King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:3 Mean?

Proverbs 10:3 in the King James Version says “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. the subst...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. the substance: or, the wicked for their wickedness”

Proverbs 10:3 · KJV

Context

1

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

2

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

3

The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. the substance: or, the wicked for their wickedness

4

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

5

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb establishes God's sovereign providence over the righteous and wicked. The Hebrew ra'ev (רָעֵב, "to famish") denotes extreme hunger and deprivation. The LORD (Yahweh) actively intervenes—"will not suffer" (lo-yariv, לֹא־יַרְעִיב) demonstrates divine commitment to sustain His people. This echoes Psalm 37:25: "I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

The contrast reveals two destinies: God preserves the righteous from spiritual and physical starvation, while He "casteth away" (yadach, יֶהְדָּח, meaning to thrust away, reject) the "substance" (havvah, הַוַּה, desire or craving) of the wicked. Their wealth and desires ultimately fail them. Reformed theology sees this as common grace tempered by divine justice—the wicked may prosper temporarily, but God ensures their substance does not satisfy eternally.

Jesus echoes this principle in Matthew 6:25-33, urging disciples not to worry about provisions because the Father knows their needs. The truly righteous hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and shall be filled—not with temporal bread alone, but with Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon wrote during Israel's golden age (c. 970-931 BC), when covenant faithfulness brought material blessing under the Mosaic economy. The agricultural society depended on God's provision through seasonal rains and harvests. Famine was both a natural disaster and often divine judgment (Deuteronomy 28:15-24). This proverb would have resonated deeply with Israelites who understood God's covenant promises of blessing for obedience and cursing for disobedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to sustain the righteous comfort you when facing material need or uncertainty?
  2. In what ways might we rely on our own 'substance' rather than trusting God's provision?
  3. How does Jesus as the Bread of Life fulfill this proverb's deeper spiritual meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֹֽא1 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַרְעִ֣יב2 of 8

“to famish”

H7456

to hunger

יְ֭הוָה3 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נֶ֣פֶשׁ4 of 8

“the soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

צַדִּ֑יק5 of 8

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

וְהַוַּ֖ת6 of 8

“the substance”

H1942

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

רְשָׁעִ֣ים7 of 8

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יֶהְדֹּֽף׃8 of 8

“but he casteth away”

H1920

to push away or down

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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:3Matthew 6:30-33Psalms 37:25Psalms 34:9-10Zephaniah 1:18Psalms 33:19

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