Proverbs 13:25
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Original Language Analysis
לְשֹׂ֣בַע
to the satisfying
H7648
לְשֹׂ֣בַע
to the satisfying
Strong's:
H7648
Word #:
3 of 7
satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
of his soul
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
of his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וּבֶ֖טֶן
but the belly
H990
וּבֶ֖טֶן
but the belly
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
5 of 7
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
Cross References
Psalms 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.Proverbs 10:3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Historical Context
Ancient agrarian life meant most people had simple diets—bread, vegetables, occasional meat. The righteous thanked God for daily bread and found it sufficient. The wicked, even if wealthy with varied diets, remained dissatisfied, always wanting more luxuries. This proverb would resonate in a society where contentment mattered more than consumption. Paul's teaching on godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8) echoes this wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you find satisfaction in what God has provided, or are you constantly craving more like the wicked whose belly lacks?
- In what ways does gratitude for God's provision produce greater satisfaction than accumulating abundance?
- How does feasting on Christ the Bread of Life (John 6:35) satisfy your soul in ways material food never can?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts satisfaction based on righteousness versus wickedness. "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul" describes contentment. Tsaddiq okhel lesova nafsho (צַדִּיק אֹכֵל לְשֹׂבַע נַפְשׁוֹ, the righteous eats to the satisfaction of his soul). Sova (שֹׂבַע, satisfaction, fullness, sufficiency) describes being genuinely satisfied. The righteous, though they may have little, find their portion satisfying because God blesses it.
"But the belly of the wicked shall want" announces perpetual lack. Uveten resha'im techsar (וּבֶטֶן רְשָׁעִים תֶּחְסָר, but the belly of the wicked lacks). Beten (בֶטֶן, belly, womb, inward parts) of the wicked techsar (תֶּחְסָר, lacks, is in want, is diminished). Despite abundance, they remain unsatisfied—always craving more.
The proverb teaches that satisfaction isn't determined by quantity but by God's blessing. Proverbs 10:22 declares: "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." The righteous enjoy their modest portions as divine gifts. The wicked, lacking God's blessing, remain empty despite abundance. Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns: "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver." Jesus promised those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled (Matthew 5:6). Paul learned contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). True satisfaction comes not from material abundance but from relationship with God through Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35).