Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:22, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
American Standard Version
The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith.
World English Bible version
Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
Proverbs 10:22 Meaning & Commentary
The Bible declares in Proverbs 10:22 that the blessing of The Lord makes someone rich, but not only that, but it also adds “no sorrow” with it. So, reading this verse leads us to believe that there is a “rich” which can be attained but will bring sorrow with it. Look at Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. This verse tells us that a type of “gain” can be attained and may initially be “sweet” but will leave a sour aftertaste. This speaks of a situation where someone brings increase or “riches” into their life, but it is not a blessing but rather a curse because it was gained in deceit or in a way that is not pleasing to God.
Now, the blessing of The Lord makes rich, but there is no sorrow with it. Look at 1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. The Bible is clear that The Lord wants to bless us richly. Still, these riches are to come through the blessing of The Lord, not through deceitful works or anything which would not honor God! 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. This verse tells us that God desires for us to be rich in all things and that as we become rich in all things, we can be rich and generous towards others in every way, not only in our finances but in every way!
Application
How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:22 to our lives?
Jesus’s commandment to us was not to seek “riches” or material possessions but to seek His Kingdom first, and then everything else would be added to us: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. This verse ties in very closely with Proverbs 10:22, and they both speak of a state of being and living, where God is at the center of our lives, and we do not need to seek after material possessions or worry about our lives.
As we do that, we will walk in God’s blessing. 1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. This is quite a severe warning here that seeking and desiring to be rich can cause us to fall into great ruin and destruction. This is undoubtedly not a richness without sorrow here, as The Bible tells us that the end of these people who desire and chase after being rich is “ruin and destruction.”
So, we are to fix our eyes upon God and walk in His ways, His will, and His purpose for our lives. As we do this, we will automatically receive God’s blessing in and on our lives; it is not something that we need to seek, but something which God blesses us with, and it is His very blessing that makes us rich, not our hard work, but simply by walking with Him and receiving his blessing. If we find that our hearts are disconnected from God and pulled toward money, the strategy to break that off is to begin to give, and where we put our treasure, our hearts will start to follow! Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus’ name right now, and I thank you that your desire is to bless me and add no sorrow with that blessing. Please help me keep my eyes fixed on you so that I may always be centered on you and in your Word. I ask that as you bless and enrich me, you will bring people into my life to whom I can also be a blessing. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
