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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten gains do not benefit, But righteousness rescues from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Treasures <i>gained</i> by wickedness do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness <i>and</i> ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness <i>and</i> moral integrity in daily life rescues from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What you gain by doing evil won't help you at all. Obeying God is the only way to be saved from death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Treasures gained dishonestly profit no one, but righteousness rescues from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nothing good comes from ill-gotten wealth, but righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness do not profit, "" And righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Treasures of wickedness profit not, And righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Treasures of injustice shall not profit, and justice shall deliver from death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness shall profit nothing: but justice shall deliver from death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Treasures of impiety will profit nothing. Truly, justice shall liberate from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but justice saves from death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivers from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />There is no profit in the treasures of evil, but righteousness saves from death.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Treasures shall not profit the lawless: but righteousness shall deliver from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/10-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1668" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm">Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: re·ša‘ (N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">Ill-gotten</a> <a href="/hebrew/214.htm" title="214: ’ō·wṣ·rō·wṯ (N-mpc) -- Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse. From 'atsar; a depository.">treasures</a> <a href="/hebrew/3276.htm" title="3276: yō·w·‘î·lū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To confer or gain profit or benefit. A primitive root; properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable.">profit</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">but righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: taṣ·ṣîl (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">brings deliverance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mim·mā·weṯ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">from death.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-36.htm">Mark 8:36-37</a></span><br />What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? / Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-11.htm">Luke 16:11-13</a></span><br />So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? / And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own? / No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-11</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Psalm 49:6-10</a></span><br />They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a></span><br />Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-19.htm">Ezekiel 7:19</a></span><br />They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-18.htm">Zephaniah 1:18</a></span><br />Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a></span><br />Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivers from death.</p><p class="hdg">treasures</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a></b></br> Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Psalm 49:6-10</a></b></br> They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Isaiah 10:2,3</a></b></br> To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and <i>that</i> they may rob the fatherless! … </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Proverbs 12:28</a></b></br> In the way of righteousness <i>is</i> life; and <i>in</i> the pathway <i>thereof there is</i> no death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a></b></br> Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/5-21.htm">Romans 5:21</a></b></br> That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/9-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/144-10.htm">Delivereth</a> <a href="/psalms/144-10.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/psalms/129-2.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Ill-Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-21.htm">Treasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-12.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-21.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-7.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Delivereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">Gains</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Ill-Gotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-3.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-6.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Treasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Value</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the futility of wealth obtained through dishonest means. In biblical context, the pursuit of wealth through deceit or injustice is consistently condemned (<a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Proverbs 13:11</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a>). The Hebrew culture valued integrity and viewed wealth as a blessing only when acquired righteously. The concept of "ill-gotten" suggests a violation of God's commandments, such as those against theft and covetousness (<a href="/exodus/20-15.htm">Exodus 20:15, 17</a>). Historically, Israel's legal system, based on the Torah, sought to ensure fair dealings, and prophets often rebuked the nation for economic injustices (<a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a>). This phrase warns that such treasures ultimately lead to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin, as seen in the story of Achan (Joshua 7).<p><b>but righteousness brings deliverance from death</b><br>Righteousness, in this context, refers to living in accordance with God's laws and maintaining moral integrity. The Hebrew word for righteousness, "tzedakah," encompasses justice, charity, and ethical behavior. This phrase suggests that living righteously aligns one with God's will, offering protection and life. Biblically, righteousness is often linked to life and prosperity (<a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a>, <a href="/psalms/37-25.htm">Psalm 37:25-26</a>). The ultimate deliverance from death is seen in the promise of eternal life, a theme that finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of righteousness (<a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a>). The deliverance mentioned here can be both physical, as in protection from harm, and spiritual, as in salvation from eternal death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness.htm">Righteousness</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, righteousness refers to living in accordance with God's laws and principles, which is a central theme throughout the book.