Proverbs 18:22
Proverbs 18:22 in Multiple Translations
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.
He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
[Whoso] hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing , and obtaineth favor from the LORD.
He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.
If you marry a good woman, that is like finding a wonderful thing; it shows that Yahweh is pleased with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:22
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 18:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מָצָ֣א
אִ֭שָּׁה
מָ֣צָא
ט֑וֹב
וַ/יָּ֥פֶק
רָ֝צ֗וֹן
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
מָצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אִ֭שָּׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
מָ֣צָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וַ/יָּ֥פֶק
pûwq
H6329
to promote
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
רָ֝צ֗וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
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 18:22
מָצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אִ֭שָּׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מָ֣צָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וַ/יָּ֥פֶק
pûwq
H6329
"to promote"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to promote or bring out something, like furnishing or securing it. In the Bible, it can also mean to succeed or obtain something. It appears in various forms, such as afford or draw out.
Definition: 1) to bring out, furnish, promote, go out, issue 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to produce, furnish 1a2) to bring out, elicit, obtain, cause to come out from 1a3) to promote 1a4) to cause to go out to
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: afford, draw out, further, get, obtain. See also: Psalms 140:9; Proverbs 8:35; Psalms 144:13.
רָ֝צ֗וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
מֵ/יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:22
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:14 | Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:10–31 | A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants. She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:4 | A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:9 | Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 7:2 | But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. |
| 6 | Genesis 2:18 | The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 5:15–23 | Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: A loving doe, a graceful fawn— may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 9 | Hosea 12:12 | Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife— for a wife he tended sheep. |
| 10 | Proverbs 3:4 | Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. |
Proverbs 18:22 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 18:22, is saying that finding a good spouse is a wonderful thing and a blessing from God. When we find someone to marry who loves and follows God, it can bring great joy and happiness into our lives, as seen in Psalm 128:1-6 where it says that the man who fears the Lord will be blessed with a happy home and family. It's not just about finding someone to marry, but about finding someone who will be a partner and friend in following God, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where it says that two are better than one, and that they can help and support each other in their walk with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'find a wife' in Proverbs 18:22?
Finding a wife in this context means to discover a suitable marriage partner, as seen in Genesis 2:18-24 where God brings Eve to Adam, and it is a blessing from God, as stated in Proverbs 18:22 itself, which says that the one who finds a wife obtains favor from the Lord.
Is this verse saying that every marriage is a good thing?
While Proverbs 18:22 says that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, it is not saying that every marriage is automatically good, but rather that a good marriage, where both partners are committed to God and to each other, is a blessing, as seen in Ephesians 5:22-33 where husbands and wives are called to love and submit to each other in a way that honors God.
What does 'obtains favor from the Lord' mean in this verse?
Obtaining favor from the Lord means receiving God's approval, blessing, and delight, as seen in Psalm 84:11 where it says that God will not withhold good things from those who walk uprightly, and in this context, it refers to the blessing of a good marriage, as stated in Proverbs 18:22.
How can I know if I have found a good wife or husband?
To know if you have found a good wife or husband, consider whether the person is a follower of God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14, and whether they demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, kindness, and gentleness, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, and also consider whether you both share the same values and goals, as seen in Amos 3:3 where it says that two people cannot walk together unless they are agreed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some qualities I should look for in a spouse, and how can I discern whether someone is a good match for me?
