Devine Scripture

Proverbs 18:22

What does Proverbs 18:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 18:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 18:22 means

Proverbs 18:22 proclaims that discovering a wife is a profoundly positive experience, bringing with it divine favor. The "good thing" refers inherently to the blessing and companionship a faithful spouse provides, contrasting with the negative connotations often associated with finding other things such as trouble or strife. "Obtains favor from Yahweh" highlights that a good marriage is not just a personal benefit but a direct gift and blessing from God Himself. This verse underscores the sacred and esteemed status of marriage within God's design, presenting it as a source of joy and divine approval rather than a burden or mere societal obligation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

<FI> Whoso<Fi> hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.

Context

Proverbs chapter 18 primarily focuses on the power and pitfalls of the tongue, the value of wisdom, and the consequences of foolishness. Leading up to verse 22, the chapter discusses themes of isolation (v. 1), integrity in speech (v. 7), and the importance of wise counsel (v. 13-15). Immediately following, the chapter continues its exploration of disputes and the critical role of words (v. 21). Therefore, verse 22, emphasizing the goodness of finding a wife, acts as a pivotal statement on a fundamental relationship within the broader context of wise living and the importance of good choices and blessings in life.

v.21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

v.22This passage

v.23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 12:4

    A worthy woman is the crown of her husband; But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

  • Proverbs 31:10

    A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

  • Proverbs 19:14

    House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah.

  • Genesis 29:20

    And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

  • Hosea 12:12

    And Jacob fled into the field of Aram, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep.

  • Genesis 24:67

    And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

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