Proverbs 10:22

22 It is the Lord's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer.

Proverbs 10:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:22

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich
In the diligent use of means; see ( Proverbs 10:4 ) ; riches are from the Lord, and should be acknowledged as such, and not attributed to the industry, diligence, sagacity, and merit of men; but should be looked upon as had through the blessing of the Lord upon the labours of men; and when they come this way they come as a blessing, and with one: it may be understood of being made rich in a spiritual sense; it is the blessing, good will, and favour of God, that makes men rich in Christ; that bestows upon them his unsearchable riches; that enriches them with all spiritual blessings in him; that makes them rich in faith and in good works, and with the riches of grace and of glory; and he addeth no sorrow with it;
no sorrow goes along with the blessing, but what is a blessing itself, as one observes; riches enjoyed through the blessing of God are not attended with that sorrow in getting, keeping, and losing them, as the riches of wicked men unlawfully gotten are; see ( 1 Timothy 6:9 1 Timothy 6:10 ) ; for as the good man comes by them easily, without any anxious care and sinful solicitude, he seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things are added to him, over and above, without much thought about them, or expectation of them, ( Matthew 6:33 ) ; so it is with great delight, pleasure, and cheerfulness, he enjoys them, and readily communicates them to others; while the wicked man is full of anxiety, distress, and sorrow; see ( Ecclesiastes 5:12 Ecclesiastes 5:13 Ecclesiastes 5:18 ) ( 6:2 ) . This is eminently true of spiritual riches; there is no sorrow attending them; the fruit and effect of them are peace, joy, and comfort.

Proverbs 10:22 In-Context

20 A good person's words are like pure silver; a wicked person's ideas are worthless.
21 A good person's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity.
22 It is the Lord's blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer.
23 It is foolish to enjoy doing wrong. Intelligent people take pleasure in wisdom.
24 The righteous get what they want, but the wicked will get what they fear most.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Hard work . . . richer; [or] And the Lord does not add sorrow to your wealth.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.