Proverbs 10:3 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:3 mean?

Proverbs 10:3 says that the LORD will not allow the soul of a righteous person to go hungry, but He rejects or removes what the wicked gain. This verse promises that God cares for those who live rightly, while He does not let the success or possessions of the wicked last.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly attributed to Solomon, offering practical guidance for living well before God and others. Here, the verse contrasts two groups: the "righteous" and the "wicked." The focus is on God's active role—He protects the needs of those who do right and frustrates the efforts of those who do evil. This is not just about physical hunger, but about God's ongoing care and justice in people's lives.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:3

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with His people. The verse highlights that it is specifically the LORD who acts to protect and provide.
• soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): Often means "life" or "person," not just the inner self. Here, it suggests the whole person and their well-being, not only physical hunger.
• famish (רָעֵב, ra‘ev): Means "to be hungry" or "to suffer hunger." The verse assures that God will not let the righteous experience deep need or deprivation.
• substance (הָוָה, havvah): This word can mean "desire," "craving," or even "wealth" or "possessions." The verse says God "casts away" or rejects what the wicked try to gain, showing that ill-gotten gains do not last.

Why Proverbs 10:3 matters

• Proverbs 10:3 clarifies that God's care for the righteous is not just spiritual but includes their whole well-being, countering the idea that faithfulness leads to neglect or lack.
• The verse emphasizes that what the wicked gain is temporary and insecure, challenging the assumption that evil actions can bring lasting success.
• This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs 10, which contrasts the outcomes of wise (righteous) and foolish (wicked) living, showing that God's justice is active in everyday life.