Proverbs 10:24

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

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}.

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

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

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

Proverbs 10:24 from the King James Version (KJV) presents a stark contrast between the outcomes for the wicked and the righteous, highlighting themes of divine justice and the fulfillment of God-aligned desires.

Context

Proverbs Chapter 10 marks the beginning of a large collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily use antithetical parallelism to contrast the ways and fates of the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse fits seamlessly into this pattern, illustrating the inevitable consequences tied to one's moral character and actions. It speaks to a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: that there are natural and divine consequences for the choices people make, whether good or evil.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution and Justice: The verse asserts that what the wicked fear—often punishment, exposure, or the very evil they inflict—will ultimately befall them. This speaks to a universal law of sowing and reaping, where one's negative actions and intentions lead to their own undoing. It underscores God's active role in ensuring justice is served.
  • God's Favor and Fulfillment for the Righteous: In contrast, the desires of those who live righteously are promised to be granted. This is not a blank check for any wish, but rather a promise that the genuine longings of a heart aligned with God's will and wisdom will find their fulfillment. It reflects God's blessing upon those who walk in His ways, offering hope and assurance.
  • Consequences of Character: The core message is that one's internal disposition and outward conduct directly determine their ultimate destiny and experiences. The "fear of the wicked" is often born of guilt or anticipated judgment, while the "desire of the righteous" springs from a heart seeking God's glory and good.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" in "The fear of the wicked" is megorah (מְגוֹרַת), which carries the sense of dread, terror, or the very thing one fears will happen. It suggests that the wicked are often consumed by their own anxieties and the anticipation of negative consequences, and this verse declares that these very apprehensions will become their reality.

For "desire of the righteous," the Hebrew word is ta'avah (תַּאֲוַת), which means longing, desire, or even delight. When associated with the righteous, it implies desires that are pure, God-honoring, and aligned with wisdom. The phrase "shall be granted" (יִתֵּן - yitten) literally means "shall be given," emphasizing God's active role in bestowing these blessings upon the righteous. This concept is beautifully echoed in Psalm 37:4, which speaks of delighting in the Lord and receiving the desires of one's heart.

Practical Application

Proverbs 10:24 serves as both a solemn warning and a profound encouragement. For those who are inclined towards wickedness, it is a stark reminder that their actions have inescapable consequences, and the very things they dread may become their reality. This should prompt introspection and a turning towards righteousness.

For the righteous, this verse offers immense comfort and motivation. It reaffirms that living a life of integrity, wisdom, and obedience to God is not in vain. Their sincere desires—desires for justice, peace, spiritual growth, and God's glory—are seen and will be brought to fruition by divine hand. It encourages believers to cultivate desires that are pleasing to God, trusting that He will indeed fulfill them. This promise of God's faithfulness provides a strong foundation for walking by faith, not by sight, knowing that God is just and true to His word.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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