Proverbs 10:2
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
י֭וֹעִילוּ
profit
H3276
י֭וֹעִילוּ
profit
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
nothing but righteousness
H6666
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
nothing but righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
5 of 7
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
Cross References
Proverbs 11:4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.Proverbs 12:28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.Proverbs 21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.Romans 5:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.Ezekiel 7:19They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Historical Context
Reflects wisdom literature's recurring theme that wickedness, however temporarily profitable, leads to death while righteousness leads to life. Ancient Israel saw this confirmed repeatedly in individuals' and nations' fates.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'treasures of wickedness' are you pursuing that ultimately profit nothing?
- How does Christ's righteousness deliver you from death's power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. Ill-gotten gain provides no lasting benefit - what's gained unrighteously cannot truly profit. In contrast, righteousness delivers from death - both temporal consequences and eternal judgment. This verse refutes pragmatic immorality, insisting that wrong means can never produce right ends. Only righteousness, ultimately found in Christ, saves from death.