Understanding Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.”

1. What This Verse Does and Doesn’t Mean

This verse is often misinterpreted to suggest that getting married automatically brings someone into closer favor with God. However, while marriage is indeed a blessing and approved by God, divine favor is not dependent on marital status. Instead, God’s favor is primarily connected to a life of obedience and righteousness.

Genesis 4:7 (NKJV) shows this principle clearly when God tells Cain:
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

The Hebrew word translated as “favor” (ratzon) in various parts of Scripture often refers to God’s gracious approval of someone’s life or actions—especially when aligned with His will (cf. Psalm 5:12).

2. Marriage as a Good Thing, Not a Requirement for Favor

The verse states that the man who finds a wife finds “a good thing.” The Hebrew word for “good” (ṭôb) implies moral and beneficial goodness, which shows that marriage is a good design of God (see also Genesis 2:18).

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV):
“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”

This aligns with the creation account, where marriage is instituted by God as a covenantal union for companionship, support, and fruitfulness. However, marriage is not the sole path to God’s blessing or favor.

3. Singleness and Undivided Devotion to God

The apostle Paul makes it clear that singleness can provide a unique opportunity for undivided service to God.

1 Corinthians 7:32–33 (NKJV):
“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.”

This does not mean that married people cannot please God, but it acknowledges the practical realities and responsibilities that come with marriage.

Paul himself remained unmarried, as did Barnabas (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:5–6), and of course, Jesus Christ—the perfect Son of God—was unmarried. These examples show that intimacy with God is not dependent on marital status.

4. What Does “Obtains Favor from the Lord” Mean?

The latter part of Proverbs 18:22 says the man “obtains favor from the Lord.” This refers to the fact that when someone enters marriage rightly—within God’s design and purpose—it brings divine approval and blessing on that union. Marriage reflects God’s covenant love, and when it is pursued righteously, it aligns with His will.

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV):
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

Therefore, entering into marriage in a godly manner is met with God’s favor—not because it earns righteousness, but because it honors God’s established order.

5. Balance: Favor Is Not Exclusive to Marriage

While marriage can be a source of divine favor, it’s important not to idolize it. God’s ultimate concern is one’s heart and obedience to His Word.

Micah 6:8 (NKJV):
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Whether married or single, what pleases God most is a life surrendered to His will.

Conclusion:

Proverbs 18:22 should be understood as a celebration of marriage as a good gift from God and a relationship that, when entered into in righteousness, brings favor and blessing. But it should not be taken to mean that marriage is the only—or even the best—way to gain favor with God. Favor comes through faith, obedience, and a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Marriage is honorable and blessed—but so is singleness when lived for the glory of God. Both are valuable callings in the Kingdom of God.

May the Lord grant you wisdom and grace in every season of your life.

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