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

PROVERBS 10:2KJV
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Proverbs 10:2 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:2 mean?

Proverbs 10:2 teaches that wealth gained through wrongdoing does not bring real benefit, while living rightly can rescue a person from death. The verse draws a sharp contrast between dishonest gain and the lasting safety that comes from righteousness.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical guidance for daily life. The focus is on the outcome of two ways of living: one that seeks quick profit through unjust means, and one that follows a just and upright path. The verse warns that ill-gotten gains are ultimately useless, but a life marked by righteousness can have life-saving results.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:2

  • "Treasures" (אוֹצָר, 'otsar) means stored wealth or valuables. The word highlights not just money, but anything people might store up as a sign of success.
  • "Wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, resha‘) refers to wrongdoing or evil actions. The verse is not talking about all treasure, but specifically that which comes from unjust behavior.
  • "Profit" (יוֹעִיל, yo‘il) means to be of use or benefit. The verse stresses that wickedly gained wealth is ultimately useless.
  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) means doing what is right or just. In this context, it points to a way of living that is fair, honest, and faithful.
  • "Delivereth" (נָצַל, natsal) means to rescue or save. The word suggests an active rescue, not just a passive escape.
  • "Death" (מָוֶת, mavet) means physical death, but in wisdom literature, it can also suggest ruin or disaster.

Why Proverbs 10:2 matters

  • Proverbs 10:2 makes clear that not all wealth is equal—how it is gained matters as much as having it, correcting the idea that success is measured only by possessions.
  • The verse highlights a core theme in Proverbs: living rightly brings real security, while shortcuts and wrongdoing offer only empty promises.
  • This proverb sets the tone for the surrounding verses, which often compare the outcomes of wise and foolish, righteous and wicked choices.

Where else these words appear

“profit” Hebrew H3276 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
  • Isaiah 30:5 They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
  • Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

“wickedness” Hebrew H7562 · used in 29 verses

  • Deuteronomy 9:27 Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
  • Psalms 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
  • Isaiah 58:4 Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

“Treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.