Proverbs 11:10

KJV

¶ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

KJV (with Strong's)

When it goeth well {H2898} with the righteous {H6662}, the city {H7151} rejoiceth {H5970}: and when the wicked {H7563} perish {H6}, there is shouting {H7440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is joy.

Berean Standard Bible

When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

American Standard Version

When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:10 profoundly articulates the societal repercussions of moral character, positing that the flourishing of righteous individuals brings widespread joy and celebration to the entire community. Conversely, the downfall or demise of the wicked is met with public acclamation and relief, thereby emphasizing the intrinsic connection between a community's moral health and its collective well-being, and implicitly affirming a divine order where justice ultimately prevails and evil is eradicated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11:10 is embedded within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a collection distinguished by its pervasive use of **antithetical parallelism**, a literary device that contrasts the paths, behaviors, and ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse serves as a quintessential example of this structure, presenting two opposing scenarios—the prosperity of the righteous and the perishing of the wicked—and their distinct communal responses. It builds upon preceding verses that underscore the benefits of integrity and the perils of dishonesty, such as the warning in [Proverbs 11:9](/proverbs/11-9 "Proverbs 11:9 - The Hypocrite's Destruction") against the destructive influence of hypocritical speech. The broader aim of the Book of Proverbs is didactic, designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living, consistently asserting that true wisdom originates in the fear of the Lord and leads to a life that honors God, fosters human flourishing, and contributes to the well-being of both the individual and the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "city" (Hebrew: _qiryâh_) was far more than a mere collection of dwellings; it represented the fundamental unit of social, economic, and political organization. The vitality and stability of the city were inextricably linked to the moral character of its inhabitants, particularly its leaders and influential citizens. Righteousness, encompassing moral integrity, justice, and unwavering faithfulness to God's covenant, was understood as the bedrock of societal prosperity and stability. Conversely, wickedness was perceived as a corrosive force, leading to injustice, oppression, and ultimately, communal ruin. The public reactions described—rejoicing and shouting—reflect a deeply communal identity where individual actions had profound collective consequences. The removal of oppressive or corrupt elements was thus a profound cause for widespread celebration, akin to liberation from tyranny or the restoration of divinely ordained order. This corporate perspective highlights the interconnectedness prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the fate of the individual was often viewed as intertwined with the destiny of the entire group.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **Societal Impact of Righteousness**, demonstrating that the flourishing of morally upright individuals directly contributes to the overall joy, stability, and prosperity of the community. Their integrity, just dealings, and commitment to truth create an environment conducive to peace and collective well-being, echoing the broader biblical sentiment that "Righteousness exalts a nation" ([Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")). Secondly, it addresses the **Consequences of Wickedness**, asserting that the perishing of the wicked is met with public relief and celebration. This "shouting" signifies a collective vindication and liberation from the destructive influence of corruption and injustice, reinforcing the biblical principle that "when the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone" ([Proverbs 10:25](/proverbs/10-25 "Proverbs 10:25 - The Wicked Are No More")). Finally, the proverb implicitly affirms the theme of **Divine Justice and Moral Order**, suggesting that there is an inherent moral structure to the universe where actions have consequences, and ultimately, God's justice will prevail, ensuring that righteousness is vindicated and wickedness is brought to an end.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoiceth (Hebrew, _ʻâlats'_):** From H5970, this word signifies "to jump for joy" or "exult." It conveys a sense of exuberant, often public, celebration and triumph. In the context of the city's reaction to the righteous, it indicates a widespread, genuine, and uninhibited expression of happiness and collective well-being, stemming from the positive impact of righteous living and the flourishing of goodness.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6, this term means "to wander away," "lose oneself," "destroy," or "be undone." It denotes a complete and utter downfall, not merely a temporary setback. When applied to the wicked, it implies their ultimate ruin, destruction, or removal from a position of influence or existence, signifying the decisive end of their destructive power and influence.
* **shouting (Hebrew, _rinnâh'_):** From H7440, this word refers to a "creaking (or shrill sound)" or a "shout (of joy or grief)." In this context, given its pairing with the perishing of the wicked, it clearly denotes a shout of triumph, gladness, or acclamation. It is a public expression of relief and vindication, celebrating the removal of an oppressive or corrupting force that had hindered the community's peace and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between the prosperity and well-being of the righteous and the collective joy of the community. "Goeth well" (H2898, _ṭûwb_) implies not just personal success but a state of goodness, welfare, and flourishing that extends beyond the individual. The "city" (H7151, _qiryâh_) represents the entire populace, indicating that the positive influence of righteous individuals permeates society, fostering an environment of peace, justice, and collective happiness that elicits widespread and genuine celebration.
* **"and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.":** This second clause presents the antithetical consequence. The "wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_), those who are morally wrong and actively bad, are destined to "perish" (H6, _ʼâbad_), meaning their ultimate destruction, ruin, or removal. This demise is met with "shouting" (H7440, _rinnâh_), a public cry of triumph and profound relief. This is not an unrighteous gloating, but a natural and righteous response to the removal of oppressive, corrupt, or destructive influences that hinder societal peace and progress, signifying the triumph of justice over evil and the restoration of order.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:10 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a defining characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse is meticulously structured into two contrasting clauses, where the first describes the positive outcome of righteousness and the second describes the positive outcome of the perishing of wickedness. This stark **Contrast** highlights the divergent paths and ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring the inherent moral order of the universe. The use of "city" as the subject of "rejoiceth" and the implied subject of "shouting" also demonstrates **Synecdoche**, where the part (the city's reaction) represents the whole (the collective sentiment and experience of the entire community). Furthermore, the "When... then..." structure clearly illustrates a **Cause and Effect** relationship, emphasizing that moral choices have tangible and far-reaching consequences for both individuals and the broader society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the pervasive biblical emphasis on God's justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It reflects the profound theological conviction that God is sovereign over human affairs and that His moral order will ultimately prevail, ensuring that those who walk in integrity will be vindicated and those who persist in wickedness will face destruction. The communal rejoicing described is not merely human sentiment but a reflection of God's own delight in justice and His unwavering commitment to establishing a righteous kingdom. It foreshadows the ultimate liberation and joy that will accompany the full manifestation of God's righteous reign, where all injustice will be eradicated and perfect peace will be established.

