Proverbs 13:25

KJV

¶ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

KJV (with Strong's)

The righteous {H6662} eateth {H398} to the satisfying {H7648} of his soul {H5315}: but the belly {H990} of the wicked {H7563} shall want {H2637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous person eats his fill, but the belly of the wicked is empty.

Berean Standard Bible

A righteous man eats to his heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

American Standard Version

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:25 delivers a profound and concise contrast between the ultimate states of the righteous and the wicked, asserting that true and lasting satisfaction is a divine blessing bestowed upon those who walk in integrity, while perpetual emptiness and unfulfilled desire are the inevitable lot of those who pursue wickedness. This proverb encapsulates a core theme of biblical wisdom literature: that wisdom, rooted in righteousness, leads to holistic well-being and contentment, whereas folly, characterized by ungodliness, results in an insatiable void that can never be truly filled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13 is a masterful display of antithetical parallelism, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature, where contrasting ideas, characters, and outcomes are juxtaposed to illuminate moral and spiritual truths. Throughout the chapter, sharp distinctions are consistently drawn between the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, the humble and the proud, and most prominently, the righteous and the wicked. Verses immediately preceding and following [Proverbs 13](/proverbs/13 "Proverbs 13 - Wisdom's Blessings and Folly's Consequences") reinforce this overarching theme of contrasting destinies. For instance, [Proverbs 13:24](/proverbs/13-24 "Proverbs 13:24 - Discipline and Love") speaks of discipline as an act of love, while [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - Inheritance of the Righteous") discusses the inheritance of the righteous, both implicitly tied to the long-term outcomes of righteous or wicked living. Our verse, [Proverbs 13:25](/proverbs/13-25 "Proverbs 13:25 - The Satisfaction of the Righteous vs. The Want of the Wicked"), serves as a climactic summary, emphasizing the deep, internal satisfaction of the righteous versus the chronic dissatisfaction of the wicked, making it a powerful capstone to the chapter's ethical instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs is deeply embedded in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which aimed to impart practical and moral instruction for navigating life successfully within God's established order. In ancient Israel, "wisdom" was not merely intellectual acumen but the skill of living in harmonious alignment with divine principles. The "righteous" (Hebrew: *tsaddîyq*) were those who lived in covenant fidelity, upholding justice, integrity, and obedience to God's law, reflecting His character in their daily lives. In contrast, the "wicked" (Hebrew: *râshâʻ*) were those who rebelled against God's ways, characterized by injustice, deceit, and self-serving ambition. The concepts of "eating to the satisfying of his soul" and the "belly of the wicked shall want" are rooted in a society where physical sustenance was a daily concern and often a visible sign of divine blessing or curse. However, the language transcends mere physical hunger, extending to encompass a holistic sense of well-being, spiritual contentment, and existential fulfillment, reflecting a worldview where material and spiritual realities were intrinsically linked and seen as expressions of one's relationship with the divine.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Retribution and Consequence**, albeit in a nuanced manner that emphasizes internal states rather than solely external circumstances. It posits that righteous living generally leads to an internal state of blessing and contentment, while wickedness inevitably results in an internal state of hardship and dissatisfaction. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **True Prosperity**, asserting that genuine wealth lies not in material accumulation but in an internal state of contentment and spiritual satisfaction, a deep peace that transcends fluctuating circumstances. This aligns with the wisdom found throughout [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"), which consistently affirms the ultimate flourishing and peace of the righteous. Thirdly, the verse speaks profoundly to the **Nature of Desire and Fulfillment**, positing that only a life aligned with divine wisdom can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human spirit. Conversely, a life of ungodliness, driven by selfish and misdirected desires, inevitably leads to an insatiable emptiness, a perpetual "want." This concept resonates with the warnings against covetousness and the futility of worldly pursuits found throughout Scripture, such as in [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Riches"), which declares, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From the root meaning "just," this term describes one who is morally upright, lawful, and in right standing with God and humanity. It refers to a person whose character and actions conform to divine standards of justice and integrity. In this context, it signifies not merely outward adherence to rules, but an internal disposition of godliness that leads to a life of true flourishing and alignment with God's will.
