The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
In this verse “soul” means the physical self or appetite, the living person with bodily needs, because the soul is spoken of as eating to satisfaction and as hungry and wanting. Hunger and eating are set forth as attributes and conditions of the soul, showing that the word here refers to the living person and bodily need rather than to something else. As with other passages that assign eating and hunger to the soul, this use proves that “soul” does not mean a separate, disembodied spirit or being.
The righteous eat in a way that satisfies both body and soul, having what they need and eating until satisfied. By contrast the belly of the wicked shall want, so that the wicked lack what they desire and go hungry. Their lack is not merely outward want but remaining unsatisfied in their eating.
The difference lies in how they eat: the wicked eat to gratify appetite, while the righteous eat to true satisfaction. Indulging a sinful craving does not satisfy it but strengthens it, so gratification leaves hunger unmet. Sanctified appetite is satisfied in receiving good food with gratitude, a clear conscience, and delight.
In this verse “soul” means the physical self or appetite, the living person with bodily needs, because the soul is spoken of as eating to satisfaction and as hungry and wanting. Hunger and eating are set forth as attributes and conditions of the soul, showing that the word here refers to the living person and bodily need rather than to something else. As with other passages that assign eating and hunger to the soul, this use proves that “soul” does not mean a separate, disembodied spirit or being.
The righteous eat in a way that satisfies both body and soul, having what they need and eating until satisfied. By contrast the belly of the wicked shall want, so that the wicked lack what they desire and go hungry. Their lack is not merely outward want but remaining unsatisfied in their eating.
The difference lies in how they eat: the wicked eat to gratify appetite, while the righteous eat to true satisfaction. Indulging a sinful craving does not satisfy it but strengthens it, so gratification leaves hunger unmet. Sanctified appetite is satisfied in receiving good food with gratitude, a clear conscience, and delight.