless by God. This doesn't necessarily mean immediate material poverty for the wicked, but rather that their gains lack divine blessing, are unstable, and ultimately hold no lasting value or eternal significance. Their efforts and accumulations are ultimately futile in God's eyes, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the perfectly [Righteous One](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins"), Jesus never experienced the "famishing" of His soul, for He perfectly trusted and obeyed the Father, always doing His will and finding His sustenance in God's purposes. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who fully satisfies the deepest hungers of the human soul, declaring, "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He became the ultimate provision for humanity's spiritual famine, offering eternal life and true sustenance to all who believe. Conversely, Christ also embodies the divine judgment against the "substance of the wicked." His life and ministry consistently exposed the emptiness of worldly power, ill-gotten gain, and self-serving ambition. On the cross, He bore the full weight of sin, effectively "casting away" the power and dominion of wickedness, rendering it futile and disarming the principalities and powers. His resurrection signifies the ultimate triumph over sin and death, demonstrating that any "substance" built on anything other than Him is destined for ruin. In Christ, the promise of enduring provision for the righteous and the certainty of judgment upon wickedness are perfectly realized, offering a new covenant reality where believers are sustained by His Spirit and freed from the futility of a life apart from God, inheriting an [incorruptible inheritance](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance") that can never be cast away.

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

Matthew 6:30

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalms 37:25

I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Psalms 34:9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.