What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:16?

The labor of the righteous

• In Scripture, “labor” is never merely busyness; it is purposeful work that honors God (Colossians 3:23).

• Righteous people understand their vocation—whether farming, parenting, or business—as stewardship rather than self-promotion (Proverbs 13:11).

• Because the righteous walk in God’s ways, their efforts are marked by honesty and diligence (Ephesians 4:28).

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Leads to life

• “Life” in Proverbs frequently includes both present well-being and eternal fellowship with the Lord (Proverbs 4:22; John 10:10).

• Honest labor produces resources that sustain families, bless the needy, and further God’s purposes (Proverbs 11:25; 2 Corinthians 9:10–11).

• Most importantly, righteous work keeps the heart aligned with God, which results in spiritual vitality (Psalm 1:3).

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The gain of the wicked

• “Gain” here refers to profits secured by deceit, exploitation, or violence (Proverbs 1:19; 21:6).

• Even when wicked gain looks impressive, Scripture calls it “treasures of wickedness” that cannot profit (Proverbs 10:2; Luke 12:20).

• Such gain feeds greed, hardens the conscience, and drags others into sin (1 Timothy 6:10).

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Brings punishment

• Ill-gotten gain places the wicked under God’s justice—both temporal consequences and final judgment (Proverbs 11:21; Hebrews 10:31).

• Earthly punishment can include ruined reputations, broken relationships, and legal penalties (Psalm 37:35-36).

• Eternal punishment awaits if there is no repentance and faith in Christ (Romans 2:5; Revelation 20:12-15).

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summary

Righteous people work honestly, and God turns their efforts into genuine life—blessing now and forever. Wicked people may pile up impressive profits, but those very gains become evidence against them, drawing God’s sure punishment. Proverbs 10:16 calls us to labor under God’s rule, trusting that His pathway leads to life while every shortcut to wealth ends in loss.