Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just say marriage is good, but that finding a wife is how you obtain favor from the Lord. This highlights that the blessing isn't just the union itself, but God's providential hand in guiding you to the right person. It suggests that seeking and finding a suitable partner is itself an act aligned with God's good pleasure.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for daily life, contrasting folly and wisdom, and highlighting the blessings of a well-ordered life. Coming after verses that warn against rash speech and foolish behavior, it pivots to a positive affirmation about a significant life choice. The verse emphasizes that finding a suitable wife isn't just a matter of chance, but a blessing recognized as coming directly from God's favor.
The verse calls finding a wife a 'good thing.' What makes marriage such a treasure, and is it always a good thing?
The proverb declares that finding a wife is finding a "good thing." While some ancient versions and modern readers might want to add the word "good" before "wife" (implying only a virtuous wife is a good thing), the proverb as written speaks to the institution of marriage itself as a divine blessing. Even with its challenges, marriage is presented as a profound good, a fundamental building block for human society and individual well-being, stemming from God's design for companionship (Genesis 2:18). It's a gift that, in its ideal, offers mutual support, companionship, and a stable environment for life.
The verse connects finding a wife with obtaining favor from the Lord. What does this divine favor look like in marriage?
The second part of the verse, 'and obtains favor from the LORD,' suggests that marriage is not just a human arrangement but a divinely sanctioned and supported covenant. Finding a spouse, particularly one who complements and honors the relationship, is seen as an act of God's providence and a sign of His blessing. This favor isn't about earning God's approval through marriage, but recognizing that entering into this covenant relationship, when done wisely and with God's guidance, is a path where His favor can be readily experienced and seen.
Understand the original words
ishshah · Hebrew Noun
A woman joined in marriage; in the wisdom tradition, a wife is viewed as a significant gift and blessing from God, representing companionship, stability, and divine grace.
ratson · Hebrew Noun
Divine grace, approval, or acceptance. It signifies God's unmerited benevolence toward His people, often manifesting in tangible blessings and favorable circumstances.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God (YHWH), revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and personal God who keeps His promises and enters into relational communion with His people.
This passage directly informs Proverbs 18:22 by stating that it is 'not good for man to be alone,' establishing the foundational blessing of companionship that marriage provides.
This passage echoes Proverbs 18:22 by highlighting the profound joy and blessing a good wife brings, emphasizing that she is a gift from the Lord.
While Proverbs 18:22 makes a general statement, the 'Virtuous Woman' passage in Proverbs 31 provides a detailed picture of the 'good thing' and the favor from the Lord that such a wife represents.
Matthew 19:4-6Jesus affirms the divine origin and sanctity of marriage, reinforcing the idea that when a man finds a wife, it's not merely a human arrangement but something God has ordained and blessed from the beginning.
barnesProverbs 18:22: "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."
The sense seems to require, "Whoso findeth a good wife," as in some Chaldee manuscripts; but the proverb writer may be looking at marriage in its ideal aspect, and sees in every such union the hands of God joining together man and woman for their mutual good. The Septuagint adds "He who casts out a good wife, casts away that which is good: but he that keepeth an adulteress is foolish and ungodly."
bensonProverbs 18:22: "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."
Proverbs 18:22 . Whoso findeth a wife — A good wife; one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation. Thus Houbigant interprets it after many of the versions: see Proverbs 19:14 . Findeth a good thing — A singular blessing; and obtaineth favour of the Lord — Obtaineth her, not by his own wisdom, or art, or endeavours, merely or chiefly, but by God’s good providence toward him, which…
The verse doesn't just say marriage is good, but that finding a wife is how you obtain favor from the Lord. This highlights that the blessing isn't just the union itself, but God's providential hand in guiding you to the right person. It suggests that seeking and finding a suitable partner is itself an act aligned with God's good pleasure.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for daily life, contrasting folly and wisdom, and highlighting the blessings of a well-ordered life. Coming after verses that warn against rash speech and foolish behavior, it pivots to a positive affirmation about a significant life choice. The verse emphasizes that finding a suitable wife isn't just a matter of chance, but a blessing recognized as coming directly from God's favor.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical wisdom for daily life, contrasting folly and wisdom, and highlighting the blessings of a well-ordered life. Coming after verses that warn against rash speech and foolish behavior, it pivots to a positive affirmation about a significant life choice. The verse emphasizes that finding a suitable wife isn't just a matter of chance, but a blessing recognized as coming directly from God's favor.
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"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." — The verse doesn't just say marriage is good, but that finding a wife is how you obtain favor from the Lord. This highlights that the blessing isn't just the union itself, but God's providential han…