Proverbs 18:22

KJV

¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso findeth {H4672} a wife {H802} findeth {H4672} a good {H2896} thing, and obtaineth {H6329} favour {H7522} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who finds a wife finds a great good; he has won the favor of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

American Standard Version

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:22 proclaims a profound truth about the institution of marriage, asserting that the man who discovers a wife has found something inherently valuable and beneficial, a blessing that signifies and is accompanied by the benevolent approval and divine favor of the Lord. This verse underscores the sacred and positive nature of a marital union when it aligns with God's design, presenting it not merely as a social arrangement but as a significant source of well-being and a testament to divine grace in one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, specifically within the "Sayings of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16). This chapter, like much of the book, offers concise, practical wisdom for daily living, often contrasting wise and foolish behaviors, and their respective outcomes. Immediately preceding Proverbs 18:22, the chapter discusses the importance of a good name (Proverbs 18:1), the dangers of isolation and self-focus (Proverbs 18:1-2), and the power of words (Proverbs 18:4, 6-8, 20-21). Following this verse, the text continues to explore themes of wisdom, justice, and the impact of one's choices on their life and relationships. Proverbs 18:22 stands as a distinct, positive declaration about marriage, contrasting with other proverbs that might warn against specific types of women (e.g., the contentious wife in [Proverbs 21:9](/proverbs/21-9 "Proverbs 21:9 - A Contentious Woman")). It serves as a foundational statement affirming the goodness of marriage within the broader tapestry of wisdom literature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage was a cornerstone of society, deeply rooted in covenantal understanding and essential for family lineage, community stability, and the continuation of God's people. Unlike some surrounding cultures, Israelite society placed a high value on monogamous marriage as the primary unit of social and religious life, reflecting God's original creation design (as seen in [Genesis 2:18-24](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18-24 - The Institution of Marriage")). Marriages were often arranged, but the emphasis was still on finding a suitable and virtuous partner who would contribute positively to the household and family reputation. The "wife" in this context refers to a legitimate spouse, not a casual partner, and the act of "finding" implies a deliberate search, discernment, and perhaps divine leading. The concept of "favor of the LORD" was deeply significant, indicating divine blessing, approval, and prosperity, often manifested in tangible ways such as offspring, land, and peace.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 18:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Institution of Marriage** as a fundamental good, aligning with God's original design for humanity's companionship and fruitfulness. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative to the New Testament's teachings on marriage. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Blessing of Wisdom and Discernment** in life choices, particularly in selecting a spouse. A "good thing" implies a partner of character and virtue, which is a recurring emphasis in Proverbs, most notably exemplified by the "virtuous woman" in [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman"). Finally, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Favor and Prosperity**, indicating that aligning one's life with God's will, including the choice of a spouse, results in God's blessing and approval. This favor is not merely spiritual but often encompasses holistic well-being, reflecting God's desire for human flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **findeth (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to come forth to," "to appear or exist," and transitively, "to attain, i.e., find or acquire." It implies a deliberate search or discovery, but also suggests that the outcome is a result of something being "present" or "ready." In the context of finding a wife, it suggests both an active pursuit and the providential uncovering of a suitable partner. It's not merely a passive encounter but an active engagement that culminates in a significant acquisition.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word is broad in its meaning, encompassing "good" in the widest sense, including beautiful, beneficial, excellent, pleasant, agreeable, and morally right. When applied to a wife, it denotes not just utility or attractiveness, but intrinsic value, moral uprightness, and a positive contribution to one's life. A "good thing" implies a wife who is a source of blessing, joy, and moral support, embodying qualities that are pleasing to God and beneficial to her husband.
* **favour (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to delight," this word signifies "delight," "pleasure," "acceptance," or "favor." When one "obtains favor of the LORD," it means that their action or state is met with God's approval and benevolent disposition. In this verse, finding a good wife is presented as an act or outcome that aligns with God's will, thus eliciting His pleasure and blessing. It suggests a divine stamp of approval on the union, indicating that such a marriage is not merely fortunate but divinely sanctioned and blessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso findeth a wife":** This opening clause sets the stage, identifying the subject as a man who successfully acquires a legitimate spouse. The verb "findeth" (mâtsâʼ) suggests a process of seeking and discovering, implying intentionality and perhaps divine guidance in the selection of a life partner. It refers to the establishment of a marital covenant.
* **"findeth a good thing":** This is the immediate consequence and characterization of finding a wife. The repetition of "findeth" emphasizes the positive nature of this discovery. A "good thing" (ṭôwb) is not just something useful, but something inherently valuable, beneficial, pleasant, and morally excellent. It signifies that a wife, specifically a "good" one, is a profound blessing, contributing significantly to a man's well-being, happiness, and moral life.
* **"and obtaineth favour of the LORD.":** This final clause elevates the significance of the marital union to a divine plane. To "obtaineth favour" (pûwq râtsôwn) means to secure or draw out the pleasure, acceptance, and blessing of God. This implies that a marriage, particularly one characterized by the "goodness" of the wife, is not merely a human arrangement but is in alignment with God's will and therefore receives His divine approval and active blessing. It suggests that God delights in and blesses such unions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as the verse serves as a direct instruction or statement of wisdom, typical of the entire book of Proverbs. It aims to teach a moral or practical lesson about life. There is also a clear use of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing" is complemented and deepened by "and obtaineth favour of the LORD," moving from a human observation to a divine endorsement. The phrase "a good thing" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "thing" stands for the entire beneficial relationship and the virtuous character of the wife herself. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Divine Endorsement**, where the "favour of the LORD" acts as a powerful affirmation, elevating the institution of marriage from a mere social construct to a divinely blessed covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:22 profoundly articulates the theological truth that marriage, when entered into according to God's design and characterized by a virtuous spouse, is a divine blessing and a reflection of God's benevolent favor. It underscores the sanctity and positive nature of the marital covenant as established by God in creation, where companionship and mutual support were deemed "good." This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for human flourishing within ordered relationships. It implies that seeking a spouse of good character and entering into marriage with wisdom is an act that honors God and is met with His approval, leading to a life enriched by divine blessing. The "good thing" found in a wife is not just personal happiness but a partnership that can foster godliness, stability, and mutual growth, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the individual and society, all under the umbrella of God's gracious provision.

