Proverbs 11:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Proverbs 11:10 (KJV)

Proverbs 11:10 offers a profound observation on the societal impact of both righteousness and wickedness, highlighting the community's reaction to the moral state of its inhabitants. It underscores a fundamental principle within the wisdom literature: that a just and moral order ultimately brings public joy and relief, while corruption leads to eventual downfall.

Context

This verse is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10-22), which frequently contrasts the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. The Book of Proverbs as a whole serves as a guide to living wisely, emphasizing that true wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord and leads to a life that honors God and benefits humanity. This particular proverb speaks to the broader communal implications of individual character and leadership, suggesting that societal well-being is intrinsically linked to moral uprightness.

Key Themes

  • Societal Impact of Righteousness: The verse posits that when the righteous thrive, the entire city or community experiences joy. This joy stems from the stability, justice, and prosperity that righteous individuals bring through their integrity, fair dealings, and commitment to truth. Their flourishing is a blessing that extends beyond themselves, contributing to the public good and overall societal health.
  • Consequences of Wickedness: Conversely, the perishing or downfall of the wicked is met with public "shouting," signifying relief, celebration, and vindication. This is not necessarily gloating but a natural reaction to the removal of oppressive, corrupt, or destructive influences that hinder peace and progress. It reflects a longing for justice and liberation from evil.
  • Divine Justice and Moral Order: The proverb implicitly affirms a moral universe where actions have consequences. It suggests that wickedness, though it may seem to prosper for a time, ultimately leads to ruin, while righteousness is ultimately affirmed and celebrated. This reinforces the biblical principle that God's justice will prevail, ensuring that moral order is maintained.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rejoiceth" is alaz, which implies exultation, triumph, or great joy, often expressed publicly. It suggests a widespread and genuine happiness.
  • "Perish" comes from the Hebrew avad, meaning to be lost, destroyed, ruined, or brought to an end. It signifies a complete downfall or demise, not just a temporary setback.
  • "Shouting" (Hebrew: rinnah) refers to a cry of joy, triumph, or acclamation. In this context, it clearly denotes public rejoicing over the removal of evil.

Related Scriptures

The concept that righteousness brings societal blessing is echoed throughout Scripture. Proverbs 14:34 explicitly states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." This highlights the direct correlation between national character and national standing. Similarly, the downfall of the wicked is a recurring theme of divine justice. Proverbs 10:25 declares, "As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." The relief felt at the removal of injustice is also found in Psalm 7:9, which prays, "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just..."

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:10 serves as a powerful encouragement for individuals to pursue righteousness, understanding that their moral choices have far-reaching effects beyond themselves. It inspires believers to be agents of positive change within their communities, contributing to an atmosphere of joy and stability. For leaders, it underscores the immense responsibility of ethical governance, reminding them that their integrity directly impacts the well-being and happiness of the populace. Furthermore, it offers hope and reassurance that even amidst pervasive evil, God's ultimate justice will prevail, and oppressive forces will eventually be brought to an end, leading to widespread relief and celebration.

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.

  • 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.

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