Proverbs 11:23

Translation
King James Version
¶ The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The righteous desire only good, but what the wicked hope for brings wrath.
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Berean Standard Bible
The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.
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American Standard Version
The desire of the righteous is only good; Butthe expectation of the wicked is wrath.
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World English Bible Messianic
The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The desire of the righteous is onely good: but the hope of the wicked is indignation.
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Young's Literal Translation
The desire of the righteous is only good, The hope of the wicked is transgression.
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See also
Romans 2:8Romans 2:9Psalms 37:4Matthew 5:6Proverbs 10:28Psalms 10:17Isaiah 26:9
In the KJVVerse 16,712 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 11:23 profoundly distinguishes between the inner inclinations and ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked. It asserts that the deepest longings and aspirations of those aligned with God's character are inherently directed towards what is morally good and ultimately lead to flourishing. In stark contrast, the anticipated outcomes of the wicked, whose desires are self-serving and rebellious, are inevitably met with divine displeasure or destructive consequences, encapsulating a foundational principle of biblical wisdom: one's moral character, as expressed through their desires and expectations, directly shapes their experience within God's moral order.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 11 is a vibrant example of antithetical parallelism, a hallmark literary device of the wisdom genre, where contrasting ideas are juxtaposed to illuminate moral and theological truths. Following the broader introduction to wisdom and folly in Proverbs 1-9, chapters 10-29 present a collection of individual proverbs, typically two-line couplets, offering practical guidance for righteous living. Proverbs 11 specifically emphasizes the virtues of integrity, generosity, and justice, contrasting them sharply with the vices of deceit, selfishness, and corruption. The chapter consistently illustrates how these opposing paths lead to vastly different outcomes in both earthly life and before God. Verse 11:23 serves as a powerful summary statement, reflecting the chapter's pervasive message that internal character dictates external consequence, echoing sentiments found throughout the chapter regarding the prosperity of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked, such as in Proverbs 11:3 which states, "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Proverbs emerged from the rich wisdom traditions of ancient Israel, a cultural milieu that deeply valued practical wisdom, moral instruction, and the understanding of a divinely ordered cosmos. In this context, "righteousness" (צַדִּיק, tsaddîyq) was not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but a holistic alignment of one's life, character, and actions with God's covenantal demands and His inherent justice. It implied a right relationship with God and neighbor, fostering communal well-being. Conversely, "wickedness" (רָשָׁע, râshâʻ) represented a fundamental rebellion against this divine order, characterized by self-serving actions, disregard for God's will, and exploitation of others. The concept of "wrath" (עֶבְרָה, ʻebrâh) 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, societal repercussions, or divine judgment, as is broadly seen in the prophetic tradition (e.g., Isaiah 5:25).
  • Key Themes: Proverbs 11:23 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. 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. This underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of moral accountability and divine retribution, asserting that actions and intentions have clear, divinely ordained consequences within God's just universe. The "good" desired by the righteous is not just a moral quality but also encompasses well-being, blessing, and flourishing, while the "wrath" expected by the wicked signifies ruin, judgment, and ultimately, destruction. This principle is consistently reinforced, such as in Proverbs 10:24, 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 and life, the other to destruction and death—a central motif of the entire wisdom tradition (Proverbs 9), inviting readers to choose the path of righteousness.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Desire (Hebrew, taʼăvâh', H8378): From the root אָוָה ('avah), this word (H8378) signifies a deep longing, craving, or appetite. It can denote a positive delight or a negative lust. For the righteous, this fundamental orientation of the heart is directed towards what is inherently good and pleasing to God. It is not a superficial wish but a profound, animating impulse that shapes their choices and actions, driving them towards beneficial and upright pursuits.
  • Good (Hebrew, ṭôwb', H2896): This term (H2896) 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 perfectly aligned with God's character and will. Their aspirations lead to flourishing and blessings in the widest sense, reflecting God's own nature.
  • Wrath (Hebrew, ʻebrâh', H5678): This word (H5678) 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 comprehensive "good" experienced by the righteous.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The desire of the righteous [is] only good:" This clause posits that the inner longings, deepest aspirations, and fundamental orientation of those who are in right standing with God are intrinsically directed 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 transformed character and God's favor. Their very essence yearns for that which is truly good.
  • "[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 or flourishing but to divine judgment, indignation, or the destructive consequences that naturally flow from their unrighteous actions and intentions. Their inner disposition, driven by self-interest and rebellion, sets them on an unavoidable collision course with negative repercussions and ultimate ruin.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 11:23 is Antithetical Parallelism, a foundational structure in 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," creating a stark dichotomy that underscores the fundamental difference in character and destiny between the two groups. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Metonymy, where "good" and "wrath" function as metonyms 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, powerfully underscoring the principle that one's internal moral compass dictates their external reality and ultimate fate.

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 and righteousness or rebellious against them—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 flourishing, while wickedness inevitably leads to judgment and ruin. This is not arbitrary punishment but 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 and His ways.

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 compelling call to intentional spiritual formation and a daily pursuit of righteousness. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that genuinely delights in God's law, seeks justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with Him, 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 or worldly success, ultimately culminates in ruin, disappointment, and separation from God's blessing. Our inner world profoundly shapes our outer reality and our eternal destiny.

Questions for Reflection

  • What are the deepest desires of your heart? Do they align with God's "good," or are they primarily self-focused or worldly?
  • How do your daily choices, priorities, and pursuits reflect the desires and expectations that truly drive you?
  • In what practical ways can you actively cultivate desires for righteousness, God's will, and the flourishing of others in your life?
  • Considering the "expectation of the wicked is wrath," what "wrath" or negative consequences (personal, relational, spiritual) 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 in the broadest sense. 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's Spirit, where the very inclination is towards what is pleasing to Him and beneficial to humanity, reflecting the truth found in Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

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, where "he that perverteth his ways shall be known"), personal destruction (e.g., Proverbs 1:31, "Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices"), or the internal turmoil, spiritual death, and ultimate separation from God's blessing that accompany a life lived apart from Him. It is 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 (as affirmed in 1 Peter 2:22, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth"), lived a life whose every desire was "only good" – perfectly aligned with the Father's will and dedicated to the salvation of humanity (as He declared in John 4:34, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work"). His deepest longing was for the glory of God and the redemption of His people, a desire that led Him 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 (as described in Romans 5:9, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him"), where He, though sinless, became sin for us (as articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him"). 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, redemption, and transformation to all who trust in Him.

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Commentary on Proverbs 11 verse 23

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

This tells us what the desire and expectation of the righteous and of the wicked are and how they will prove, what they would have and what they shall have. 1. The righteous would have good, only good; all they desire is that it may go well with all about them; they wish no hurt to any, but happiness to all; as to themselves, their desire is not to gratify any evil lust, but to obtain the favour of a good God and to preserve the peace of a good conscience; and good they shall have, that good which they desire, Psa 37:4. 2. The wicked would have wrath; they desire the woeful day, that God's judgments may gratify their passion and revenge, may remove those that stand in their way, and that they may make an advantage to themselves by fishing in troubled waters; and wrath they shall have, so shall their doom be. They expect and desire mischief to others, but it shall return upon themselves; as they loved cursing, they shall have enough of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 23. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
The desire of the righteous is all good, etc. The righteous always desire justice to reign everywhere, but the impious, even when they seem to rest from the execution of impiety, yet with the purpose of a cruel mind, intend to inflict fury on anyone. And this is what is said above, Hand in hand, the evil will not be innocent; likewise, The expectation of the wicked is wrath, because often wrath enclosed in silence boils more vehemently within the mind.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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