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
What does Proverbs 18:22 mean?
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Proverbs 18:22
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While the verse says "a wife," many scholars and ancient translations suggest it implies finding a good wife. The real insight is that this isn't just about luck; obtaining such a blessing is presented as receiving direct favor from the Lord.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes as Solomon is exploring the nature of wisdom and folly, contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the foolish. It’s nestled among other proverbs that highlight the importance of sound judgment, diligence, and the value of good relationships, setting the stage for the detailed portrait of a capable wife in the chapters that follow.
The verse declares finding a wife is a 'good thing.' But what makes it good? Is it just about convenience, or something deeper?
Proverbs 18:22 presents marriage as a profound blessing. While the verse in English might sound simple, many commentators note that the ideal or intended sense is finding a good wife. Think of it like this: when we talk about finding 'success,' we usually mean positive success, right? It's similar here.
Marriage, at its core, is designed by God to be a source of companionship, support, and flourishing. As Genesis 2:18 says, 'It is not good that the man should be alone.' Finding a partner who embodies the qualities of a 'good wife'—wisdom, diligence, virtue—is indeed a singular blessing. It’s not merely about finding anyone, but about finding the person God has equipped and called to be a true helper and companion.
The verse links finding a wife with obtaining 'favor from the LORD.' What does this favor look like in the context of marriage?
This second part of the verse reveals a crucial theological point: marriage is not just a personal achievement, but an act of divine providence and blessing. Finding a suitable spouse isn't solely the result of human effort, wit, or planning. It is, in large part, an act of God's favor upon a person's life.
This 'favor' means God's good pleasure and guidance are at work in bringing about this union. It suggests that a good marriage is a gift that reflects God's care. It also implies that the success and flourishing of the marriage itself are sustained by His continued favor. When we cherish our spouse and our marriage, we are acknowledging and participating in this divine favor.
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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 describes God's initial assessment that it is not good for man to be alone, laying the foundation for the blessing of companionship found in marriage, which Proverbs 18:22 celebrates.
Proverbs 31:10-31While Proverbs 18:22 offers a general statement about finding a wife, the description of the 'excellent wife' in Proverbs 31 provides a detailed picture of the 'good thing' and the character that makes a marriage truly favored by the Lord.
This passage from Sirach, often read in conjunction with Proverbs, echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 18:22 by directly stating that a good wife is a great blessing and a 'good portion' from God.
Jesus' teaching on marriage, referencing creation, reinforces the divine origin and sacredness of the marital union, aligning with the idea that finding a wife is obtaining favor from the Lord.
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…
While the verse says "a wife," many scholars and ancient translations suggest it implies finding a good wife. The real insight is that this isn't just about luck; obtaining such a blessing is presented as receiving direct favor from the Lord.
This verse comes as Solomon is exploring the nature of wisdom and folly, contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the foolish. It’s nestled among other proverbs that highlight the importance of sound judgment, diligence, and the value of good relationships, setting the stage for the detailed portrait of a capable wife in the chapters that follow.
This verse comes as Solomon is exploring the nature of wisdom and folly, contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the foolish. It’s nestled among other proverbs that highlight the importance of sound judgment, diligence, and the value of good relationships, setting the stage for the detailed portrait of a capable wife in the chapters that follow.
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." — While the verse says "a wife," many scholars and ancient translations suggest it implies finding a good wife. The real insight is that this isn't just about luck; obtaining such a blessing is prese…
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Last reviewed October 2026