Proverbs 12:7

¶ The wicked are overthrown, and [are] not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

The wicked {H7563} are overthrown {H2015}, and are not: but the house {H1004} of the righteous {H6662} shall stand {H5975}.

Once the wicked are down, it's the end of them; but the house of the upright endures.

The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.

The wicked are overthrown, and are not; But the house of the righteous shall stand.

Proverbs 12:7 presents a stark contrast, characteristic of wisdom literature, illustrating the ultimate destinies of the wicked and the righteous. It offers profound insight into divine justice and the lasting consequences of one's character and choices, emphasizing stability for the righteous and impermanence for the wicked.

Context

This verse is part of the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs, which frequently juxtapose the fate and characteristics of the righteous and the wicked. The book of Proverbs aims to impart wisdom for daily living, consistently highlighting that moral choices have tangible, often long-term, outcomes. This particular proverb serves as a powerful reminder that while the wicked may experience temporary success or influence, their foundation is ultimately unstable, whereas the righteous, though they may face trials, build on an enduring foundation that will stand firm like a tree planted by rivers of water.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Judgment: The phrase "The wicked are overthrown, and are not" speaks to a divine decree or an inevitable consequence of their chosen path. It implies a sudden, complete reversal or disappearance, emphasizing that their prosperity or existence is fleeting. This echoes themes found elsewhere, such as the wicked vanishing quickly as seen in Psalm 37:10.
  • Permanence vs. Impermanence: The core message is the transient nature of the wicked's influence contrasted with the enduring stability of the righteous. The wicked's existence is ultimately without lasting impact, while the righteous leave a legacy that "shall stand."
  • The Stability of the Righteous "House": The "house" (Hebrew: beit) here signifies more than just a physical dwelling. It encompasses a family, lineage, reputation, and established position. For the righteous, their integrity and faithfulness build a stable, enduring heritage, reflecting the idea of building one's life on a solid foundation. This stability is a blessing that extends beyond their lifetime, pointing to a lasting legacy and divine favor.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "overthrown" (נֶהְפָּכוּ - nehephaku) suggests a turning upside down, a complete reversal or destruction. It's the same root used for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, implying a decisive and irreversible end. The phrase "and are not" (וְאֵינָם - v'einam) powerfully conveys their complete disappearance or non-existence, emphasizing their ultimate lack of presence or influence. Conversely, "shall stand" (יַעֲמֹד - ya'amod) denotes firmness, endurance, and stability, signifying a lasting presence and resilience that remains steadfast.

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:7 serves as both a warning and an encouragement. For those who choose a path of unrighteousness, it's a stark reminder that their gains are temporary and their ultimate end is dissolution. For the righteous, it offers profound comfort and reassurance: despite present challenges or the apparent success of the wicked, their commitment to God's ways is not in vain. It encourages believers to prioritize integrity, faithfulness, and character, knowing that these are the true building blocks of a lasting legacy and a life truly blessed by God. It calls us to focus on eternal values rather than fleeting earthly pursuits, trusting in the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

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.

  • Matthew 7:24

    Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

  • Matthew 7:27

    And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

  • Proverbs 11:21

    ¶ [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

  • 2 Samuel 7:26

    And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.

  • Job 27:18

    He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth [that] the keeper maketh.

  • Job 27:23

    [Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

  • Job 18:15

    It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

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