Proverbs 13:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

NIV: The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

NASB: The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need.

CSB: A righteous person eats until he is satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

NLT: The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

KJV: The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

NKJV: The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

Godly people may not eat as scrumptiously as some wicked people, but what they eat satisfies their appetite. The wicked may eat fine food, but they are not satisfied; they always want something more. The real meaning of this proverb goes beyond food. This idea of contentment is crucial to one's happiness in life, and it applies in all circumstances (1 Timothy 6:6). Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). It takes more than food to satisfy an individual. If he feasts on God's Word, he finds true satisfaction. He is at peace with God, and he has the satisfaction of knowing his life pleases God (Matthew 6:20).

The wicked reject the Word of God and the God of the Word (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 10:4), therefore they do not experience either peace with God or the peace of God. They are always craving something that might satisfy their soul, but they cannot obtain it (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Hebrews 13:5). The wicked resemble the prodigal who longed to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:16). They hope something—anything—from the evil world system will satisfy their hunger, but their hope is vain.

This chapter of Proverbs continues Solomon's wise sayings. He counsels his readers to be sensible and hardworking, as well as honest. This allows a person to be content with what they have, to enjoy life, and to bless their descendants. Laziness leads to trouble and ruin, as does a lack of discipline.

Starting in chapter 10, the book of Proverbs records a long series of wise sayings from Solomon. These continue for several chapters. Through chapter 15, a major focus is on issues such as godly living, mostly given in contrast with examples of ungodliness. This chapter emphasizes themes such as work ethic, honesty, and discipline.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.