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Proverbs 13:25

Proverbs 13:25 in Multiple Translations

A righteous man eats to his heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.

The upright man has food to the full measure of his desire, but there will be no food for the stomach of evil-doers.

The good eat until they're full; but the belly of the wicked is empty.

The righteous eateth to the contentation of his minde: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

The righteous is eating to the satiety of his soul, And the belly of the wicked lacketh!

The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled.

Righteous people have enough food to eat and be satisfied, but the stomachs of wicked people [SYN] are always empty.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:25

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 13:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB צַדִּ֗יק אֹ֭כֵל לְ/שֹׂ֣בַע נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ וּ/בֶ֖טֶן רְשָׁעִ֣ים תֶּחְסָֽר
צַדִּ֗יק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj
אֹ֭כֵל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal
לְ/שֹׂ֣בַע sôbaʻ H7648 satiety Prep | N-ms
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff
וּ/בֶ֖טֶן beṭen H990 belly Conj | N-fs
רְשָׁעִ֣ים râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj
תֶּחְסָֽר châçêr H2637 to lack V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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 13:25

צַדִּ֗יק 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.
אֹ֭כֵל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לְ/שֹׂ֣בַע sôbaʻ H7648 "satiety" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means satisfaction or being full, like having enough food or feeling joyful. It appears in the Bible when talking about being content. In the KJV, it is translated as fill or fullness.
Definition: 1) satiety, abundance, fulness 1a) satiety 1b) abundance
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fill, full(-ness), satisfying, be satisfied. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ruth 2:18; Psalms 16:11.
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וּ/בֶ֖טֶן beṭen H990 "belly" Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים 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.
תֶּחְסָֽר châçêr H2637 "to lack" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.

Study Notes — Proverbs 13:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — A Father’s Discipline

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 34:10 Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
2 Proverbs 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.
3 Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
4 1 Timothy 4:8 For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
5 Deuteronomy 32:24 They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust.
6 Proverbs 6:11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
7 Psalms 37:16 Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.
8 Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
9 Deuteronomy 28:48 you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.
10 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”

Proverbs 13:25 Summary

This verse is saying that people who try to live in a way that is pleasing to God will have their needs met and will feel happy and content. On the other hand, people who are wicked and do not try to live for God will feel empty and unsatisfied, even if they have a lot of things. As it says in Psalm 16:11, in God's presence is fullness of joy, and as we seek to live for Him, we can experience this joy and contentment in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, where it is written that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a righteous man to 'eat to his heart's content' in Proverbs 13:25?

This phrase means that a righteous person will have their basic needs met and will experience satisfaction and contentment in their life, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, where it is written that those who trust in the Lord will be fed and satisfied.

Is this verse promising wealth and prosperity to all righteous people?

No, this verse is not promising wealth, but rather that the righteous will have their needs met, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, where He says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us.

What does it mean for the 'stomach of the wicked' to be 'empty'?

This phrase means that those who are wicked will ultimately experience emptiness and dissatisfaction in their lives, despite any temporary gains they may have, as seen in Proverbs 10:3, where it is written that the Lord will not let the righteous go hungry, but He will withhold from the wicked what they desire.

How can I apply this verse to my life?

To apply this verse, focus on living a righteous life according to God's standards, as outlined in the Bible, such as in Micah 6:8, where it is written that we are to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and trust that He will provide for your needs, as promised in Philippians 4:19.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can cultivate a heart of righteousness in my own life, and experience the satisfaction that comes with it?
  2. How can I trust that God will provide for my needs, even when I am unsure about the future?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking satisfaction in wicked or unrighteous ways, and how can I turn to God for fulfillment instead?
  4. In what ways can I show love and compassion to those around me who may be experiencing emptiness or dissatisfaction in their lives?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:25

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul,.... He is blessed with a sufficient competency to live upon; and he is contented with what he has, and uses it moderately; he has enough to eat,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:25

The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul - (Proverbs 10:3,) by the blessing and kind providence of God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:25

God’ s favour and blessing gives the righteous man a competent estate, and a heart to use it, and comfort and satisfaction in it; whereas wicked men commonly want either all these blessings, or some of them.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:25

Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.Ver. 25. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul.] Have he more or less, he hath that which satisfies him. Nature is content with a little, grace with less; Cibus et potus sunt divitiae Christianorum. food and drink are the divinity of Christians, If Jacob may but have "bread to eat, and clothes to put on," it sufficeth him; and this he dare be bold to promise himself. Beg his bread he hopes he shall not; but if he should, he can say with Luther (who made many a meal with a broiled herring), Mendicato pane hic vivamus; annon hoc pulchre sarcitur in eo quod pascimur pane cum angelis, et vita aeterna, Christo, et sacramentis? Let us be content to fare hard here: have we not the bread that came down from heaven? But the belly of the wicked shall want.] Because "their belly prepares deceit," not their heads only; they take as much delight in their witty wickedness, as the epicure in his bellytimber. Therefore, "in the fulness of their sufficiency they are in straits"; they are sick of the bulimy, or doggish appetite. Luth. in Ps. cxxxii.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:25

(25) The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul—i.e., has enough for his wants. (See above on Proverbs 10:3.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:25

Verse 25. To the satisfying of his soul] His desires are all moderate; he is contented with his circumstances, and is pleased with the lot which God is pleased to send. The wicked, though he use all shifts and expedients to acquire earthly good, not sticking even at rapine and wrong, is frequently in real want, and always dissatisfied with his portion. A contented mind is a continual feast. At such feasts he eats not.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:25

25. To the satisfying of his soul — What his need requires to the proper sustenance of his life. Belly — áùׂ ?ï, (beten,) stomach.

Sermons on Proverbs 13:25

SermonDescription
Paul Washer 2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and pe
Major Ian Thomas Life of Elijah - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who were at the end of their rope and on the verge of quitting. However, in these moments of despair, God showed His kindn
Jim Cymbala Fri. Evening Service (2002 C&ma Council) by Jim Cymbala The video showcases the work of South Hills Church Community in Las Vegas, a city known for its excesses and struggles. It highlights the impact of these struggles on children grow
George Verwer Hunger for God by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful experience he had in Madras, India. He describes waking up early in the morning to attend a worship service led by Brother Buck Sing
James Malachi Jennings No Good Thing Did the Lord Withhold From the Sons of Korah by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings This sermon delves into Psalms 84, focusing on the truth that no good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. The message emphasizes the importance of trusting
Basilea Schlink God Wants to Give by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, Basilia Schlink emphasizes that it is not the rich, but the poor who have always experienced and testified to the presence and love of God. She highlights that God'
John Newton Joy and Peace in Believing by John Newton John Newton preaches about the unwavering faith and trust in God's provision and care, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. He emphasizes the reassurance that God will al

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