- How can I cultivate a strong and healthy marriage, and what role does my relationship with God play in this?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate love and respect to my spouse, and how can I prioritize our relationship in a busy and distracting world?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and timing in bringing a spouse into my life, and what can I learn from the example of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:1-67?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:22
[Whoso] findeth a wife,.... A good one; so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, supply it; and so the Targum, though it leaves out the word good in the last clause; and no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Whoso) findeth a wife (i:e., one truly realizing what a wife ought, to be) findeth a good (thing).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
A wife; either, 1. Simply a wife; for a wife, though she be not the best of her kind, is to be esteemed a blessing, being useful both for society of life, , and for the mitigation of a man’ s cares and troubles, and for the prevention of sins. Or, 2. Good wife; one that deserves the name and performs the duty of that relation; a wise and worthy wife, as this word may seem to imply, being deduced from the Hebrew word isch, which sometimes notes a man of eminency. And this limitation and explication of the word may be gathered both from the following commendations, which would hardly be given to a bad wife, and from the usage of Scripture, in which this ellipsis is frequent, as a path or way is put for a good path or way, , an answer for a good answer, , a king for a good king, 29:4, a name for a good name, , &c. A good thing; a singular blessing. Obtaineth favour of the Lord; obtaineth her not by his own wit, or art, or diligence, but by God’ s good providence towards him, which ordereth that and all other events as it pleaseth him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
Proverbs 18:22 [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.Ver. 22. Whoso findeth a wife, &c.] Whoso, after much seeking, by prayer to God, and his own utmost industry - as Isaac went forth to pray, and his servant went forth to seek - findeth a fit and faithful yoke fellow - called here "a wife," that is, "a good wife," as Ecclesiastes 7:1. A name is put for a good name, and as Isaiah 1:18, wool is put for white wool: every married woman is not a wife; a bad woman is but the shadow of a wife; according to Lamech’ s second wife’ s name, Zillah. "He findeth a good thing," a singular blessing, and such as should draw from him abundance of thanks. He may well say, as they were wont to do at Athens when they were married, εφυτονκακον, ευροναμεινον. I have left a worse condition, and found a better. If any be the worse for a wife, for a good wife especially, it is from his own corrupt heart, that, like a toad, turns all it takes into rank poison. Hilbah: id est, umbra ipsius, quomodo. - Menander, φιλουσκιαν dixit. Zenodo. Prov.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
(22) Whoso findeth a wife . . .—One who deserves the name of wife, as the one described in Proverbs 31:10, sqq.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
Verse 22. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing] Marriage, with all its troubles and embarrassments, is a blessing from God; and there are few cases where a wife of any sort is not better than none, because celibacy is an evil; for God himself hath said, "It is not good for man to be alone." None of the versions, except the Chaldee, are pleased with the naked simplicity of the Hebrew text, hence they all add good: "He that findeth a GOOD wife findeth a good thing;" and most people, who have not deeply considered the subject, think the assertion, without this qualification, is absurd. Some copies of the Targum, and apparently one of Kennicott's MSS., have the addition טובה tobah, good; but this would be an authority too slender to justify changing the Hebrew text; yet Houbigant, Kennicott, and other able critics argue for it. The Septuagint is not satisfied without an addition: "But he who puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing: and he that retains an adulteress, is a fool and wicked." In this addition the Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic, agree with the Septuagint. The Hebrew text as it stands, teaches a general doctrine by a simple but general proposition: "He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing." So St. Paul: "Marriage is honourable in all." Had the world been left, in this respect, to the unbridled propensities of man, in what a horrible state would society have been - if indeed society could have existed, or civilization have taken place - if marriage had not obtained among men! As to good wives and bad wives, they are relatively so, in general; and most of them that have been bad afterwards, have been good at first; and we well know the best things may deteriorate, and the world generally allows that where there are matrimonial contentions, there are faults on both sides.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:22
22. Compare: “Happy is the husband of a good wife; And the number of his days shall be twofold. A brave woman rejoiceth her husband; And he shall fulfil his years in peace. A good wife is a good portion: She shall be given in the portion of such as fear the Lord.” Sir 26:1-3.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:22
The sense seems to require, “Whoso findeth a good wife,” as in some Chaldee manuscripts; but the proverb writer may be looking at marriage in its ideal aspect, and sees in every such union the hands
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:22
22. Whose findeth a wife — The versions and interpreters generally supply the word good before wife. But others assert that this makes it a mere truism. Dr. A.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Godly Courtship) 04 Testimonies of Courtship by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of cause and effect in our lives, both positively and negatively. He encourages the audience to strive for spiritual maturity |
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Do Not Fear to Take Mary by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his search for a wife. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in relationships and shares how God spoke to |
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Talk on Marriage and Courting by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining love, tenderness, and respect in marriage, highlighting the need for forgiveness, grace, and a renewal of love through God's in |
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Pilate's Wife - Part 3 by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Pilate's wife, Claudia, and her encounter with Jesus. The sermon begins by emphasizing the power of God and how nothing can sta |
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Church Live Re-Visited: Session Seven - Part 2 by Ron Bailey | This sermon delves into the significance of the phrase 'bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh' in Genesis chapter 2, highlighting how it symbolizes family and belonging rather than o |
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(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Practical Courtship Issues by Rick Leibee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles and indicators of God's work in young people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in courtship and m |
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Audio Sermon: Marriage, Courtship and Marriage by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being married to the Lord first, followed by courtship within the right standards of the Word of God, and then entering into marriage. It h |