* [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for man to be alone")
* [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - A Virtuous Woman")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honorable in all")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:22 offers timeless wisdom for both single individuals and those already married. For the single person, it serves as an encouragement to approach the search for a spouse with prayerful discernment, seeking a partner of character and virtue, recognizing that such a union is a profound gift from God. It shifts the focus from superficial qualities to the deeper attributes that constitute a "good thing" in God's eyes. For those already married, this verse calls for a deep appreciation and cherishing of one's spouse, especially if they embody the "good thing" described. It reminds couples that their union, when built on godly principles, is not just a personal choice but a relationship that brings delight to the Lord and is under His favor. It challenges both partners to continually strive to be that "good thing" for each other, reflecting God's love and design within their covenant. Ultimately, it encourages us to see marriage as a sacred institution, worthy of honor and prayer, and a powerful avenue through which God's favor can be experienced in daily life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding marriage as "a good thing" and a source of "favour of the LORD" shape your perspective on seeking or maintaining a marital relationship?**
* **In what ways can a spouse be considered a "good thing" in a practical, daily sense, beyond mere companionship?**
* **If finding a good wife is linked to God's favor, what does that imply about the role of prayer and seeking God's will in the process of finding a life partner?**
* **For those who are married, how can you actively cultivate your marriage to reflect the "good thing" described in this proverb and to honor God's favor upon your union?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 18:22 mean that unmarried people do not have God's favor?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 18:22 does not imply that unmarried individuals lack God's favor. The verse speaks specifically to the blessing and divine approval associated with finding a good wife within the context of marriage, which was the normative social structure and primary means of family continuation in ancient Israel. God's favor is multifaceted and extends to all His children, regardless of their marital status. The New Testament, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and Paul (e.g., [Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10 "Matthew 19:10-12 - On Celibacy") and [1 Corinthians 7:7-8](/1_corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7-8 - Paul on Singleness")), affirms that singleness can also be a divinely appointed state, allowing for focused devotion to the Lord. This proverb highlights a specific blessing within marriage, not the absence of blessing outside of it.

**What if my marriage is not "good" or I haven't found a spouse? Does this verse still apply?**

Answer: Proverbs 18:22 sets forth an ideal and a divine principle regarding the blessing of a good marriage. If your marriage is not currently "good," this verse can serve as a call to prayer, self-reflection, and intentional effort to cultivate the qualities that make a marriage a "good thing" in God's eyes, seeking His favor and wisdom for improvement. It encourages both spouses to strive to be a blessing to each other. If you haven't found a spouse, the verse encourages patience, discernment, and trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that He desires to bless His children. It also reminds us that true "goodness" and "favor" ultimately come from the Lord, whether through marriage or other avenues of His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:22, in its declaration that finding a good wife brings "favour of the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ. While the proverb speaks of a temporal, earthly blessing, it points to the greater spiritual reality of Christ's relationship with His Church. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "good thing" found by humanity, for in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). The Church, as the Bride of Christ, is the "good thing" that He "found" or, more accurately, redeemed and sanctified for Himself, presenting her "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ and the Church")). In this divine union, humanity truly "obtaineth favour of the LORD," for it is through Christ that we gain access to God's grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Our union with Christ, established by His sacrificial love, is the ultimate covenant of favor, bringing us into the very presence and pleasure of God the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). Thus, the earthly blessing of a good marriage serves as a beautiful, albeit imperfect, shadow of the perfect, eternal, and supremely "good" relationship believers have with their heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, in whom all divine favor resides and is bestowed.

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

Proverbs 19:14

¶ House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.

Proverbs 31:10

¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:31

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 12:4

¶ A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Genesis 2:18

¶ And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.