King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Acting justly is a joy for the righteous but it terrifies evildoers.
Berean Standard Bible:
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
American Standard Version:
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
It is joy{H8057} to the just{H6662} to do{H6213} judgment{H4941}: but destruction{H4288} shall be to the workers{H6466} of iniquity{H205}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 10:29
- ¶ The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.
Matthew 7:23
- And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Isaiah 64:5
- Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, [those that] remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
Ecclesiastes 3:12
- I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
Matthew 13:41
- The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Matthew 13:42
- And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Luke 13:27
- But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.
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Commentary for Proverbs 21:15
Proverbs 21:15 is a verse that contrasts the outcomes of righteous behavior with those of wickedness. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the wisdom literature of the ancient Near East, which often explored the themes of justice, righteousness, and the consequences of one's actions. In the specific text of Proverbs 21:15, the verse suggests that individuals who uphold justice and live righteously find joy and fulfillment in their deeds. This joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from aligning one's actions with a moral order that is seen as reflecting divine will.
On the other hand, the verse warns that those who engage in iniquity—acts that go against this moral order—will face destruction. This destruction is not necessarily immediate or physical, but it can be understood as a broader concept that includes the breakdown of one's life, relationships, and ultimately, one's well-being in both the temporal and eternal sense. The verse reflects a common theme in Proverbs, which is the belief that there are inherent rewards for righteousness and inherent consequences for wickedness.
In summary, Proverbs 21:15 encapsulates the wisdom tradition's teaching on retributive justice, asserting that righteous actions bring inner joy and that unrighteous actions lead to personal ruin. This principle is presented as a universal truth, one that transcends the immediate historical context and speaks to the enduring human quest for a moral and just society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8057
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂמְחָה
Transliteration: simchâh
Pronunciation: sim-khaw'
Description: from שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). - Strong's Number: H6662
There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צַדִּיק
Transliteration: tsaddîyq
Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man). - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H4941
There are 406 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁפָּט
Transliteration: mishpâṭ
Pronunciation: mish-pawt'
Description: from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. - Strong's Number: H4288
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְחִתָּה
Transliteration: mᵉchittâh
Pronunciation: mekh-it-taw'
Description: from חָתָה; properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation; destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. - Strong's Number: H6466
There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּעַל
Transliteration: pâʻal
Pronunciation: paw-al'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise; commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). - Strong's Number: H205
There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָוֶן
Transliteration: ʼâven
Pronunciation: aw-ven'
Description: from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught); strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol; affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare אַיִן.