Proverbs 2:22

KJV

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the wicked {H7563} shall be cut off {H3772} from the earth {H776}, and the transgressors {H898} shall be rooted out {H5255} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the wicked will be cut off from the land, the unfaithful rooted out of it.

Berean Standard Bible

but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be uprooted.

American Standard Version

But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 2:22 serves as a solemn warning and a declaration of divine justice, articulating the inevitable and complete removal of the wicked and transgressors from the earth. This verse functions as a stark contrast to the blessings promised to the righteous, emphasizing that while wisdom leads to stability and enduring presence, the path of folly and rebellion against God's ways culminates in utter destruction and eradication, ensuring that wickedness will not ultimately prevail or find a lasting foothold in God's moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 2 is a profound parental exhortation, a father's earnest plea to his son to embrace and pursue wisdom with diligent effort. The chapter begins by outlining the prerequisites for acquiring wisdom—receiving God's words, storing up His commandments, inclining one's ear, and applying one's heart to understanding ([Proverbs 2:1-2](/proverbs/2-1 "Proverbs 2:1-2 - The Call to Wisdom")). It then details the immense benefits of wisdom: divine understanding, knowledge of God, protection from evil paths, and deliverance from wicked men and deceitful women ([Proverbs 2:5-19](/proverbs/2-5 "Proverbs 2:5-19 - Benefits of Wisdom")). Verse 22 stands as the climactic consequence for those who reject this wisdom, forming a powerful antithetical parallelism with the preceding verse, [Proverbs 2:21](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21 - The Destiny of the Upright"), which promises that "the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it." This immediate juxtaposition highlights the two distinct paths and their diametrically opposed outcomes, solidifying the chapter's overarching message about the life-giving nature of wisdom versus the destructive nature of folly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, though it is distinctively rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israelite society, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical, moral, and theological understanding of how to live in harmony with God's created order. The "earth" or "land" (`ʼerets`) in this context often referred to the Promised Land, a symbol of blessing, inheritance, and God's presence. To be "cut off" or "rooted out" from the land carried severe implications, signifying not just physical expulsion but also social ostracization, loss of inheritance, and divine judgment, often associated with covenant curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). The concept of divine retribution, where actions lead to corresponding consequences, was a foundational principle, reflecting God's justice and the moral fabric of the universe He established. This cultural understanding amplified the gravity of the warning in Proverbs 2:22.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is not indifferent to human conduct and that wickedness will ultimately face severe consequences. It reinforces the principle that there is a moral order in the universe, upheld by God, where evil does not ultimately triumph. Secondly, it highlights the **Dichotomy of Paths**, a central motif in Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked")), contrasting the path of wisdom leading to life and stability with the path of folly leading to destruction and removal. The imagery of being "cut off" and "rooted out" vividly portrays the complete and utter termination of the wicked's influence and presence, contrasting sharply with the enduring presence promised to the righteous in [Proverbs 2:21](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21 - The Destiny of the Upright"). Finally, it speaks to the **Sovereignty of God over Human Destiny**, affirming that despite temporary appearances, God is ultimately in control and will establish His righteous order, ensuring that those who defy His wisdom will not find lasting peace or success.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This term (H7563) denotes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person, often described as condemned, guilty, or ungodly. In the context of Proverbs, the "wicked" are those who consistently reject wisdom, defy God's moral law, and choose a path of self-serving unrighteousness, often characterized by deceit, violence, and disregard for others. Their wickedness is not merely a mistake but a fundamental orientation of their being.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The primitive root (H3772) behind "cut off" signifies a decisive severance, destruction, or consumption. While it can refer to making a covenant (by cutting flesh), in this context, it implies a violent and complete termination of existence or presence. It suggests an irreversible separation from the community, from blessing, and ultimately from life itself, often carrying the connotation of divine judgment leading to extinction.
* **Transgressors (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** Derived from a root (H898) meaning "to cover" (with a garment), this word figuratively means to act covertly, to pillage, or to deal deceitfully, treacherously, or unfaithfully. "Transgressors" are therefore those who act faithlessly, betraying trust, violating agreements (especially with God), and engaging in hidden or overt acts of rebellion. Their actions are characterized by disloyalty and a breach of moral or covenantal obligations.
* **Rooted out (Hebrew, _nâçach'_):** This primitive root (H5255) means to tear away, destroy, or pluck. The imagery is agricultural, depicting a plant violently pulled from the ground, signifying a complete and forceful removal. It emphasizes a lack of foundation, stability, or enduring legacy. Unlike a plant with deep roots that can withstand storms, the transgressor has no true grounding and will be utterly dislodged.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth,"**: This clause declares the inevitable fate of those who live in rebellion against God's wisdom and moral order. The "cutting off" signifies a definitive and severe judgment, leading to their removal from the land of blessing and presence. It implies a termination of their influence, prosperity, and even their very existence within the sphere of God's favor.
* **"and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it."**: This second clause reinforces and amplifies the first, using a vivid agricultural metaphor. "Transgressors" are those who act treacherously and unfaithfully. To be "rooted out" suggests a violent and complete uprooting, like a plant torn from the soil. This imagery emphasizes the total lack of stability, foundation, or enduring legacy for those who choose a path of unrighteousness. Their presence will be utterly eradicated, leaving no trace behind.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 2:22 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message with force and clarity. The primary device is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the fate of the wicked and transgressors in this verse stands in direct opposition to the promise given to the upright and perfect in the preceding verse ([Proverbs 2:21](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21 - The Destiny of the Upright")). This stark contrast powerfully highlights the two paths and their inevitable outcomes. **Imagery** is also central, with the phrases "cut off" and "rooted out" creating vivid mental pictures. "Cut off" evokes a sense of violent severance, like a branch from a tree or a person from a community, signifying complete separation and destruction. "Rooted out" employs an agricultural metaphor, portraying the wicked as a plant violently torn from the soil, emphasizing their lack of foundation, stability, and enduring presence. This **metaphor** underscores the complete and forceful removal, leaving no lasting legacy. The use of two distinct but complementary phrases ("cut off" and "rooted out") also demonstrates **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second phrase reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, reinforcing the certainty and totality of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 2:22 articulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: the certainty of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It underscores the moral order of God's creation, where actions have consequences, and rebellion against wisdom inevitably leads to destruction. This verse is not merely a human observation but a declaration of God's active involvement in upholding justice. It speaks to the integrity of God's character, demonstrating that He is both the giver of wisdom and the righteous judge who will not permit wickedness to endure indefinitely. The "earth" or "land" from which the wicked are removed can be understood not just geographically, but as the sphere of blessing, life, and enduring presence that God intends for His people. This removal signifies a complete loss of inheritance and favor, a stark warning against the transient nature of ill-gotten gain and the ultimate futility of a life lived apart from God's wisdom.

