The blessing of the LORD enrichesThis phrase emphasizes the divine origin of true prosperity. In the biblical context, blessings from the LORD are often associated with both material and spiritual abundance. The Hebrew word for "blessing" (ברכה, berakah) implies a gift or favor from God, which is not merely about wealth but encompasses well-being and fulfillment. In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham (
Genesis 12:2-3) and Solomon (
1 Kings 3:13) experienced God's blessings, which included wisdom, peace, and prosperity. The enrichment here is holistic, suggesting that God's blessings lead to a life of contentment and purpose, aligning with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where He speaks of treasures in heaven (
Matthew 6:19-21).
and He adds no sorrow to it
This part of the verse highlights the completeness and purity of God's blessings. Unlike worldly wealth, which can bring anxiety, greed, or moral compromise, the blessings from God come without negative consequences. The Hebrew word for "sorrow" (עצב, etzev) can also mean pain or toil, suggesting that God's gifts do not come with burdensome labor or regret. This aligns with the biblical principle that God's ways are higher and His gifts are perfect (James 1:17). The absence of sorrow in God's blessings reflects His nature as a loving and generous Father, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father's joy in giving is evident. This phrase reassures believers that when God blesses, it is for their ultimate good and joy, free from the troubles that often accompany human endeavors.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on practical living and the fear of the Lord.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal nature and His relationship with His people.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and instruction.
Teaching Points
Understanding True BlessingsGod's blessings are not merely material but encompass spiritual and eternal enrichment.
True blessings align with God's will and purpose for our lives.
The Absence of SorrowUnlike worldly gains, which often come with stress and anxiety, God's blessings bring peace and contentment.
Reflect on how God's gifts in your life have brought joy without regret.
Trusting in God's ProvisionTrust that God knows what is best for you and that His timing and provision are perfect.
Cultivate gratitude for the blessings you have, recognizing them as gifts from God.
Seeking God's WisdomPursue wisdom and understanding as Solomon did, knowing that they lead to a life enriched by God's presence.
Regularly engage with Scripture to discern God's blessings in your life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:22?
2.How does Proverbs 10:22 define the source of true wealth and blessings?
3.What does "adds no sorrow" imply about God's blessings in Proverbs 10:22?
4.How can we align our pursuits with the principles in Proverbs 10:22?
5.Compare Proverbs 10:22 with Matthew 6:33. What similarities do you find?
6.How can you apply the teachings of Proverbs 10:22 in daily financial decisions?
7.How does Proverbs 10:22 define the relationship between wealth and divine blessing?
8.Does Proverbs 10:22 suggest that wealth without God's blessing brings sorrow?
9.How does Proverbs 10:22 align with the prosperity gospel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.How does faith lead to prosperity?
12.Proverbs 10:22 promises that the Lord’s blessing brings wealth—how do we explain faithful yet impoverished individuals?
13.How does faith lead to prosperity?
14.If God truly prospers all the upright (Job 8:5–7), how do we explain the contradictions seen in real-life situations where good people suffer severe hardship?What Does Proverbs 10:22 Mean
The blessing of the LORD• Scripture states, “The blessing of the LORD enriches” (Proverbs 10:22). This declares that real prosperity—whether spiritual, relational, or material—originates with God Himself, not with chance, luck, or human manipulation.
•James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
•Deuteronomy 28:2 shows that obedience positions us to receive God’s overtaking blessings: “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God.”
•Numbers 6:24-26 captures the heart of God’s favor: “May the LORD bless you and keep you… and give you peace.”
• Because “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1), He has complete authority to bestow whatever is needed on His children.
enriches• The verb is active and continual—His blessing keeps on making rich.
• Ways His enrichment is experienced:
– Spiritual abundance: fellowship with Him, answered prayer, assurance of salvation (John 10:10;Ephesians 1:3).
– Material provision: “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
– Capacity for generosity: “God is able to make all grace abound… so that… you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
– Family legacy: “Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (Psalm 112:1-3).
• The enrichment God gives is never merely for personal gain; it positions us to serve and glorify Him.
and He adds no sorrow to it• Unlike wealth gained by compromise or greed, God-given prosperity is free from the sting of regret or destructive side effects.
– “The income of the wicked brings trouble” (Proverbs 15:6), yet God’s riches carry peace.
– “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap…” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). His blessing rescues from that snare.
• Jesus echoes this freedom from anxiety: “Peace I leave with you… I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27).
• Genuine blessing lets a person rest: “The sleep of a laborer is sweet… but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep” (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
• Therefore, even believers who enjoy significant resources are warned, “Put… hope in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). Satisfaction flows from the Giver, not the gift.
summaryProverbs 10:22 assures us that whatever God blesses truly prospers. His favor enriches every part of life, and because it comes from His gracious hand, it does not carry the sorrow, restlessness, or regret that often shadows worldly gain. Trusting and obeying Him positions us to receive that blessing and to enjoy it with a clear conscience, steady peace, and an open hand toward others.
(22)
And he addeth no sorrow with it--whereas riches without God's blessing bring only trouble with them. Or the passage may mean, "And labour adds nothing thereto." (Comp.
Psalm 127:2. where God is said to give to His beloved while they sleep all that others toil early and late for in vain.)
Verse 22. - The blessing of the Lord. The Septuagint adds, "upon the head of the righteous," as in Ver. 6. Not chance and luck, not even industry and labour, but God giveth the increase (
Ecclesiastes 5:18, 19).
He addeth no sorrow with it;i.e. with the Blessing. In acquiring and in using wealth thus blessed, the good man is contented and happy, while unsanctified fiches bring only trouble and vexation. But this seems rather feeble, and it is better to render, "And a man's own labor addeth nothing thereto." A man's own work must not be regarded as an equal cause of prosperity with the favour of God. This sentiment is in accordance with
Psalm 127:1, 2, "Except the Lord build the house, their labour is but lost that build it so he giveth unto his beloved in sleep" - what others vainly labour for God giveth to the righteous without toil. The rendering of the clause, "Trouble is of no avail without it," is scarcely warranted by the wording of the text.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The blessingבִּרְכַּ֣ת(bir·kaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperityof the LORDיְ֭הוָה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelenriches,תַעֲשִׁ֑יר(ṯa·‘ă·šîr)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6238:To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, richand He addsיוֹסִ֖ף(yō·w·sip̄)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254:To add, augmentnoוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nosorrowעֶ֣צֶב(‘e·ṣeḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6089:An earthen vessel, toil, a pangto it.עִמָּֽהּ׃(‘im·māh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:22 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth and he adds (Prov. Pro Pr) 
