What does Proverbs 10:3 mean?
ESV: The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
NIV: The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
NASB: The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger, But He will reject the craving of the wicked.
CSB: The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry, but he denies the wicked what they crave.
NLT: The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
KJV: The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
NKJV: The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.
Verse Commentary:
God promises to provide for the needs of His people. Jesus taught His disciples not to be anxious about life's struggles. He pointed out that our heavenly Father feeds the birds, and He indicated that the disciples were of greater value than the birds (Matthew 6:26). He said, "Do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?'" (Matthew 6:31), and promised, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). The apostle Paul told the Philippian believers, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
The unrighteous—those who reject God and His wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)—cannot claim such promises. To the contrary, the Lord constantly frustrates their appetite for wealth and plenty. This is not to say evil people cannot be successful in the world. Rather, the wicked are never satisfied with what they have (1 Timothy 6:6–10). They crave more and more but never achieve contentment.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 10:1–5 describes two kinds of sons and how they affect their parents. It also discusses the Lord's blessings on those who are diligent as well as the result of being lazy.
Chapter Summary:
This chapter begins 375 "proverbs," which are general-case lessons or observations. These wise remarks continue the discussion of wisdom and wickedness begun in chapters 1—9. Most of the verses in chapter 10 contain a sharp contrast, with the conjunction "but" separating the lines. Often, the subject changes from verse to verse. The contrasting subjects include sons, treasure, work ethic, reputation, relationships, success, and speech.
Chapter Context:
In Proverbs 7—9 Solomon contrasts wisdom and wickedness in the symbolic persons of Lady Wisdom and Woman Folly. He calls upon his sons, or students, to choose wisdom, and he points out the benefits of choosing wisdom and the disastrous results of choosing wickedness. Chapter 10 presents vivid contrasts between wisdom and wickedness in many of life's settings. These comparisons continue into chapter 11.
Book Summary:
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.
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