What does Proverbs 10:16 mean?

The word translated "wage" in this verse is not always a literal reference to money. Instead, it refers to the natural results of something. In that sense, the "wage" of lighting a match is fire, and the "wage" of blowing it out is smoke. Pursuit of godliness—righteousness—naturally leads to a meaningful life. God smiles on the righteous and gives him a full, significant life.

A righteous person experiences personally what Jesus meant when He said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). By dying for our sins and rising from the grave, Jesus made it possible for believers to have quantity of days, even eternal life, but also to enjoy quality of days, meaning an abundant life. Jesus compared the life He gives those who believe in Him to water that quenches thirst fully and forever. It is a gusher that satisfies the soul (John 4:13–14).

The wicked lead a life that produces only sin (Romans 6:23). He may indulge the passions of his sin nature (1 Peter 4:2–3), but he cannot satisfy the need of his heart for an intimate relationship with God (Revelation 7:15–17).