What Does Proverbs 13:25 Mean?

This proverb contrasts satisfaction based on righteousness versus wickedness. "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul" describes contentment. Tsaddiq okhel lesova nafsho (צַדִּיק אֹכֵל לְשֹׂבַע נַפְשׁוֹ, the righteous eats to the satisfaction of his soul). Sova (שֹׂבַע, satisfaction, fullness, sufficiency) describes being genuinely satisfied. The righteous, though they may have little, find their portion satisfying because God blesses it.

"But the belly of the wicked shall want" announces perpetual lack. Uveten resha'im techsar (וּבֶטֶן רְשָׁעִים תֶּחְסָר, but the belly of the wicked lacks). Beten (בֶטֶן, belly, womb, inward parts) of the wicked techsar (תֶּחְסָר, lacks, is in want, is diminished). Despite abundance, they remain unsatisfied—always craving more.

The proverb teaches that satisfaction isn't determined by quantity but by God's blessing. Proverbs 10:22 declares: "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." The righteous enjoy their modest portions as divine gifts. The wicked, lacking God's blessing, remain empty despite abundance. Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns: "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver." Jesus promised those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled (Matthew 5:6). Paul learned contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). True satisfaction comes not from material abundance but from relationship with God through Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35).