Proverbs 18:3

KJV

¶ When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the wicked {H7563} cometh {H935}, then cometh {H935} also contempt {H937}, and with ignominy {H7036} reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too, and with disdain, provocation.

Berean Standard Bible

With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

American Standard Version

When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:3 articulates a profound truth about the inevitable social and reputational consequences that accompany a wicked character. It asserts that the manifestation of evil or unrighteousness in a person's life directly invites public disdain and humiliation. The verse highlights a direct cause-and-effect relationship, where the presence of the wicked inherently brings forth scorn, dishonor, and public shaming, underscoring that moral choices have visible and often painful repercussions on one's standing in the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18 is part of the "Proverbs of Solomon," a large collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 10:1–22:16). This chapter, like many others in the book, contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, often focusing on the consequences of their actions and character. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 18:1-2 discusses the isolation of a selfish person and the fool's delight in airing his own opinions rather than understanding. Proverbs 18:3 continues this theme by exploring the public reception of such negative character traits, particularly focusing on the wicked. The subsequent verses in the chapter continue to explore themes of justice, speech, and the power of words, reinforcing the idea that one's inner character inevitably manifests outwardly with tangible effects.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects ancient Israelite wisdom, which was deeply rooted in a communal and honor-shame culture. In such a society, a person's reputation and standing within the community were paramount. Public honor was highly valued, while shame and disgrace were severe punishments, often worse than physical pain or material loss. The family and community were central, and individual actions were seen to reflect upon the entire group. Therefore, proverbs like this one served not merely as moral guidelines but as practical warnings about social survival and flourishing. The "wicked" (Hebrew: *râshâʻ*) were those who acted contrary to God's covenant and societal norms, often exploiting others or defying justice, and such behavior was understood to disrupt the social fabric, naturally drawing public condemnation.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 18:3 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Retributive Justice** or **Consequence of Character**, emphasizing that moral choices have predictable outcomes, particularly in the social sphere. The verse suggests that wickedness cannot remain hidden indefinitely; its very presence "brings" (or reveals) its own shame. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" as articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Public Reputation and Honor**, underscoring the value placed on integrity and the devastating impact of disgrace. The terms "contempt," "ignominy," and "reproach" all speak to a loss of social standing, a severe consequence in the ancient world. This theme is echoed throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name") which states, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Finally, it touches upon the **Manifestation of Inner Character**, implying that one's true moral disposition will inevitably be revealed through actions, leading to either honor or disgrace, a concept also seen in [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17-20 - By Their Fruit You Will Know Them").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From H7563, this term denotes someone who is "morally wrong" or "an (actively) bad person." It describes not merely an individual who commits isolated bad deeds, but one whose fundamental disposition is unrighteous, estranged from God's law and justice. A *râshâʻ* is someone whose character is inherently corrupt, leading to actions that are condemned and guilty.
* **Contempt (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** From H937, this word signifies "disrespect," "contempt(-uously)," or being "despised" and "shamed." It speaks to the feeling or expression of disdain and scorn. When the wicked "cometh," *bûwz* is the immediate, visceral reaction of others, reflecting a profound lack of respect for their character and actions.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this term means "contumely," "disgrace," "rebuke," or "shame." It often implies public shaming, verbal abuse, or a taunt. While *bûwz* (contempt) might be an internal feeling or a subtle expression, *cherpâh* (reproach) is more active and public, signifying the open denouncement and humiliation that falls upon the wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the wicked cometh,"**: This clause sets the condition. The Hebrew verb for "cometh" (H935, *bôwʼ*) is a primitive root meaning "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications, suggesting not just physical arrival but the manifestation or emergence of a wicked person's character, actions, or influence. It implies that when wickedness is present or revealed, the consequences are immediate and inevitable.
* **"then cometh also contempt,"**: This is the first of the two immediate consequences. The repetition of "cometh" emphasizes the direct and unavoidable link between the wicked person's presence/actions and the resulting public disdain. "Contempt" (H937, *bûwz*) highlights the scorn and disrespect that the wicked naturally elicit from those who observe their character and deeds.
* **"and with ignominy reproach."**: This second consequence amplifies the first. "Ignominy" (H7036, *qâlôwn*) means disgrace, dishonor, or shame, often implying a profound and humiliating loss of standing. "Reproach" (H2781, *cherpâh*) reinforces this, referring to public shaming, scorn, or taunts. The phrase "with ignominy reproach" forms a hendiadys or a strong intensification, suggesting a deep, pervasive, and publicly acknowledged disgrace that accompanies the wicked. It's not just a mild disapproval but a profound and humiliating loss of honor.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** where the second line reinforces or amplifies the idea of the first. "Contempt" and "ignominy reproach" are closely related concepts, both describing public disgrace, thereby intensifying the message. The verse also utilizes **Personification**, as "contempt" and "reproach" are presented as actively "coming" alongside the wicked, as if they are inseparable companions or inevitable outcomes. This gives an almost tangible presence to these abstract concepts. Furthermore, there's a strong sense of **Cause and Effect**, where the presence of the wicked is directly linked to the arrival of disgrace, serving as a didactic tool to warn against unrighteous living. The concise, declarative statement lends itself to the **Aphoristic** nature common in Proverbs, making it memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:3 underscores a foundational biblical principle: character inevitably reveals itself, and unrighteousness carries inherent consequences, particularly in the realm of public perception and social standing. It reflects God's moral order, where actions contrary to His wisdom lead to disorder and disgrace, even if not immediately apparent. The verse speaks to the importance of living a life of integrity, not just for internal peace but for external honor. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their true nature eventually brings about public scorn and humiliation, a divine principle woven into the fabric of creation. This serves as a powerful deterrent against evil and an encouragement towards righteousness, reminding us that true honor comes from a life aligned with God's ways.

