Proverbs 10:2 kjv

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Proverbs 10:2 nkjv

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 10:2 niv

Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 10:2 esv

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 10:2 nlt

Tainted wealth has no lasting value,
but right living can save your life.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 2 Meaning

Proverbs 10:2 states a fundamental antithesis concerning material possessions and moral conduct. It reveals that wealth obtained through unrighteous or wicked means provides no true benefit or lasting security. In stark contrast, a life characterized by righteousness, adherence to God's standards and ethical dealings, offers salvation and preservation from peril, often signifying death in its various forms. The verse underscores that God's justice ensures that ill-gotten gains ultimately prove futile, while upright living secures lasting life and protection.

Proverbs 10 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a significant shift in the book, beginning the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Prov 10:1-22:16), which consist largely of short, independent couplets. These proverbs typically present an antithetical parallelism, contrasting the character and destiny of the wise/righteous with that of the fool/wicked. Proverbs 10:2 sets a core theme for this section: the outcomes of moral choices regarding material gain.

In ancient Israelite society, as in all human societies, wealth was sought after. However, the wisdom tradition, deeply rooted in the Mosaic covenant, constantly evaluated the source and use of wealth through a moral and theological lens. The proverbs frequently cautioned against injustice, greed, and oppression in acquiring riches, highlighting God's active involvement in judgment and blessing. This verse reflects the prevalent cultural reality where people sought prosperity but corrects the mistaken belief that any gain, regardless of its source, is beneficial, directly challenging a purely pragmatic or materialistic worldview.

Proverbs 10 2 Word analysis

• Treasures (Hebrew: 'otsəroth, אֹצְרוֹת): Refers to stored or accumulated wealth, a rich collection of valuable things. It implies not just incidental money, but a significant, carefully gathered accumulation.
• wickedness (Hebrew: resha', רֶשַׁע): This term denotes injustice, impiety, moral perversity, or guilt. In this context, it signifies wealth obtained through dishonest, oppressive, violent, or ungodly means, in direct violation of divine law and ethical conduct.
• profit (Hebrew: yo'ilu, יוֹעִילוּ): To be useful, beneficial, advantageous, or effective. The negative "profit nothing" emphasizes their ultimate worthlessness or futility when faced with critical moments or eternal consequences. They cannot truly save, provide security, or secure favor with God.
• nothing (Hebrew: lo', לֹא): A simple and strong negation, indicating absolute lack of benefit.
• but (Hebrew: uṣdəqah, וּצְדָקָה): The Hebrew conjunction "and" (waw) functions here as an adversative "but," introducing a direct and profound contrast.
• righteousness (Hebrew: tsədaqah, צְדָקָה): This comprehensive term signifies conformity to God's standard of justice and truth. It encompasses moral integrity, upright conduct, honesty in dealings, compassion, and faithful adherence to the covenant. It is a condition of moral and spiritual rightness.
• delivers (Hebrew: taṣṣil, תַּצִּיל): A strong active verb meaning to save, rescue, preserve, or pull out from danger. It conveys an active, protective power.
• from death (Hebrew: mimaveth, מִמָּוֶת): "Death" in Proverbs can refer to multiple layers of meaning: literal physical demise (especially premature or violent death due to one's folly or sin), dire circumstances, ruin, or the ultimate spiritual death that is separation from God. Here, righteousness is depicted as a powerful antidote or shield against destructive forces and ultimate doom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Treasures of wickedness: This phrase defines wealth not by its quantity, but by its illicit source. It highlights the ethical stain on the riches themselves, signifying they are tainted or defiled. It inherently speaks against unjust enrichment and calls into question the integrity of the accumulator.
• profit nothing: This phrase emphasizes the complete and utter lack of genuine or lasting benefit. Such wealth fails when true value is needed: in the face of judgment, calamity, or the eternal destiny of the soul. It cannot purchase life, peace of mind, or God's favor, revealing its ultimate emptiness and futility.
• but righteousness delivers from death: This powerful contrasting statement asserts that adherence to God's moral law and living uprightly serves as a protective force. It promises rescue from perils that lead to destruction, encompassing physical dangers, social downfall, and eternal condemnation. Righteousness is presented as the genuine source of life, preservation, and divine protection.

Proverbs 10 2 Bonus section

• This proverb introduces the overarching theme of the moral outcomes that distinguish the righteous from the wicked throughout the core section of Proverbs (chapters 10-29).
• The "death" mentioned can also be understood as the cessation of flourishing or meaningful existence. Wicked gain might secure physical life for a time, but it often leads to a life devoid of joy, riddled with fear, and ultimately spiritually bankrupt, which is a form of 'death' in itself.
• The concept of God's active involvement is inherent. It's not merely that righteousness naturally avoids death, but that God Himself "delivers" or intervenes on behalf of the righteous.
• The contrast here highlights the differing "return on investment" – one leads to ultimate loss, the other to ultimate preservation.

Proverbs 10 2 Commentary

Proverbs 10:2 offers a concise yet profound theological and practical insight into the true value system upheld by God. It directly counters the worldly misconception that wealth, regardless of how it's acquired, guarantees security or happiness. "Treasures of wickedness"—any accumulation of possessions gained through injustice, deceit, exploitation, or impious means—are declared fundamentally worthless. While they might offer fleeting comfort or status, they fail to provide genuine security when it matters most: in the day of wrath, during personal crisis, or facing divine judgment. Such riches, far from being beneficial, are often a source of ultimate trouble and cannot preserve life or soul.

In stark contrast, "righteousness delivers from death." This asserts the salvific and protective power of living in accordance with God's commands. Righteousness, defined by integrity, justice, and devotion to God, serves as a shield. "Death" here is expansive, encompassing not only physical demise but also ruin, destruction, calamity, and spiritual perdition. The proverb teaches that the faithful, upright life leads to preservation, favor, and ultimately, eternal life. It underscores God's justice, where a life built on solid moral foundations yields lasting benefits and protection, demonstrating that true security is found not in accumulated wealth but in a right relationship and conduct before God and humanity.

For practical usage, this proverb teaches:

• Ethical Acquisition: Do not compromise your moral integrity to gain wealth. Ill-gotten gains ultimately do more harm than good to the possessor.
• True Security: Focus on living a life of righteousness, which brings divine favor, protection from peril, and lasting peace, a security that wealth cannot buy.