Sermon on Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)

Proverbs 10:22 (KJV): "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we will explore a powerful verse from the book of Proverbs—Proverbs 10:22. This verse, though short, carries profound wisdom and insight that can radically change the way we think about prosperity, wealth, and the blessings of the Lord. In a world where success and wealth are often pursued with relentless effort, competition, and struggle, this verse offers a refreshing and liberating perspective. It tells us that the blessing of the Lord brings prosperity, but without the sorrow or trouble that often accompanies worldly wealth.

As we unpack this verse, we’ll look at three key elements: the source of true prosperity, the nature of God’s blessings, and how we can live in the reality of God’s blessings without adding sorrow.

1. The Source of True Prosperity: The Blessing of the Lord

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich..." (Proverbs 10:22a KJV)

In this passage, we are reminded that true prosperity comes not from human effort alone, but from the blessing of the Lord. God’s blessings are the source of all wealth, success, and abundance. The world often associates riches with hard work, talent, and strategy, and while these are not inherently wrong, the Bible teaches us that without God’s blessing, all our efforts would be in vain.

Let’s think about this concept for a moment. Many people work tirelessly to amass wealth. They put in long hours, make sacrifices, and sometimes even compromise their values in the process. But the Bible tells us that true prosperity is not simply a result of human labor—it is a gift from God. We are reminded in Deuteronomy 8:18 that it is God who gives us the power to gain wealth:

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18, KJV)

If we reflect on the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we see that their prosperity came not from their own ability but from God's blessing upon them. Abraham was promised by God that He would make him the father of many nations and that his descendants would be blessed (Genesis 17:4-5). Isaac, though living in a time of famine, experienced prosperity because God’s blessing was upon him, even when he sowed in barren land (Genesis 26:12-14).

When we acknowledge that God is the source of our wealth, we are free from the pressures of trying to achieve success on our own terms. Rather than striving out of fear or insecurity, we can trust in God’s provision and His plans for us. We are invited to rest in the knowledge that God’s blessing, not our own efforts alone, is the key to true prosperity.

2. The Nature of God’s Blessings: No Sorrow Added

"...and he addeth no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22b KJV)

The second part of this verse is equally profound and comforting: "he addeth no sorrow with it." When the Lord blesses us, His blessings are not accompanied by the sorrow, regret, and stress that often come with worldly wealth.

Many of us have heard the saying, "Money doesn’t buy happiness." This reflects the truth that wealth, when pursued apart from God’s blessing, often leads to sorrow. People who chase wealth at all costs frequently encounter stress, anxiety, broken relationships, and emptiness, even when they have material riches. In contrast, God's blessings bring peace and joy, and they do not have sorrow attached to them.

Consider the story of King Solomon, who was blessed by God with unparalleled wisdom and wealth. In 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God granted it to him along with great riches and honor. However, despite his vast wealth, Solomon later wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes that many of the things he had gained brought him no lasting satisfaction. He came to the conclusion that apart from God, everything is "vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Solomon’s life serves as a reminder that wealth without God’s blessing can lead to emptiness and sorrow.

The blessings that come from God, however, are not like this. God’s blessings bring fulfillment. They come with contentment and joy, not with fear, guilt, or anxiety. When God blesses you, there’s no regret attached to it. His gifts are not like the fleeting pleasures of the world. Instead, they provide lasting joy and peace.

Jesus Himself told us in John 14:27:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, KJV)

The peace that God gives is different from the fleeting sense of security that the world’s wealth provides. Worldly wealth can disappear in an instant, and the anxiety that comes with it can never be fully relieved. But God’s blessings are secure, and they bring true contentment.

3. Living in the Reality of God’s Blessings

Now, the question becomes: how can we live in the reality of God’s blessings? How can we experience the richness of His provision and the absence of sorrow in our lives? There are a few principles we can apply.

a) Seek First the Kingdom of God

Jesus provides us with a clear and simple answer in Matthew 6:33:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

If we prioritize God’s kingdom and His righteousness, we will find that everything we need will be added to us. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work hard or plan for the future. It simply means that we must put God first, trusting that He will provide for our needs and bless our efforts.

b) Be Content with What You Have

Another key to living in the reality of God’s blessings is contentment. The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-13:

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:11-13, KJV)

Contentment doesn’t mean complacency or a lack of ambition. It means that we trust God in every circumstance, whether in abundance or in need, and we find peace in knowing that His provision is sufficient for us.

c) Stewardship and Generosity

Finally, to experience the full measure of God's blessings, we are called to be good stewards of what He has given us. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded that "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but to bless others. When we are faithful stewards of God’s resources, we position ourselves to experience even greater blessings.

Moreover, generosity is key. Proverbs 11:25 says, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." When we give generously, we are showing trust in God’s provision, and we open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Proverbs 10:22, we are reminded that true prosperity comes from God’s blessing, and that His blessings are not accompanied by sorrow, regret, or emptiness. When we prioritize God, live in contentment, and steward His blessings well, we position ourselves to live in the fullness of His provision.

In a world where wealth is often pursued at great cost, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s blessings bring peace, joy, and fulfillment. May we all seek His kingdom first and trust in His promise to provide for all our needs.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your blessings and Your provision in our lives. Help us to seek Your kingdom above all else, to trust in Your goodness, and to be good stewards of the resources You have entrusted to us. May Your blessings bring us peace, joy, and contentment, and may we always be generous with what You have given us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.