Proverbs 11:23

KJV

¶ The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.

KJV (with Strong's)

The desire {H8378} of the righteous {H6662} is only good {H2896}: but the expectation {H8615} of the wicked {H7563} is wrath {H5678}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous desire only good, but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.

Berean Standard Bible

The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.

American Standard Version

The desire of the righteous is only good; Butthe expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:23 succinctly contrasts the intrinsic nature and ultimate outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, asserting that the deepest longings of the righteous are inherently aligned with goodness, leading to beneficial results, while the anticipated outcomes of the wicked are inevitably met with divine displeasure or destructive consequences. This proverb encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom literature: one's moral character, as expressed through their desires and expectations, directly shapes their destiny within God's moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is a rich tapestry of antithetical parallelism, a hallmark literary device of the wisdom genre, where contrasting ideas are juxtaposed to highlight moral and theological truths. Following the general introduction of the book (Proverbs 1-9) that personifies wisdom and folly, chapters 10-29 present individual proverbs, often two-line couplets, that offer practical guidance for righteous living. Proverbs 11 specifically emphasizes themes of integrity, generosity, and justice versus deceit, selfishness, and corruption, illustrating how these opposing paths lead to vastly different outcomes in life and before God. Verse 11:23 stands as a powerful summary statement, reflecting the chapter's broader message that internal character dictates external consequence, echoing sentiments found earlier in the chapter regarding the prosperity of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked (e.g., [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity vs. Perversity")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs emerged from the wisdom traditions of ancient Israel, a cultural milieu that highly valued practical wisdom, moral instruction, and the understanding of divine order in the world. In this context, "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, *tzedeq*) was not merely adherence to legal codes but a holistic alignment of one's life, character, and actions with God's covenantal demands and His inherent justice. Conversely, "wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, *resha'*) represented a fundamental rebellion against this divine order, characterized by self-serving actions and disregard for God's will and neighbor's welfare. The concept of "wrath" (עֶבְרָה, *'evrah*) would have been understood not as arbitrary anger but as the just and inevitable consequence of violating God's moral universe, often manifesting in natural consequences or divine judgment, as seen in the broader prophetic tradition (e.g., [Isaiah 5:25](/isaiah/5-25 "Isaiah 5:25 - God's Wrath Against Disobedience")).
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 11:23 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the book. Firstly, it highlights the **intrinsic nature of desire and expectation**, positing that one's deepest longings and anticipated outcomes are direct reflections of their inner character, whether righteous or wicked. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **moral accountability and divine retribution**, asserting that actions and intentions have clear, divinely ordained consequences. The "good" desired by the righteous is not just a moral quality but also encompasses well-being and blessing, while the "wrath" expected by the wicked signifies ruin and judgment. This principle is consistently reinforced, such as in [Proverbs 10:24](/proverbs/10-24 "Proverbs 10:24 - The Fear of the Wicked and the Desire of the Righteous"), which states, "The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted." Finally, the verse reinforces the **dichotomy between wisdom and folly**, presenting two distinct paths of life—one leading to flourishing, the other to destruction—a central motif of the entire wisdom tradition, inviting readers to choose the path of righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desire (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** From the root אָוָה (*'avah*), this word signifies a deep longing, craving, or appetite. For the righteous, this fundamental orientation of the heart is directed towards what is inherently good. It's not a superficial wish but a profound, animating impulse that shapes their choices and actions. This "desire" is not merely passive but active, driving the righteous towards beneficial and upright pursuits.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This term is exceptionally broad, encompassing moral goodness, ethical uprightness, well-being, prosperity, beauty, and favor. When applied to the "desire of the righteous," it means their deepest longings are directed towards what is morally pure, beneficial for themselves and others, and aligned with God's character and will. Their aspirations lead to flourishing and blessings in the widest sense.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** This word denotes an outburst of passion, anger, fury, or indignation. In the context of the "expectation of the wicked," it signifies the inevitable and destructive consequences that await them. This "wrath" can manifest as divine judgment, the natural destructive outcomes of their own ungodly choices, or the indignation of those they have wronged. It implies a deserved and unavoidable negative outcome, a stark contrast to the "good" experienced by the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The desire of the righteous [is] only good:"** This clause posits that the inner longings and deepest aspirations of those who are in right standing with God are intrinsically oriented towards what is morally upright, beneficial, and aligned with divine purposes. Their desires are pure, not self-serving or destructive, and consequently, they lead to positive, life-affirming outcomes, reflecting their character and God's favor.
* **"[but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath."** In stark contrast, the anticipated outcome or the very hope of those who are morally corrupt and rebellious against God is "wrath." This signifies that their hopes are delusive, leading not to fulfillment but to divine judgment, indignation, or the destructive consequences that naturally flow from their unrighteous actions and intentions. Their inner disposition sets them on a collision course with negative repercussions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 11:23 is **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting lines or clauses that express opposing ideas, thereby highlighting the moral and theological distinction between them. Here, "the desire of the righteous is only good" is set in direct opposition to "the expectation of the wicked is wrath." This stark contrast emphasizes the fundamental difference in character and destiny between the two groups. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "good" and "wrath" stand in for the outcomes or consequences of the respective desires and expectations. The abstract concepts of "good" and "wrath" become concrete representations of the destinies awaiting the righteous and the wicked, underscoring the principle that one's internal moral compass dictates their external reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:23 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of moral causality: character determines destiny. It teaches that the deepest inclinations of the heart—whether aligned with God's goodness or rebellious against it—are not inconsequential but are fundamentally determinative of one's ultimate experience and standing before God. This verse underscores divine justice, where God's moral order ensures that righteousness leads to blessing and wickedness to judgment, not as arbitrary punishment but as the natural and just consequence of one's orientation towards Him. It highlights that true flourishing (the "good") is a byproduct of righteous desire, while ruin (the "wrath") is the inevitable fruit of wicked expectation. This theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's active involvement in upholding justice and rewarding those who seek Him.

* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord and Desires of the Heart")
* [Romans 2:8-9](/romans/2-8 "Romans 2:8-9 - Indignation and Wrath for the Disobedient")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:23 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine the deepest desires and expectations of our own hearts. It challenges us to consider whether our fundamental longings are aligned with God's "good" – His character, His will, and His kingdom – or if they are self-serving, materialistic, or rebellious, inevitably leading to "wrath" or destructive outcomes. This verse is not merely a statement of fact but a call to intentional spiritual formation. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that genuinely delights in righteousness, seeks justice, and loves mercy, trusting that such an orientation will lead to true peace, flourishing, and alignment with God's divine purposes. Conversely, it stands as a sober warning against allowing ungodly desires and expectations to take root, reminding us that the path of wickedness, though it may promise temporary gratification, ultimately culminates in ruin and separation from God's blessing. Our inner world profoundly shapes our outer reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the deepest desires of your heart? Do they align with God's "good," or are they primarily self-focused?**
* **How do your daily choices reflect the desires and expectations that truly drive you?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate desires for righteousness and God's will in your life?**
* **Considering the "expectation of the wicked is wrath," what "wrath" or negative consequences have you observed in your own life or in the lives of others when ungodly desires are pursued?**

### FAQ
**What does "the desire of the righteous is only good" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the deepest, most fundamental longings and aspirations of a person who is in right relationship with God are inherently oriented towards what is morally upright, beneficial, and aligned with God's character and will. "Good" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*) encompasses not just moral purity but also well-being, prosperity, and blessings. Thus, the righteous person's inner compass points towards life-giving and constructive outcomes, and their desires ultimately lead to genuine flourishing and God's favor. It implies a heart transformed by God, where the very inclination is towards what is pleasing to Him and beneficial to humanity.

**How does "the expectation of the wicked is wrath" manifest in reality? Is it always divine judgment?**

Answer: "The expectation of the wicked is wrath" signifies that the anticipated outcomes or hopes of those who live in rebellion against God are ultimately met with destructive consequences. While this can certainly include direct divine judgment, "wrath" (Hebrew: *ʻebrâh*) also encompasses the natural, inevitable ruin that results from ungodly choices and actions. This can manifest as societal consequences (e.g., [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - Integrity vs. Crooked Paths")), personal destruction (e.g., [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")), or the internal turmoil and spiritual death that accompany a life lived apart from God. It's the just and unavoidable outcome of a life oriented away from righteousness, where their "hope" is a delusion leading to ultimate disappointment and destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:23 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "desire of the righteous" and bore the "wrath" due to the wicked. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one (e.g., [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), lived a life whose every desire was "only good" – perfectly aligned with the Father's will and dedicated to the salvation of humanity (e.g., [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will")). His deepest longing was for the glory of God and the redemption of His people, a desire that led to the ultimate good of the cross and resurrection. Conversely, the "wrath" that was the "expectation of the wicked" was fully poured out upon Jesus on the cross (e.g., [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")), where He, though sinless, became sin for us (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus absorbed the just wrath that was due to humanity's wickedness, thereby opening the way for all who believe to have their desires transformed by the Holy Spirit and to partake in the "good" that flows from His perfect righteousness, escaping the condemnation that was once their expectation. Thus, in Christ, the contrasting destinies of Proverbs 11:23 converge and are resolved, offering hope and transformation to all who trust in Him.

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

Romans 2:8

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

Romans 2:9

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Matthew 5:6

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

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

Psalms 10:17

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.