Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 10:16 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin. "
Proverbs 10:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
18 He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
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Solomon here confirms what his father had said (Psalm 37:16): “Better is a little that a righteous man has than the riches of many wicked.” A righteous person may have only what he has worked hard for. He eats the fruit of his labor, and that labor leads toward life. He wants only an honest living. He does not crave riches or power, but is content to support himself and his family.
His work does more than meet his own needs. He also labors so that he can help others (Ephesians 4:28). In that sense, all his work turns to some good use. Or this may speak of his work in religion. He puts most of his effort into what leads to eternal life. He sows for the Spirit, so that he may reap everlasting life.
Or perhaps a wicked man’s wealth came easily, without honest labor, but it leads to sin. He uses it as fuel for his lusts, pride, and luxury. Instead of doing him good, it harms him and hardens him in his evil ways. The things of this world are good or evil, life or death, according to how they are used and who uses them.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 10:1
"The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother."
Proverbs 10:2
"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death."
Proverbs 10:3
"The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked."
Proverbs 10:4
"He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth."
Proverbs 10:5
"He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame."
Proverbs 10:6
"Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked."
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