Proverbs 18:22

Proverbs 18:22 declares a profound truth about the blessing of marriage, stating that "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." This verse, embedded within the wisdom literature of Proverbs, highlights the divine institution and positive impact of a well-chosen spouse in one's life.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, offering guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life in accordance with God's will. In ancient Israelite society, marriage was not merely a social contract but a foundational covenant, deeply intertwined with family lineage, community stability, and divine blessing. Unlike some cultures where marriage might be viewed as a burden, Proverbs consistently presents a good marriage as a source of joy and strength. This verse specifically emphasizes that finding a suitable partner is a reflection of God's favor, aligning with God's original design for companionship and mutual support.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Blessing of a Godly Spouse: The verse unequivocally labels a wife as a "good thing." This isn't just about utility but about intrinsic value and positive contribution to life. It speaks to the blessing of a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and often, shared faith.
• Divine Favor and Approval: To "obtain favour of the LORD" signifies that a successful marriage, particularly one built on wisdom and godliness, is not accidental but a direct result of God's blessing and alignment with His will. It implies that God delights in healthy, holy unions that reflect His design.
• Foundation of Well-being: A good wife contributes significantly to a man's overall well-being, peace, and prosperity, both materially and spiritually. This aligns with other proverbs that describe a virtuous woman as a crown to her husband, bringing honor and stability to his life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "good thing" is tov (טוֹב), which denotes something that is excellent, beneficial, pleasing, and morally right. It suggests a wife who is not only a source of pleasure but also a moral and spiritual asset to her husband and family. The phrase "obtaineth favour" comes from the Hebrew ratson (רָצוֹן), meaning 'pleasure,' 'delight,' 'acceptance,' or 'favor.' This highlights that finding such a partner is a sign of God's benevolent disposition towards the individual, a divine stamp of approval on this significant life choice.

Practical Application

For believers today, Proverbs 18:22 serves as a powerful encouragement and guide for understanding Christian marriage:

• Seek Godly Character: The emphasis on "good thing" implies that character, wisdom, and godliness are paramount qualities to seek in a spouse, rather than superficial attributes.
• Value Your Spouse: If one has found a good wife, this verse calls for appreciation and cherishing her as a divine blessing, recognizing her immense value.
• Pray for Guidance: Recognizing that finding a good spouse is linked to "favour of the LORD" encourages prayer and seeking God's wisdom and direction in the journey of finding a life partner. It underscores the belief that God is actively involved in our most significant relationships.
• Cultivate a Godly Marriage: The verse also implicitly challenges those who are married to strive to be that "good thing" for their spouse, thereby reflecting God's favor and love within their own union.

Ultimately, Proverbs 18:22 affirms that marriage, when entered into wisely and with God's blessing, is a profound source of joy, strength, and divine favor in a person's life.