* [Proverbs 28:12](/proverbs/28-12 "Proverbs 28:12 - When the Righteous Triumph") "When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden."
* [Psalm 58:10](/psalms/58-10 "Psalm 58:10 - The Righteous Rejoice in Vengeance") "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked."
* [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoicing Over Babylon's Fall") "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:10 serves as a profound encouragement for believers to live righteously, reminding us that our moral integrity has ripple effects far beyond our individual lives. It calls us to be active agents of God's goodness in our communities, understanding that our pursuit of justice, truth, and compassion directly contributes to an atmosphere of collective joy and stability. For those in positions of leadership, this proverb underscores the immense responsibility of ethical governance, highlighting that their character and decisions directly impact the well-being and happiness of the populace. Furthermore, it offers a powerful message of hope and reassurance: even in times when evil seems to prosper and injustice abounds, God's ultimate justice will prevail. The eventual downfall of oppressive and corrupt forces is not a cause for unholy gloating, but for righteous relief and celebration, affirming God's unwavering commitment to establishing His just kingdom. This timeless truth should strengthen our resolve to persevere in righteousness, trusting that God will ultimately set all things right and bring about His perfect order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways can my personal commitment to righteousness contribute to the "rejoicing" of my community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does the promise of the wicked perishing encourage me to persevere in faith and continue to do good, even when injustice seems prevalent or unpunished?**
* **What specific actions can I take to promote justice and well-being in my city, neighborhood, or workplace, reflecting the spirit of this proverb?**

### FAQ
**Does the "shouting" at the perishing of the wicked imply gloating or unrighteous celebration?**

Answer: No, the "shouting" (Hebrew: _rinnâh_) in Proverbs 11:10 is best understood not as malicious gloating, but as a public expression of relief, vindication, and the triumph of justice. In the biblical worldview, the perishing of the wicked often signifies the removal of oppressive, corrupt, or destructive forces that have caused suffering and injustice within the community. Therefore, the "shouting" represents a righteous celebration of liberation and the restoration of moral order. It is a communal affirmation that God's justice has been served, bringing an end to the influence of those who actively oppose righteousness and harm society. This aligns with other biblical passages where the downfall of oppressors is met with praise for God's righteous judgment, such as the songs of triumph in [Exodus 15:1-21](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses") after Pharaoh's army is destroyed, or the heavenly rejoicing over Babylon's fall in [Revelation 19:1-3](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1-3 - Heavenly Worship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Righteous One, whose life of perfect obedience, unwavering integrity, and sacrificial death brought about the greatest good for humanity. When it "went well" with the Righteous One—when He triumphed over sin and death through His glorious resurrection and ascension—the "city" (the heavenly Jerusalem, the Church, and ultimately the redeemed creation) rejoiced with an eternal and unceasing joy. His victory secured the salvation of all who believe, ushering in an era of unprecedented grace and peace, as foretold by the angelic chorus proclaiming "good news of great joy for all the people" in [Luke 2:10-14](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10-14 - Good News of Great Joy"). Furthermore, Jesus came specifically to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Works")), who is the ultimate "wicked" one and the source of all evil. His cross and resurrection represent the definitive "perishing" of the power of sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the One Who Has the Power of Death"); [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). This ultimate triumph of the Righteous One over the wicked one elicits eternal "shouting" and praise from the redeemed, as seen in the triumphant worship of heaven in [Revelation 19:1-7](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1-7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), celebrating the Lamb's victory and the establishment of His righteous reign. Thus, this proverb powerfully points to the glorious reality that in Christ, righteousness has triumphed decisively, wickedness has been ultimately defeated, and eternal joy is the inheritance of His people.

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

Proverbs 28:12

¶ When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Esther 8:15

¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

Esther 8:16

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

Proverbs 28:28

¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.