Proverbs 11:31

¶ Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Behold, the righteous {H6662} shall be recompensed {H7999} in the earth {H776}: much more the wicked {H7563} and the sinner {H2398}.

If the righteous are paid what they deserve here on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; How much more the wicked and the sinner!

Proverbs 11:31 delivers a powerful statement about God's justice, emphasizing that consequences for both the righteous and the wicked are evident even in this earthly life. It serves as a stark reminder of divine accountability and the certainty of receiving one's due.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, largely attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical wisdom for living a godly life. Unlike books that focus solely on eternal salvation or covenant theology, Proverbs often highlights the immediate, earthly consequences of choices and character. This verse fits within a broader theme in Proverbs that contrasts the destiny and experience of the righteous with that of the wicked, often showing that righteousness leads to life and prosperity, while wickedness leads to ruin and death, even within one's lifetime. It's not a promise of perfection for the righteous, but a certainty of justice for all.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Accountability: The verse asserts that God's justice is not solely reserved for the afterlife but is active and observable "in the earth." Both good and evil deeds have their recompense. This aligns with the foundational biblical principle that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
  • Consequences for the Righteous: The phrase "the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth" does not necessarily imply punishment for good deeds, but rather that even the righteous will experience their share of earthly difficulties, discipline, or natural consequences of living in a fallen world. It can also refer to the outcomes of their actions, including divine discipline meant for their refinement, as seen in Hebrews 12:6 which states, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." This discipline is for their ultimate good.
  • Certainty of Judgment for the Wicked: The "much more" emphatically highlights that if the righteous face earthly reckoning, the wicked and sinners will assuredly face a far greater, more severe recompense for their unrighteousness. This speaks to the inevitability of God's judgment against sin, both in this life and ultimately in eternity, confirming that no one escapes God's righteous verdict.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "recompensed" is shullam (שֻׁלַּם), which comes from the root shalem (שָׁלַם). This root means "to be complete," "to be sound," or "to pay back." In this context, it carries the strong sense of "to be repaid," "requited," or "to receive one's due." It implies a full settlement or completion of what is owed, whether good or bad. This suggests that the consequences are not arbitrary but are a direct, fitting payment for one's actions and character, reflecting the principle of divine justice.

Practical Application

Proverbs 11:31 serves as a profound reminder of God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity. For the righteous, it's an encouragement to persevere in faithfulness, knowing that while they may face challenges, God's justice is ultimately for their good and refinement. It also reminds them that they are not exempt from the natural consequences of life or divine discipline. For those who persist in wickedness, it's a solemn warning that their actions do not go unnoticed and that consequences, both earthly and eternal, are certain. This verse calls all to consider their ways, to pursue righteousness, and to trust in the just character of God, understanding that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), and He will repay according to His perfect timing and wisdom.

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.

  • 1 Peter 4:17

    For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  • 1 Peter 4:18

    And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

  • Jeremiah 25:29

    For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:30

    For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32

    But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

  • 2 Samuel 7:14

    I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

  • 2 Samuel 7:15

    But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took [it] from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

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