The famous ‘He Who Finds a Wife’ Scripture is often used at weddings and engagement parties, but what does it really mean? In this article, we will look at Proverbs 18:22 through a theological lense with the aim of getting deeper understanding. We will do so by studying this verse in context and by looking at different translations of this Scripture.
‘When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.’
New Century Version
This verse in the Bible says that the Lord God gifts each man his own wife. The word ‘finds’ alludes to the fact that a man spends some time searching before he meets or selects the woman he’ll marry. Furthermore, it says that finding a wife is a sign of God’s favor.
Marriage is a Biblical institution.
The Bible affirms this belief in marriage in other places as well:
Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Hebrews 13:4 – Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
1 Peter 3:7 – Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Proverbs 18:22 in context
The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job are part of the Bible’s wisdom literature genre. Various ancient cultures across the world have wisdom literature. The Bible book of Proverbs is a collection of famous sayings, expressions, and wise insights. The Proverbs in the Bible are attributed to an ancient Israelite king, named Solomon.
Solomon had the unique chance to ask God for whatever he wanted. Instead of asking for a good gift, imperishable beauty, eternal life, or his own desire, King Solomon asked for wisdom. A great fountain of wisdom sprouted from King Solomon. You can read the whole story in 1 Kings 3.
The theme of a ‘good wife’ in the whole book of Proverbs
Whenever you want to understand something in the Bible, it’s a good idea to not look at it in isolation. Do not read one verse alone. So, let’s see what else the book of Proverbs has to say about a virtuous woman who is a wife:
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“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” (Prov. 12:24)
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” (Prov. 19:14)
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Prov. 31:10)
The other verses in the book of Proverbs about wives focus on the importance of not committing adultery, and not causing your spouse more harm than good. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kgs 11:3) – so he knew a few things about wives!
Different translations of Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife Scripture
Below is a collection of ‘He who finds a Wife’ Scripture quotes from different Bible translations. The Bible verses below indicate what could be lost in translation when we only read the Bible in 1 translation. Remember, the Word of God quoted here is the words of a man who lived a long time ago. It makes sense that we might be understanding way differently from what was intended.
Read the translations below slowly and spot the differences between them. Each version of the ‘he who finds a wife’ Scripture is slightly different from the previous.
Find a good spouse, you find a good life – and even more: the favor of God!
The Message Bible
Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.
Good News Translation, Good News Translation w/ Apocrypha
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
New Living Translation
A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
King James Version
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
American Standard Version
Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
The Darby Translation
[Whoso] hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
Young’s Literal Translation
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
The Bible in Basic English
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of the LORD.
Hebrew Names Version
[Whoever] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favor from the LORD.
The Webster Bible
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh.
World English Bible
Whoever finds a wife finds something good and has obtained favor from the LORD.
GOD’S WORD Translation
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
King James Version w/ Apocrypha
Whosoever found a wife found a good thing and has attained the favour of the LORD.
Jubilee Bible 2000
Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth the favor of the LORD.
Third Millennium Bible, Third Millennium Bible w/ Apocrypha
He who finds a wife finds what is good, gaining favor from the LORD.
Common English Bible, Common English Bible w/ Apocrypha
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New King James Version, New Revised Standard, New Revised Standard w/ Apocrypha, Revised Standard Version, Revised Standard Version w/ Apocrypha
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
New International Version
He who finds a wife finds a great good; he has won the favor of ADONAI.
The Complete Jewish Bible
He who finds a wife finds good, and he will obtain favor from Yahweh.
Lexham English Bible
He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God.
Septuagint Bible w/ Apocrypha
He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord.
Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible
When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.
New Century Version
The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.
New International Reader’s Version
Reflecting on the ‘he who finds a wife’ Scripture
Listen to the song ‘Whole Heart’ by worship artist Jervis Campbell as you prayerfully consider the questions below.
Wives, are we being a blessing to our own husbands or are we making their lives difficult?
Husbands, are you pleasing God by how you treat your life partner?
Single men, are you living a good life in the sight of God so that He may bless you with a good woman?
Single women, are you walking into deep waters with Jesus so that you may be prepared to be a wife of noble character?
What is a good marriage according to the Bible? Consider what love is.
(Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.)
What does it mean for someone to be an excellent wife according to Biblical standards?
(Read Proverbs 31 – A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. … Read the full chapter for an even deeper study. )
Eljoh Hartzer is combining theology and art to nurture faith journeys across generations. She is a Masters-level Practical Theologian with the University of Stellenbosch. She is also a writer and editor in the niche of Christianity and children's content and she illustrates children's books. Eljoh resides in the Swartland area in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
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