King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:16 Mean?

Proverbs 10:16 in the King James Version says “The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

Proverbs 10:16 · KJV


Context

14

Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15

The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16

The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17

He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. erreth: or, causeth to err

18

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The labor of the righteous tends to life, the fruit of the wicked to sin. Righteous work produces life-giving outcomes; wicked activity produces more sin. This verse presents a moral feedback loop - righteousness breeds more righteousness and life, wickedness breeds more wickedness and death. The principle applies both individually and socially - patterns of righteousness or wickedness become self-reinforcing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects covenant theology where obedience led to blessing which enabled more obedience, creating upward spiral. Conversely, sin led to curse which tempted more sin, creating downward spiral.

Reflection Questions

  1. What patterns in your life are creating upward spirals toward life versus downward spirals toward sin?
  2. How can you interrupt destructive cycles and establish life-giving patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת1 of 6

The labour

H6468

(abstractly) work

צַדִּ֣יק2 of 6

of the righteous

H6662

just

לְחַיִּ֑ים3 of 6

tendeth to life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

תְּבוּאַ֖ת4 of 6

the fruit

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

רָשָׁ֣ע5 of 6

of the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

לְחַטָּֽאת׃6 of 6

to sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 10:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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