Proverbs 10:22 kjv

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22 nkjv

The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22 niv

The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.

Proverbs 10:22 esv

The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22 nlt

The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 22 Meaning

Proverbs 10:22 declares that the prosperity, abundance, and overall well-being that come as a gift from the LORD are unique because they are free from the burdens of regret, toil, or distress. Unlike riches or gains acquired through human effort alone, illicit means, or greed, which often bring anxiety, dissatisfaction, and inner turmoil, God's blessing bestows a rich life characterized by true peace and contentment. It suggests that genuine prosperity, encompassing both material and spiritual flourishing, is a serene state, unmarred by the common afflictions associated with worldly pursuits of wealth.

Proverbs 10 22 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 begins the main collection of Solomon's proverbs, largely composed of antithetical parallelism where two lines express contrasting ideas. The chapter primarily contrasts the characteristics and destinies of the righteous and the wicked, often in relation to their diligence, words, and acquisition of wealth. This verse specifically addresses the source and nature of prosperity, drawing a sharp distinction between humanly gained wealth, which can be fraught with hidden costs, and God's divine blessing, which brings true contentment. Historically and culturally, the ancient Israelite society, like many in the Near East, valued prosperity as a sign of favor. However, the Proverbs teach that not all prosperity is the same; its source profoundly determines its true value and accompanying results, standing as a polemic against common secular views that equated wealth acquisition with pure success regardless of means.

Proverbs 10 22 Word Analysis

• The blessing (birkat, בִּרְכַּת): Derived from barakh, meaning to kneel, to bless, or praise. It signifies divine favor, empowerment, and benevolence from God, not merely a good wish but an active imparting of benefit. This "blessing" is often comprehensive, encompassing well-being, fertility, prosperity, and success in various aspects of life.
• of the LORD (Yahweh, יְהוָה): Refers to God's personal covenant name. This emphasizes that the source of the blessing is the one true, sovereign, and faithful God. It distinguishes His provision from outcomes driven by human striving, chance, or idolatry.
• makes rich (ta'ashir, תַעֲשִׁיר): From 'ashar, meaning to be or become rich. This wealth isn't limited to monetary gain but can include spiritual abundance, wholeness, peace, satisfaction, good health, a thriving family, and wisdom. The richness it confers is qualitatively different, holistic, and enduring.
• and He adds (w'lo yosif, וְלֹא יוֹסִף): The Hebrew verb yosif means "to add" or "to increase." The preceding negation lo signifies "not" or "no." The active "He" implies God Himself as the one who does not add, emphasizing His direct, pure bestowal.
• no sorrow ('etsev, עֶצֶב): This significant word can mean pain, toil, grief, trouble, or distress. It often refers to the burdensome consequences and inner turmoil associated with certain types of gain. It can signify the painful effort, the disappointment after acquisition, the anxiety of maintenance, or the guilt of ill-gotten gains. It contrasts sharply with the fruit of God's blessing.
• with it ('immah, עִמָּהּ): This refers back to the "blessing" or the "richness" it produces. It indicates that the absence of sorrow is directly linked to and an inherent characteristic of the wealth that comes from the LORD. The blessing and its resulting richness are accompanied by peace, not distress.

Words-group Analysis

• The blessing of the LORD makes rich: This phrase establishes God as the supreme source of true, enduring prosperity. It’s not just about what a person has, but how it comes to them, distinguishing divinely-granted wealth from that attained by human striving or questionable means. It points to a qualitative aspect of wealth – rooted in God’s favor.
• and He adds no sorrow with it: This critical part highlights the unique nature of God's blessing. "Sorrow" here refers to the distress, grief, burden, or inner turmoil that often accompanies human pursuits of wealth (e.g., the anxiety of acquisition, the fear of loss, the moral compromise, the feeling of emptiness despite riches). When God makes one rich, these negative accompaniments are entirely absent. The wealth comes with peace, contentment, and satisfaction, without the bitter aftertaste.

Proverbs 10 22 Bonus Section

• Connection to the Fall: The Hebrew word 'etsev (sorrow/toil) found in this proverb also appears in Gen 3:17-19, where Adam is told that the ground is cursed and "in sorrow ('etsev) you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you." This suggests that God's blessing in Prov 10:22 counteracts, to a degree, the curse of sorrowful toil associated with the fall, making the process and outcome of receiving His blessing peaceful and free from vexation.
• The Quality of Blessing: This verse is less about the quantity of wealth and more about its quality. It distinguishes between an external state of having much and an internal state of being truly blessed and at peace. A humble livelihood from God's blessing can bring more joy than vast wealth achieved through ungodly means.

Proverbs 10 22 Commentary

Proverbs 10:22 encapsulates a profound spiritual principle regarding true prosperity. It teaches that while many strive for wealth, only that which flows from the LORD's favor brings complete satisfaction and inner peace. Riches obtained through greed, deceit, or endless striving often come at a cost – broken relationships, sleepless nights, moral compromise, and deep-seated dissatisfaction. Such gains carry a hidden burden of sorrow, vexation, and emptiness. In contrast, God's blessing, manifested as abundance, provides true richness in a holistic sense, extending beyond mere material possessions to encompass joy, contentment, and freedom from anxious toil. This verse does not necessarily promise vast material wealth to all believers but assures that whatever level of prosperity God grants will be pure and unburdened by the intrinsic sorrows often found in worldly achievements. It calls believers to seek divine blessing, understanding its qualitatively superior nature, and to trust in God’s provision rather than resorting to human means that ultimately lead to grief.