Proverbs 10:16 Meaning and Explanation
“The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The righteous person's labor leads to life, while the wicked person's gain produces sin.
The Context of Proverbs 10:16
The proverb shows that the moral quality of one's work determines whether it leads to life or death.
What Does Proverbs 10:16 Mean?
The labour of the righteous tends toward life—creates, sustains, and nourishes living things. A righteous person's work is generative, building up themselves and others in wholesome ways.
The fruit (earnings, gain, produce) of the wicked leads to sin. Their work and profit do not lead to life but to more sin, creating a cycle of corruption that feeds upon itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 10:16
What does Proverbs 10:16 mean?
The righteous person's labor leads to life, while the wicked person's gain produces sin.
What is the context of Proverbs 10:16?
The proverb shows that the moral quality of one's work determines whether it leads to life or death.