* **Satisfying (Hebrew, _sôbaʻ'_):** This word denotes a state of being full, satiated, or completely satisfied, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. It implies an abundance that fills one's entire being, leading to deep contentment and well-being. This profound sense of fulfillment stands in stark contrast to the concept of "want" in the latter half of the verse, highlighting the complete provision experienced by the righteous.
* **Want (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lack," "fail," or "be in need." This word starkly contrasts with "satisfying." It conveys a perpetual state of emptiness, an insatiable craving, or a chronic sense of deficiency, regardless of external circumstances or material possessions. It speaks to an internal void that cannot be filled by worldly means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul:"** This clause paints a vivid picture of profound internal contentment and holistic well-being. The act of "eating" is a metaphor extending beyond mere physical consumption to encompass the reception of sustenance, blessing, and provision in all aspects of life. The satisfaction reaches the "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*), which signifies the entire person—their desires, emotions, life force, and spiritual core. This suggests that the righteous, by virtue of their alignment with God's ways and their trust in His provision, experience a deep, abiding peace and contentment that transcends mere material abundance. Their deepest hungers, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, are met with true satiety and fulfillment.
* **"but the belly of the wicked shall want."** This contrasting clause starkly highlights the perpetual lack and unfulfilled desire experienced by the wicked. The "belly" (Hebrew: *beṭen*) here serves as a metonymy for the seat of appetites and desires, and by extension, the core of their being. Unlike the righteous, the wicked are characterized by an insatiable craving or a chronic state of need (Hebrew: *châçêr*). Despite any outward appearances of success, wealth, or material gain, their inner life is marked by emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a perpetual longing that can never be truly filled. This is because their pursuits are not aligned with God, the ultimate source of true life and contentment, leading to an endless cycle of unfulfilled desires.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 13:25 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This is a quintessential feature of Hebrew poetry, where two lines or clauses express opposing ideas, creating a sharp contrast that emphasizes a moral or theological truth. Here, the flourishing, satisfied state of the righteous is set directly against the perpetual want and emptiness of the wicked, highlighting the profound divergence in outcomes based on one's moral and spiritual alignment. The verse also employs **Synecdoche** by using "belly" to represent the entire person, or more specifically, the seat of one's desires and appetites. This makes the contrast between the internal states of the righteous and the wicked even more vivid and visceral. Furthermore, the imagery of "eating" and "wanting" functions as **Metaphor**, extending beyond literal food consumption to represent the entirety of life's experiences, blessings, and internal states of fulfillment or deprivation, thereby conveying a deeper spiritual truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 13:25 articulates a profound theological truth: that genuine satisfaction and well-being are not contingent on external circumstances, material accumulation, or worldly success, but rather on one's relationship with God and adherence to His righteous ways. The "satisfaction of the soul" for the righteous speaks to a spiritual contentment that flows directly from divine blessing and a life lived in integrity and obedience. Conversely, the "want" of the wicked reveals the inherent futility and spiritual emptiness of a life lived apart from God, where even apparent success cannot fill the deep spiritual void. This proverb teaches that God is the ultimate source of true fulfillment, and seeking Him first, along with His righteousness, leads to a holistic abundance and inner peace that the world cannot offer. It powerfully reinforces the biblical principle that a life of righteousness is inherently rewarding, not just in the afterlife, but in the present experience of profound peace, contentment, and spiritual satiety.

