Proverbs 10:7

ยถ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

The memory {H2143} of the just {H6662} is blessed {H1293}: but the name {H8034} of the wicked {H7563} shall rot {H7537}.

The memory of the righteous will be for a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot.

Commentary

Proverbs 10:7 succinctly contrasts the enduring legacy of the righteous with the fading reputation of the wicked. This verse highlights a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: that character and conduct ultimately determine one's lasting impact and remembrance.

Context of Proverbs 10:7

The Book of Proverbs is a cornerstone of Old Testament wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for daily living rooted in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 10 specifically marks a shift from longer discourses to shorter, often antithetical, proverbs that sharply contrast the ways and outcomes of the wise/righteous with the foolish/wicked. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the broader theme that integrity leads to flourishing and positive remembrance, while corruption leads to ruin and oblivion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Lasting Legacy vs. Fleeting Fame: The verse emphasizes that true blessing and remembrance come not from worldly power or fleeting recognition, but from a life lived in righteousness. The "memory of the just" suggests a positive, enduring influence that extends beyond their lifetime, while the "name of the wicked" quickly decays into oblivion or infamy.
  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This proverb speaks to the ultimate outworking of God's justice. While the wicked may prosper for a time, their legacy is destined to perish. Conversely, the righteous, though they may face hardship, are assured of a blessed remembrance, often by God himself and by generations that follow.
  • The Power of Character: It underscores the profound importance of one's moral character. What one is in the sight of God and man ultimately determines the nature of their remembrance and the impact of their life.

Linguistic Insights

Understanding a few key Hebrew terms enhances the verse's meaning:

  • "Just" (ืฆึทื“ึดึผื™ืง, tsaddiq): This term denotes someone who is righteous, upright, and walks in conformity with God's law and will. Their actions are morally sound and reflect God's character.
  • "Blessed" (ื‘ึธึผืจึธืšึฐ, barak): This implies divine favor, honor, and prosperity, not necessarily in material wealth, but in reputation and spiritual well-being. The memory is honored and spoken well of.
  • "Wicked" (ืจึธืฉึธืืข, rasha'): Refers to the unrighteous, those who are guilty, lawless, and rebellious against God.
  • "Shall rot" (ืจึธืงึธื‘, raqqab): This vivid word means to decay, corrupt, or crumble. It suggests a process of putrefaction, implying that the wicked's name will not only be forgotten but may be remembered with disgust or contempt, becoming a stench rather than a sweet aroma.

Related Scriptures

The concept of a lasting, blessed memory for the righteous is a recurring theme in Scripture. For instance, Psalm 112:6 declares, "Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." Similarly, the perishable legacy of the wicked is consistently portrayed, as seen in Job 18:17, which states, "His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street." These verses reinforce the proverb's message about the ultimate consequences of one's life choices and the just nature of God's dealings with humanity.

Practical Application

Proverbs 10:7 challenges us to consider what kind of legacy we are building. It encourages us to prioritize living a life of integrity, justice, and faithfulness to God, rather than pursuing fleeting recognition or ill-gotten gains. Our actions and character today shape not only our present but also how we will be remembered. This verse offers comfort and hope to the righteous, knowing that their efforts are not in vain and that their memory will be honored. It also serves as a powerful warning to those who choose a path of wickedness, reminding them that their influence will ultimately decay and be forgotten or scorned. We are called to live in such a way that our "memory" brings honor to God and blessings to others, reflecting the eternal values of the Kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 112:6

    ยถ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

  • Luke 1:48

    For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

  • Mark 14:9

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

  • Psalms 109:13

    Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:16

    And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

  • Job 18:17

    His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.

  • Psalms 109:15

    Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
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