Proverbs 10:16
Proverbs 10:16 in Multiple Translations
The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; The increase of the wicked, to sin.
The work of the upright gives life: the increase of the evil-doer is a cause of sin.
If you do right you're rewarded with life, but if you're wicked all you gain is sin.
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: but the reuenues of the wicked to sinne.
The wage of the righteous [is] for life, The increase of the wicked for sin.
The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
The labor of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
The work of the just is unto life: but the fruit of the wicked, unto sin.
If you are righteous, your reward will be a good life, but all that sinful people gain is to sin more.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
צַדִּ֣יק
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
תְּבוּאַ֖ת
רָשָׁ֣ע
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
wages
N-fs
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp
תְּבוּאַ֖ת
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
produce
N-fs
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:16
פְּעֻלַּ֣ת
pᵉʻullâh
H6468
"wages"
N-fs
Wages or reward is the meaning of this word, describing the payment or result of someone's work or labour. It is often used to refer to the fruit of one's efforts.
Definition: 1) work, recompense, reward 1a) work 1b) wages
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: labour, reward, wages, work. See also: Leviticus 19:13; Isaiah 40:10; Psalms 17:4.
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
לְ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
תְּבוּאַ֖ת
tᵉbûwʼâh
H8393
"produce"
N-fs
This word means produce or income, referring to crops, revenue, or even the product of our lips. It is translated as fruit, gain, or revenue in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) produce, product, revenue 1a) product, yield, crops (of the earth usually) 1b) income, revenue 1c) gain (of wisdom) (fig) 1d) product of lips (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: fruit, gain, increase, revenue. See also: Genesis 47:24; 2 Kings 8:6; Psalms 107:37.
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לְ/חַטָּֽאת
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:16
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
15The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.
17Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray. 18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 6:23 | For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:10–11 | Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 3 | Hebrews 6:10 | For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. |
| 4 | John 6:27 | Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 6 | Proverbs 11:18–19 | The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. |
| 7 | Matthew 12:33–34 | Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. |
| 8 | Proverbs 11:30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. |
| 9 | Galatians 6:7–9 | Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. |
| 10 | Matthew 7:17–18 | Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. |
Proverbs 10:16 Summary
This verse means that when we work hard and do what is right, it will bring us a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but when we do wrong and try to get ahead by cheating or hurting others, it will ultimately bring us trouble and punishment, as seen in Proverbs 10:16. It's like what Psalm 37:3-4 says, to trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart. We can trust that our labor will lead to life when we seek to follow God's commands and principles, and when we trust in His goodness and provision, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the labor of the righteous to lead to life?
This means that when we work hard and live righteously, following God's commands and principles, it will ultimately bring us a sense of fulfillment and purpose, leading to a more abundant life, as seen in Proverbs 10:16 and supported by Psalm 37:3-4, which says to trust in the Lord and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Will the gain of the wicked always bring punishment?
Yes, according to Proverbs 10:16, the gain of the wicked will bring punishment, as it is not built on a foundation of righteousness and obedience to God, and as seen in Proverbs 21:6, which says that getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, a pursuit of death.
How can we know if our labor is righteous or wicked?
We can know by examining our motivations and the fruits of our labor, as seen in Matthew 7:17-20, which says that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, and by seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Is this verse promising wealth and prosperity to the righteous?
No, this verse is not promising wealth and prosperity, but rather a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from living a righteous life, as seen in Proverbs 10:16, and as supported by 1 Timothy 6:6-10, which says that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure my labor is righteous and not wicked?
- How can I trust that my labor will lead to life, even when I face challenges and difficulties?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word to ensure I am laboring righteously?
- How can I balance my desire for success and prosperity with the pursuit of righteousness and obedience to God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:16
The labour of the righteous [tendeth] to life,.... To natural life, and the support of it; all that he labours for is to get a livelihood for himself and family; that is all he desires, nor does he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:16
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: either, 1. The design of his labour is only this, that he may have wherewith to live honestly, without sinful shifts. Or, 2. The fruit or effect of his labour or industry (as this word labour is most commonly understood, and this best answers to the following clause, where fruit is put instead of this labour) is the preservation and prolongation of this life, and the obtaining of eternal life, to which an honest and conscientious diligence in men’ s worldly callings doth in some manner contribute. The fruit of the wicked, the fruit of all their labours and endeavours, to sin; tendeth to sin, serves only for fuel to men’ s pride, and luxury, and worldliness, and by that means oft causeth temporal, and always, without repentance, eternal death.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
Proverbs 10:16 The labour of the righteous [tendeth] to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.Ver. 16. The labour of the righteous, &c.] If the righteous man may but sweat out a poor living, get enough to bear his charges home to heaven, have enough to serve his turn here, be it but "food and raiment, he is content." Cibus et potus sunt divitiae Christianorum. The true Christian desires but meat and drink. The fruit of the wicked.] Or, The revenues of the wicked are wasted upon their lusts, which to seek to satisfy is an endless labour, besides the danger of fathomless perdition.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
(16) The labour of the righteous tendeth to life.—For the gains of his honest toil have the blessing of God upon them, and so bring him satisfaction of mind and the power of performing his duties in life; whereas all that the wicked man acquires only helps him to sin yet more, by enabling him to indulge his evil passions.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
Verse 16. The labour of the righteous] The good man labours that he may be able to support life; this is his first object: and then to have something to divide with the poor; this is his next object. The fruit of the wicked to sin.] This man lives to eat and drink, and his property he spends in riot and excess. God's blessings are cursed to him.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:16
16. fruit] or, increase, R.V. It has been thought that a contrast is here drawn between the actual “labour” of the righteous which, however toilsome in itself, has its issue in life, and the “increase,” the fruit of labour, of the wicked, which is sin. Comp. Proverbs 10:2 above. But “labour” may mean “the fruit of labour”, or “increase”, which for the righteous tends to what truly may be called “life.” The same Heb. word is rendered “wages,” Leviticus 19:13, and “reward,” Psalms 109:20. sin] which involves death, the opposite of “life” in the first clause of the parallelism. The Speaker’s Comm. suggests that this maxim is intended to guard against a misunderstanding of Pro 10:15.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:16
A warning against the conclusion to seek wealth first of all, which men of lower natures might draw from Proverbs 10:15. “Quaerenda pecunia primum est; Virtus post nummos?” Horace, Ep. 1. i. 53.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:16
16. Fruit — Income, increase, earnings, (tendeth) to sin, and “sin bringeth forth death,” in antithesis to the life of the first clause.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Offer Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical depravity and evil nature of mankind, highlighting that there is no hope for self-righteousness. The first 11 chapters of the bo |
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Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu |
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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The New Birth - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the Son of God in one's life. He explains that according to the New Testament, becoming a Christian and receiving e |
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How Much Is Your-Bible Worth? by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and prioritizing the Word of God. He shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of waking up in the morning |
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Body in Christ (Reading) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the preaching of the word of God is not something new, but a revelation of what has already been given. The speaker highlights the impor |
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Abundant Life by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate the importance of belief and commitment. The first story is about a football game where the speaker successful |