Understanding the truth of this proverb is to examine what makes the righteous heart content and what the stomach of the wicked pangs of hunger is for. The two are not the same. The wicked desire the plunder of evil men (12:12) and revenge (Leviticus 19:18). The righteous desire God who is full of love and mercy (Psalm 27:8; Mathew 9:13) and his prosperity (Psalm 122:9). Jesus proclaimed, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
The heart of the righteous is satisfied for the Lord fills it daily with bread. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty… I am the bread of life… the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:35, 48, 50-51)
When first reading this proverb I thought, “This is hard to believe.” I thought this because I compared myself to the wicked who have much more possessions than I do. Then I realized that my heart is content. I knew that my satisfaction is from God who dwells in my soul. Sure, God’s favor and blessing give the righteous a competent estate, a heart to use it, and comfort and satisfaction in it when he desires. Yet, the apostles and prophets went through a time of prosperity and poverty. Paul happily stated while in prison, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