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_ill-gotten_gains.htm">The Futility of Ill-Gotten Gains</a></b><br>Material wealth obtained through dishonest means ultimately provides no lasting benefit. It may offer temporary satisfaction but cannot secure eternal security or peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_righteousness.htm">The Value of Righteousness</a></b><br>Righteousness, or living in alignment with God's will, is portrayed as a deliverer from death. This suggests that spiritual integrity and moral living have eternal significance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly gains. This perspective helps prioritize actions and decisions that align with God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity_in_daily_life.htm">Moral Integrity in Daily Life</a></b><br>Practicing honesty and integrity in all dealings, whether personal or professional, reflects a commitment to righteousness and trust in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Trusting in God's provision rather than resorting to dishonest means for gain demonstrates faith in His sovereignty and care for His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_lotteries.htm">What is the Bible's stance on playing the lottery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_history_show_'righteous'_leaders_fail.htm">Proverbs 29:2 says people rejoice under righteous rulers; how does that hold up against historical instances where 'righteous' leaders failed to foster joy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_a_ransom_for_whom.htm">Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_faithful_givers_stay_poor.htm">Proverbs 3:9 commands honoring God with wealth--why do many faithful givers remain poor while the corrupt often thrive?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Treasures of wickedness--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>gained by wrong-doing.<p><span class= "bld">Righteousness delivereth from death.--</span>The Hebrew word translated "righteousness" has a much wider meaning than its English equivalent, which generally bears the sense only of deciding fairly, being especially applied to judges. But a "righteous" man in Hebrew is one who "renders to all their due," whether to God, as Noah, who was "just and perfect" before Him (<a href="/genesis/6-9.htm" title="These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.">Genesis 6:9</a>; <a href="/genesis/7-1.htm" title="And the LORD said to Noah, Come you and all your house into the ark; for you have I seen righteous before me in this generation.">Genesis 7:1</a>; comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm" title="For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not.">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a>), or to man. To his fellow-men his "justice" will show itself in liberality (<a href="/psalms/37-21.htm" title="The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.">Psalm 37:21</a>), mercy (<a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm" title="A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.">Proverbs 12:10</a>), carefulness of speech (<a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm" title="The heart of the righteous studies to answer: but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.">Proverbs 15:28</a>), truthfulness (<a href="/proverbs/13-5.htm" title="A righteous man hates lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and comes to shame.">Proverbs 13:5</a>), and wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm" title="Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.">Proverbs 9:9</a>). He is considerate to animals also (<a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm" title="A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.">Proverbs 12:10</a>). So in the sermon on the Mount our Lord (<a href="/matthew/6-1.htm" title="Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 6:1</a>) says, "Take heed that ye do not your 'righteousness' [so the best MSS. read] before men;" and then specifies it under the heads of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. In this passage it forms a contrast to riches gained by wrong, and therefore would seem particularly to signify "almsgiving," as its Greek equivalent does in <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm" title="Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)">2Corinthians 9:10</a>. It is often: rendered so by the LXX., and it is the most usual sense of the word in late Hebrew. It is so interpreted also in <a href="//apocrypha.org/tobit/4-10.htm" title="Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come into darkness.">Tobit 4:10</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/tobit/12-9.htm" title="For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life:">Tobit 12:9</a>, where this passage is quoted. (Comp. <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/3-30.htm" title="Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.">Ecclesiasticus 3:30</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/29-12.htm" title="Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.">Ecclesiasticus 29:12</a>, and our Lord's advice, <a href="/luke/16-9.htm" title="And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.">Luke 16:9</a>.) It "delivers from death," as being a sign of the divine life within, which is "hid with Christ in God" (<a href="/colossians/3-3.htm" title=" For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.">Colossians 3:3</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Treasures of wickedness;</span> treasures acquired by wrong doing (<a href="/micah/6-10.htm">Micah 6:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Profit nothing</span> "in the day of calamity" (Ecclus. 5:8; comp. <a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a>). The LXX. renders, "Treasures will not profit the wicked;" so Aquila. "For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" (<a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Righteousness</span> (<a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Proverbs 14:34</a>); not simply justice and moral goodness, but more especially liberality, benevolence. So in <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1</a> the Revised Version (in accordance with the best manuscripts) reads, "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them," Christ proceeding to specify three outward acts as coming under this term, viz. almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. In some analogous passages the LXX. renders the word by <span class="greek">ἐλεημοσύντ</span>, <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/psalms/111-9.htm">Psalm 111:9</a>; <a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a>; Tobit 12:9 (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/9-10.htm">2 Corinthians 9:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Delivereth from death,</span> shows that a man's heart is right towards God. and calls down special grace. Such a man lays up in store for himself a good foundation, that he may attain eternal life (<a href="/1_timothy/6-19.htm">1 Timothy 6:19</a>; see on Proverbs 16:6). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/10-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Ill-gotten</span><br /><span class="heb">רֶ֑שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(re·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treasures</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹצְר֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wṣ·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_214.htm">Strong's 214: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">profit</span><br /><span class="heb">י֭וֹעִילוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·‘î·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3276.htm">Strong's 3276: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confer or gain profit or benefit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings deliverance</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּצִּ֥יל</span> <span class="translit">(taṣ·ṣîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from death.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמָּֽוֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/10-2.htm">Proverbs 10:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing but righteousness (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 10:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 10:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 10:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 10:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>