Proverbs 10:24

KJV

¶ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H4034} of the wicked {H7563}, it shall come {H935} upon him: but the desire {H8378} of the righteous {H6662} shall be granted {H5414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What a fool dreads will overtake him, but the righteous will be given his desire.

Berean Standard Bible

What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

American Standard Version

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; And the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:24 presents a profound and antithetical truth regarding divine justice and the ultimate outcomes for humanity, predicated on their moral orientation. It asserts that the very dread and apprehension that plague the wicked will inevitably manifest upon them, serving as a just consequence of their unrighteousness. Conversely, the legitimate, God-honoring longings of the righteous will find their complete and faithful fulfillment. This verse thus powerfully underscores the inherent moral order of the universe, where one's character and conduct are inextricably linked to their destiny, revealing God's unwavering commitment to both righteous reward and equitable retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:24 is strategically placed within the first major collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a section predominantly characterized by **antithetical parallelism**. This pervasive literary device is fundamental to the book's pedagogical approach, systematically presenting contrasting pairs of ideas, characters, or outcomes to illuminate the wisdom of one path versus the folly of another. This particular verse serves as a quintessential example of this pattern, starkly juxtaposing the fate of the "wicked" with that of the "righteous." It builds upon and reinforces preceding proverbs that establish the intrinsic link between character and consequence, such as the contrast between the diligent hand bringing wealth and the idle hand leading to poverty found in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence and Poverty"), or the enduring legacy of the righteous versus the decaying memory of the wicked in [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - Righteous Remembrance"). Thus, [Proverbs 10:24](/proverbs/10-24 "Proverbs 10:24 - The Fear of the Wicked and the Desire of the Righteous") functions as a potent summary statement of this overarching theme, solidifying the concept that one's moral orientation fundamentally dictates their ultimate experience of reality and divine interaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which placed immense value on practical instruction for cultivating a virtuous and flourishing life. In ancient Israel, wisdom transcended mere intellectual acumen; it was a practical skill for navigating existence in harmonious alignment with God's established order. The foundational principle, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")), implies a profound reverence for God's moral law and an acknowledgment of His sovereign control over all outcomes. Society was largely agrarian, fostering a worldview deeply imbued with concepts of sowing and reaping, cause and effect. The proverbs often reflect a communal understanding of justice, where righteous living was expected to usher in societal blessing and wicked behavior to lead to communal decay or personal ruin. While the manifestation of justice was not always immediate or overtly visible, the underlying conviction was that God's justice would ultimately prevail, whether through natural consequences or divine intervention, thereby ensuring the preservation of the community's moral fabric.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 10:24](/proverbs/10-24 "Proverbs 10:24 - Fear of the Wicked, Desire of the Righteous") masterfully encapsulates several pivotal themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Retribution and Justice**, asserting that the consequences for the wicked are not arbitrary but are directly tied to their character and actions, often manifesting as the very things they dread. This aligns perfectly with the biblical principle of "sowing and reaping" articulated in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Favor and Fulfillment for the Righteous**, promising that the desires of those whose hearts are genuinely aligned with God's will are indeed granted. This is not a carte blanche promise for every material whim but rather an assurance that God honors the pure longings of a righteous heart, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord"). Lastly, the proverb profoundly underscores the **Consequences of Character**, demonstrating that one's internal moral disposition—whether wicked or righteous—serves as the fundamental determinant of their ultimate destiny and experience of life, reflecting the deep biblical truth that actions flow from the heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _mᵉgôwrah'_):** This feminine noun (H4034) is derived from a root meaning "to dread" or "to be afraid." In this context, _mᵉgôwrah_ refers not merely to an internal emotion of apprehension but often to the very object or outcome that is dreaded. For the wicked, this "fear" is frequently born out of a guilty conscience, an awareness of their own wrongdoing, and an implicit anticipation of the just consequences. The proverb asserts that this very thing they fear, whether it be exposure, punishment, or the collapse of their ill-gotten schemes, will indeed "come upon him."
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** The term _râshâʻ_ (H7563) describes an individual who is morally wrong, actively bad, or guilty. It signifies a person who deviates from God's righteous standards, often characterized by injustice, oppression, and a blatant disregard for divine law. This is not merely someone who makes an occasional mistake but rather one whose character is fundamentally corrupt, whose actions are consistently evil, and who stands in active opposition to God's ways.
* **Desire (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** This noun (H8378) denotes a longing, craving, or delight. While _taʼăvâh_ can sometimes carry a negative connotation elsewhere (e.g., "lust"), when associated with the "righteous" as it is here, it refers to wholesome, God-honoring longings. These are not selfish whims but aspirations for justice, peace, wisdom, spiritual growth, and the flourishing of God's kingdom. The verse implies that such desires, originating from a heart aligned with God, are congruent with His will and therefore destined for fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him:"** This initial clause declares a fundamental principle of divine retribution. The "fear" (_mᵉgôwrah_) of the wicked is not just an internal emotional state but often refers to the specific negative outcome or judgment they dread. Because their lives are characterized by injustice, deceit, or rebellion against God, they live with an underlying apprehension of exposure, punishment, or the collapse of their schemes. This proverb asserts that this very apprehension will materialize; their worst fears will become their reality, a direct and inevitable consequence of their unrighteous character and actions.
* **"but the desire of the righteous shall be granted."** In stark and powerful contrast, this second clause offers a promise of divine favor and affirmation. The "desire" (_taʼăvâh_) of the righteous—those who are just (_tsaddîyq_), upright, and aligned with God's will—will be fulfilled. This is not a blanket promise for every personal wish, but rather an assurance that the longings of a heart devoted to God, seeking His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, will indeed be "granted" (given) by divine hand. It speaks to God's faithfulness in blessing those who walk in integrity and diligently pursue His wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 10:24 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structural pattern is foundational to much of the book of Proverbs, where two contrasting lines express opposing ideas, often highlighting the fundamental difference between the righteous and the wicked, or wisdom and folly. Here, the first clause describes the negative fate of the wicked, while the second presents the positive outcome for the righteous, creating a clear, memorable, and impactful moral lesson. There is also a subtle element of **Irony** in the first half, as the very thing the wicked dread (their "fear") is precisely what comes upon them, demonstrating a profound poetic justice. Furthermore, the verse employs a degree of **Personification** by attributing agency to "fear" and "desire," as if they are entities that can "come upon" or "be granted," thereby emphasizing the inevitable nature of these outcomes based on one's character and moral standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:24 profoundly articulates a core theological truth: God's moral governance over the world ensures that character ultimately determines destiny. It reveals a universe where actions and intentions are not without consequence, and where divine justice operates with unwavering faithfulness. For the wicked, their inner dread of deserved judgment is not merely psychological but a prophetic anticipation of their actual fate. Conversely, the righteous, whose desires are shaped by God's Spirit and aligned with His kingdom purposes, find their deepest longings met by a benevolent and faithful God. This verse underscores God's active involvement in upholding cosmic order, affirming that He is both a righteous judge who repays evil and a generous Father who blesses His faithful children. It is a powerful affirmation of the principle that genuine prosperity and peace are found in walking God's way, while true ruin stems from rebellion against Him.

* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Whatever one sows, that will he also reap")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:24 offers both a sobering warning and a profound encouragement for contemporary life, compelling us to deeply examine the nature of our deepest fears and desires. Are our fears rooted in a guilty conscience, anticipating the inevitable consequences for unrighteous living, or are they healthy apprehensions that wisely lead us to seek God and His protective hand? More critically, what are the predominant desires of our hearts? Are they selfish ambitions, fleeting pleasures, or are they aligned with God's kingdom, seeking justice, mercy, humility, and the flourishing of others? This proverb serves as a powerful call to cultivate a heart that genuinely delights in the Lord, knowing that such desires are not only pure and pleasing to Him but are also the very ones God promises to fulfill. It reminds us that true security, lasting peace, and ultimate fulfillment come not from attempting to avoid perceived threats through manipulation or wickedness, but from walking in unwavering integrity and trusting implicitly in God's righteous character and sovereign plan. Living righteously is not merely about avoiding punishment; it is about aligning ourselves with the very source of all good, thereby opening ourselves to divine blessing and the realization of God-given aspirations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the deepest fears that sometimes grip your heart, and how might they relate to your character or actions?**
* **What are the primary desires of your heart? Are they centered on self, or are they aligned with God's will and kingdom purposes?**
* **How does this proverb encourage you to live a life of integrity and righteousness, even when it seems difficult or unrewarding in the short term?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God granting the desires of your heart when those desires were clearly aligned with His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Does "the desire of the righteous shall be granted" mean God will give me anything I want?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise that God will grant every single personal wish or material desire of a righteous person. The Hebrew word for "desire" (_taʼăvâh_) can refer to a longing or delight. When associated with the righteous, it implies desires that are pure, God-honoring, and aligned with His wisdom and will. The context of Proverbs consistently links righteousness with living in accordance with God's established moral order. Therefore, the promise is that the genuine, Spirit-inspired longings of a heart devoted to God—such as desires for justice, peace, spiritual growth, or the advancement of His kingdom—will indeed be fulfilled by Him. This aligns with [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"), which suggests that when we delight in the Lord, He shapes our desires to be in harmony with His own, and then grants them.

**What is the "fear of the wicked" referring to?**

Answer: The "fear of the wicked" (Hebrew, _mᵉgôwrah_) refers to both the internal dread or apprehension experienced by those who live unrighteously, and more significantly, to the very object or consequence that they dread. Because the wicked often operate through deceit, injustice, or violence, they live with an underlying anxiety about exposure, retribution, or the collapse of their ill-gotten gains. This proverb asserts a principle of divine justice: the very negative outcomes they anticipate or fear—the consequences of their own sin—will inevitably "come upon them." It's a form of poetic justice where their own actions bring about their downfall, fulfilling their deepest anxieties. This concept is echoed in other wisdom literature, like [Job 3:25](/job/3-25 "Job 3:25 - For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Righteous One" ([1_john/2-1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the righteous")), whose desires were perfectly aligned with the will of His Father. His deepest longing was to glorify God and accomplish the Father's intricate redemptive plan ([john/17-4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). And indeed, His desires were fully "granted": He perfectly fulfilled the law, offered the ultimate and atoning sacrifice for sin, rose triumphantly from the dead, and was exalted to the Father's right hand ([philippians/2-9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Conversely, the "fear of the wicked"—the dread of judgment and eternal separation from God—was tragically realized for those who rejected Christ. Their fear of losing earthly power, status, or even life itself led them to crucify the Lord of Glory, and in doing so, they brought upon themselves the very spiritual and eternal consequences they unknowingly feared ([john/3-18-19](/john/3-18-19 "John 3:18-19 - Judgment for Unbelief")). For believers, this proverb points to the transformative power of Christ: through faith in Him, we are declared righteous ([romans/3-22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")), and the Holy Spirit indwells us, progressively shaping our desires to conform to Christ's own ([romans/8-26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes")). Thus, our transformed desires, rooted in Christ and empowered by His Spirit, are those that God delights to "grant," ultimately culminating in our full inheritance in His eternal kingdom ([1_peter/1-3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Isaiah 66:4

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.

Job 15:21

A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

John 14:18

¶ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.