Proverbs 18:22 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 18:22 mean?

Proverbs 18:22 says that a man who finds a wife has found something good and receives favor from the LORD. The verse highlights marriage as a positive gift and suggests that it is a sign of God’s kindness or blessing.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are presented as wise advice, often from a teacher or parent to a younger listener. This verse speaks to the value placed on marriage in ancient Israel, where finding a wife was seen as a significant and honorable step in life. The verse frames marriage not just as a social arrangement, but as something that brings real benefit and is connected to God’s approval.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 18:22

• The word for “findeth” (מָצָא, matsa) means to come upon or discover, often with the sense of something valuable or fortunate. Here, it emphasizes that finding a wife is not just routine, but a significant and fortunate event.
• The word for “wife” (אִשָּׁה, ishah) simply means a woman or wife, pointing specifically to the context of marriage.
• The word for “good” (טוֹב, tov) means good, pleasant, or beneficial. This word underlines that the wife is seen as a source of goodness or blessing.
• The word for “obtaineth” (פָּקַד, paqad) carries the sense of receiving or being granted something, often as a result of God’s action.
• The word for “favour” (רָצוֹן, ratson) means favor, goodwill, or acceptance, especially from God. It suggests that marriage is not just a personal achievement but a sign of divine approval.

Why Proverbs 18:22 matters

• Proverbs 18:22 clarifies that marriage, in this context, is seen as a blessing rather than a burden or mere obligation, countering any negative assumptions about married life.
• The verse connects everyday life choices, like marriage, with God’s involvement and favor, showing that spiritual significance is found in ordinary relationships.
• By calling a wife a “good thing,” the proverb affirms the dignity and value of women within the marriage relationship, which is important for understanding the broader biblical view of marriage.