Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:22 mean?

Proverbs 10:22 says that when the LORD gives a blessing, it brings true wealth, and unlike other kinds of gain, it does not come with added trouble or grief. The verse highlights that blessings from God are complete and not mixed with hidden burdens.

This proverb is part of Solomon’s wise sayings, addressed to anyone seeking to live well and wisely. In the context of Proverbs, “riches” are not just about money but about well-being and security that come from God’s favor. The verse contrasts God-given prosperity with wealth gained by other means, which often brings anxiety or regret.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:22

• “Blessing” (בְּרָכָה, berakhah) refers to a gift or favor from God, often understood as something that brings lasting benefit, not just material gain.
• “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name for God, emphasizing that this blessing is from the covenant God of Israel, not from human effort or luck.
• “Rich” (עָשַׁר, ashar) means to become wealthy or to have abundance; here, it suggests a fullness that goes beyond money.
• “Addeth” (יָסַף, yasaf) means to increase or add; the verse says God does not “add” sorrow to His blessing, highlighting its completeness.
• “Sorrow” (עֶצֶב, etzev) refers to pain, toil, or grief; the verse stresses that God’s gifts do not come with the hidden costs or regrets that often follow human striving.

Why Proverbs 10:22 matters

• Proverbs 10:22 corrects the idea that all wealth is equal, showing that only what comes from God is free from hidden trouble.
• The verse emphasizes that God’s blessings are not just about material things but about a kind of prosperity that brings peace, not anxiety.
• In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying encourages trust in God’s provision rather than anxious striving or dishonest gain.