Proverbs 13:25
The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about having enough food; it highlights a deeper contentment. The "satisfying of his soul" points to the righteous person's peace and gratitude, finding sufficiency even in simpler provisions. Meanwhile, the wicked man's "belly shall want" suggests a perpetual, unsatisfied craving, not just for physical sustenance, but for fulfillment that eludes him.
This proverb contrasts the material and spiritual well-being of the righteous with the lack experienced by the wicked. It follows a series of verses that highlight the practical wisdom of living righteously, contrasting it with the folly of evil. While the righteous find contentment and sufficiency through God's blessing and their own moderation, the wicked often face literal want or insatiable desires, regardless of any ill-gotten gains.
The verse contrasts the righteous person who has 'enough' with the wicked person who 'suffers want.' But what does 'enough' really mean?
This verse isn't just about having a lot of food, but about having what you need and being content with it.
A Satisfied Soul
The righteous person 'eats to the satisfying of his soul.' This speaks to a deeper contentment than just filling a physical stomach. It means having enough to meet your needs and being at peace with your circumstances, trusting in God's provision.
The Wicked's Unending Desire
In contrast, the 'belly of the wicked suffers want.' This doesn't necessarily mean they starve, but their desires are never satisfied. They may have much, but they always want more, leading to a constant state of dissatisfaction and lack, even amidst plenty. It's a spiritual poverty that money can't fix.
Why do the righteous 'have enough' while the wicked 'want'? Is it luck, or something more?
The proverb suggests a divine ordering behind these outcomes. It's not solely about external circumstances, but how God blesses the life of the righteous and disciplines the wicked.
The Blessing of Temperance
The righteous person often enjoys God's blessing which provides a 'competent estate' and, crucially, a heart to use it wisely. They are often characterized by temperance – moderation in their desires and habits. This allows them to be content with what they have and enjoy God's provision without excess.
Divine Providence and Punishment
For the wicked, their 'want' can be a form of punishment. Their unbridled desires, greed, or wasteful living often lead them to a state where they lack what they truly need, both materially and spiritually. God's providence ensures that their actions often lead to consequences that reflect their inner emptiness.
Understand the original words
rasha' · Hebrew Noun
Those who willfully reject God’s authority and wisdom, living in ways that are contrary to His character and laws.
This Psalm speaks of those who fear the Lord lacking no good thing, echoing the idea that the righteous are provided for and their needs met.
Psalm 37:16This verse directly contrasts the abundance of the righteous, even with little, against the eventual ruin and want of the wicked.
Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches that seeking God's kingdom first is the key to having our needs provided, aligning with the principle that righteousness brings provision.
Philippians 4:19Paul assures believers that God will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory, a spiritual fulfillment of the provision promised to the righteous.
gillProverbs 13:25: "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want."
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul,.... He is blessed with a sufficient competency to live upon; and he is contented with what he has, and uses it moderately; he has enough to eat, and is contented with his portion, and eats no more than sufficeth; he eats to the satisfying of his appetite, and no more; he does not indulge to luxury and excess: and so as to spiritual thi…
jfbProverbs 13:25: "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want."
- The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.
This verse isn't just about having enough food; it highlights a deeper contentment. The "satisfying of his soul" points to the righteous person's peace and gratitude, finding sufficiency even in simpler provisions. Meanwhile, the wicked man's "belly shall want" suggests a perpetual, unsatisfied craving, not just for physical sustenance, but for fulfillment that eludes him.
This proverb contrasts the material and spiritual well-being of the righteous with the lack experienced by the wicked. It follows a series of verses that highlight the practical wisdom of living righteously, contrasting it with the folly of evil. While the righteous find contentment and sufficiency through God's blessing and their own moderation, the wicked often face literal want or insatiable desires, regardless of any ill-gotten gains.
This proverb contrasts the material and spiritual well-being of the righteous with the lack experienced by the wicked. It follows a series of verses that highlight the practical wisdom of living righteously, contrasting it with the folly of evil. While the righteous find contentment and sufficiency through God's blessing and their own moderation, the wicked often face literal want or insatiable desires, regardless of any ill-gotten gains.
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"The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want." — This verse isn't just about having enough food; it highlights a deeper contentment. The "satisfying of his soul" points to the righteous person's peace and gratitude, finding sufficiency even in simp…
