Proverbs 18:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

NIV: He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

NASB: He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord.

CSB: A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

NLT: The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

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

NKJV: He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.

While the terminology here literally speaks to a man finding a "wife," the same principle applies to a woman who finds a "husband." A God-honoring spouse is a true blessing (Proverbs 12:4: 19:14). If a man loves the Lord and chooses a wife who loves the Lord, he will enjoy a blessed marriage and God's approval. An extended section at the end of the book of Proverbs specifically praises the value of a godly wife (Proverbs 31:10–31). That passage portrays an excellent wife as valuable and trustworthy.

This verse rejects the claim that God considers a celibate life "holier" than one including marriage. The "favor" mentioned here does not mean that a married man is more loved by God. Rather, the Hebrew term implies that God is "pleased" by such a choice. Marriage is not required for any person and neither is being single (1 Corinthians 7:6–11). Whether married or single, we are called to glorify God in all we do (Colossians 3:17). Paul counseled, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him" (1 Corinthians 7:17).

While finding "a wife" is a good thing, Scripture notes that even good things can become problems when they are out of balance (1 Corinthians 6:12). Solomon—the same man writing these wise sayings (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1)—indulged in too much of a "good thing." He had hundreds of wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3). First Kings 11:4 adds the sad commentary that "when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."

Proverbs 18:16–24 provides practical advice on a variety of matters. Other proverbs in this chapter are echoed in statements about objectivity and unity. Solomon addresses areas such as bribery, quarrels, reconciliation, the power of speech, marriage, and an unfortunate difference between the poor and the rich. The last remark in the section notes the difference between quality and quantity in friendships.

This segment of Solomon's wise sayings includes several well-known and often-repeated remarks. Among these are references to God's "name" as a place of safety, the connection between pride and catastrophe, the value of a godly spouse, and the intimate loyalty of a good friend. As in other parts of the book of Proverbs, these teachings are tied to warnings about the consequences of poor decisions.

Chapter 18 continues a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon. These began in chapter 10 and will continue through chapter 22. This section contains numerous references to fair-mindedness and seeking out truth from multiple sources. Diligent responsibility—in words, actions, and beliefs—is a notable emphasis in this segment.

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.