Proverbs 10:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:16 mean?

Proverbs 10:16 says that the efforts of people who do what is right lead to life, while what wicked people gain from their actions leads to sin. The verse draws a sharp contrast between the outcomes of living righteously and living wickedly.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for everyday life. The verse uses simple, practical language to show that a person’s character shapes the results of their work: for the righteous, their labor brings life and goodness, but for the wicked, even their success leads further into wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:16

• "labour" (עֲמַל, ʿamal): This word means hard work or toil. Here, it highlights that the righteous person’s daily efforts have a positive, life-giving effect, not just for themselves but often for others.
• "life" (חַיִּים, ḥayyim): This word often means not just physical life, but well-being and flourishing. The verse suggests that righteous living is deeply connected to true life in every sense.
• "fruit" (תְּבוּאָה, tevu'ah): This word means produce or what comes from one’s actions. For the wicked, even the results or “fruit” of their work lead to sin, showing that the problem is not just in what they do, but in the kind of person they are.

Why Proverbs 10:16 matters

• Proverbs 10:16 clarifies that it is not just actions, but the kind of person doing them, that determines whether the outcome is life-giving or destructive.
• The verse warns that success or gain is not always a sign of blessing; for the wicked, even prosperity can lead to more sin.
• This proverb fits into a larger theme in Proverbs 10, where the results of wise versus foolish living are contrasted, helping the reader see the long-term effects of character and choices.