* [Proverbs 13:5](/proverbs/13-5 "Proverbs 13:5 - The Wicked Bring Shame")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")
* [Romans 6:21](/romans/6-21 "Romans 6:21 - The Fruit of Sin is Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:3 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring truth that our character, particularly its moral dimension, casts a long shadow over our lives and relationships. It is a stark reminder that a life marked by wickedness, whether through deceit, injustice, or malice, ultimately invites public disdain and personal humiliation. This isn't merely about avoiding negative consequences, but about understanding the inherent dignity and beauty of a life lived in integrity. When we choose paths of righteousness, even when difficult, we build a foundation of honor and respect, not just in the eyes of others, but in the sight of God. Conversely, compromising our values for fleeting gain or indulging in ungodly practices inevitably leads to a loss of credibility and a tarnished reputation, eroding trust and fostering isolation. This proverb calls us to examine our hearts and actions, urging us to cultivate a character that reflects God's goodness, knowing that such a life brings true honor and lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I observed the truth of this proverb in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **How does the pursuit of integrity, even when costly, ultimately protect one's reputation and peace of mind?**
* **What specific areas of my character might be inviting "contempt" or "reproach" in the eyes of God or others, and what steps can I take to align them with biblical wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Does "wicked" in this proverb refer to all sinners, or a specific type of person?**

Answer: While all humanity is fallen and prone to sin, the term "wicked" (Hebrew: *râshâʻ*) in Proverbs often refers to a specific type of individual whose character is fundamentally unrighteous, actively hostile to God's ways, and consistently engaged in injustice or moral corruption. It describes someone whose life is characterized by a deliberate and habitual rejection of wisdom and righteousness, rather than merely someone who commits occasional sins. This person is not just imperfect but actively "bad" in their disposition and actions, often causing harm to others or society.

**How does this proverb relate to the idea that the wicked sometimes prosper?**

Answer: This proverb focuses on the social and reputational consequences of wickedness, asserting that public disdain and disgrace are inevitable companions. While the Bible, particularly in books like Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), acknowledges that the wicked may indeed prosper materially or gain power for a time, Proverbs 18:3 highlights a different dimension of consequence: the loss of honor, respect, and a good name. Even if they accumulate wealth or influence, their character eventually brings public contempt and reproach, which in an honor-shame culture was a severe form of judgment. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that true and lasting prosperity includes moral and spiritual well-being, which the wicked forfeit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:3, with its stark portrayal of the wicked bringing contempt and reproach, finds its ultimate and paradoxical fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the *wicked* inviting disgrace, Jesus, though perfectly righteous, voluntarily embraced the ultimate contempt and reproach on behalf of the truly wicked. He, "who knew no sin," became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), enduring the shame of the cross, where He was "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised")). The very reproach that should have fallen upon humanity for its wickedness was heaped upon Him. In His suffering, Jesus absorbed the "ignominy" and "contempt" of a world alienated from God, not because of His own sin, but to redeem us from the disgrace of ours. His willingness to be treated as wicked, to be "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with the Transgressors")), transforms the curse into blessing. Through His sacrifice, those who were truly wicked and deserving of eternal reproach can now receive honor and acceptance in Him, becoming "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")) and heirs of glory, demonstrating that true honor is found not in avoiding shame, but in the One who bore it all for us.

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

Proverbs 22:10

¶ Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Proverbs 11:2

¶ [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Proverbs 29:16

¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Psalms 69:9

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Psalms 69:20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.