* [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - The Little of the Righteous Better than Riches of Many Wicked")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness")
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a powerful mirror, challenging us to deeply examine the true source of our contentment and the nature of our deepest desires. Are we relentlessly pursuing fleeting pleasures, accumulating material wealth, or seeking worldly recognition, mistakenly believing these external achievements will satisfy our deepest longings? Or are we diligently seeking righteousness, justice, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, trusting that true and lasting fulfillment will flow from Him alone? The verse reminds us that genuine satisfaction is primarily an internal state, a profound gift of grace bestowed upon those who walk in integrity, rather than an external achievement or outcome. It serves as a potent warning against the deceptive allure of wickedness, which promises much but ultimately delivers only emptiness, chronic dissatisfaction, and perpetual craving. For believers, it offers immense encouragement: even in scarcity or hardship, there can be profound soul-satisfaction rooted in Christ, and in abundance, a humble recognition that all true provision and contentment come from God. Our spiritual hunger should consistently drive us to Jesus Christ, the true "bread of life," who alone can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you experience true "satisfaction of soul," and how does that relate to your pursuit of righteousness and your walk with God?**
* **What "wants" or unfulfilled desires do you consistently experience, and how might they be connected to choices or priorities that diverge from God's wisdom and will?**
* **How does this proverb challenge and redefine the world's common definitions of success, happiness, and well-being?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper and more profound sense of contentment rooted in your relationship with God and His provision?**

### FAQ
**Does "eateth to the satisfying of his soul" only refer to physical food?**

Answer: While the imagery of "eating" and "belly" initially evokes physical sustenance, the phrase "satisfying of his soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) profoundly expands the meaning far beyond mere physical hunger. *Nephesh* is a rich Hebrew term encompassing the whole person—their desires, emotions, life force, and inner being. Therefore, "eating to the satisfying of his soul" refers to a holistic, deep-seated contentment and fulfillment that permeates every aspect of the righteous person's life. It implies spiritual, emotional, and existential well-being, a profound sense of peace and divine provision that comes from living in alignment with God's will, not just a full stomach. This spiritual satisfaction is a recurring theme in other biblical texts, such as when Jesus declares, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" in [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone").

**How can the wicked "want" if they sometimes appear prosperous or successful?**

Answer: This proverb addresses an internal spiritual and existential state, not necessarily outward material conditions. The "want" (Hebrew: *châçêr*) of the wicked refers to a perpetual sense of lack, an insatiable craving, or a fundamental emptiness that no amount of worldly gain, power, or fame can truly fill. While the wicked may accumulate vast wealth or achieve significant worldly success, these external achievements do not bring true contentment, peace, or lasting fulfillment. Their desires often remain unfulfilled, leading to a constant, restless pursuit of more, or a deep dissatisfaction that gnaws at their "belly" (representing their inner core and appetites). This aligns with the biblical teaching that "he who loves money will not be satisfied with money" ([Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Riches")). True and lasting satisfaction comes from a right relationship with God and a life of righteousness, which the wicked fundamentally lack.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "righteous" one who eats to the satisfying of his soul perfectly foreshadows Christ, who perfectly embodied righteousness and found complete satisfaction in doing the will of His Father ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will")). He declared Himself the "bread of life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), promising that "whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus satisfied the deepest hunger of humanity—the hunger for reconciliation with a holy God, for forgiveness of sins, and for eternal life. Conversely, the "want" of the wicked highlights the spiritual emptiness and insatiable craving that characterizes a life apart from Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, constantly seeks fulfillment in worldly pursuits, only to find perpetual dissatisfaction and a gnawing void. However, in Christ, believers are invited to partake of a spiritual feast that truly satisfies the soul, as He gives "living water" that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). He is the ultimate provision, the one who fills every void and brings the profound, lasting contentment that the Law and the prophets promised but could not fully deliver. Through Him, we receive the imputed righteousness that leads to true satisfaction, becoming "partakers of the divine nature" ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")) and experiencing the "fullness of joy" found eternally in His presence ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")).

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 34:10

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

Proverbs 10:3

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

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 32:24

[They shall be] burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

Proverbs 6:11

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.