* [Psalm 37:9-10](/psalm/37-9 "Psalm 37:9-10 - The Wicked Perish")
* [Matthew 13:40-42](/matthew/13-40 "Matthew 13:40-42 - Parable of the Weeds")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Fate of the Unrighteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 2:22 serves as a profound dual-edged sword: a solemn warning to those who might be tempted by the allure of wickedness and a deep reassurance to those striving to walk in righteousness. For anyone contemplating a path of deceit, injustice, or rebellion against God's moral order, this verse stands as an undeniable declaration that such a path is ultimately self-destructive and leads to complete eradication. It shatters the illusion that wickedness can ever truly prosper or establish a lasting legacy. There is no true stability or enduring presence for those who defy divine wisdom; their foundations are illusory, and their end is certain removal. Conversely, for the righteous, this verse offers immense comfort and encouragement. In a world where evil often seems to flourish and justice appears delayed, Proverbs 2:22 reminds us that God's moral universe is ultimately just. It affirms that despite temporary appearances, the wicked will not inherit the earth, nor will their influence persist. This truth empowers believers to persevere in faith, integrity, and obedience, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain and that God will ultimately establish His righteous order, ensuring that those who build their lives on the firm foundation of His wisdom will indeed endure and flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise wisdom for temporary gain, and how does this verse reorient my perspective on true prosperity?**
* **How does the certainty of divine justice, as depicted in this verse, strengthen my resolve to live righteously, even when it seems difficult or unrewarding in the short term?**
* **What "roots" am I cultivating in my life—roots of wisdom and obedience, or roots of wickedness and transgression—and what kind of "fruit" do I anticipate as a result?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 2:22 mean that wicked people will physically die and disappear from the earth immediately?**

Answer: Not necessarily immediately or always in a literal, physical sense, though it can certainly include that. The phrases "cut off" and "rooted out" signify a comprehensive and definitive removal, destruction, or termination of presence and influence. In the context of Proverbs, which often deals with general principles rather than specific, immediate outcomes for every individual, it speaks to the ultimate fate and destiny of the wicked. It implies that their prosperity is fleeting, their legacy will not endure, and they will ultimately lose their place of blessing and favor in God's ordered world. This can manifest as social ostracization, loss of inheritance, ruin of reputation, or even premature death, but the primary emphasis is on their ultimate failure to establish a lasting, stable existence in contrast to the righteous who "shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it" ([Proverbs 2:21](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21 - The Destiny of the Upright")). This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological judgment where the wicked are permanently separated from God's presence and kingdom ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Separation of the Sheep and Goats")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 2:22, with its declaration of the wicked being "cut off" and "rooted out," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the wisdom of God and the righteous judgment of God. While the proverb warns of the earthly consequences for rejecting wisdom, Christ's coming reveals the full scope of this divine justice. Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), came to establish God's kingdom and to separate the righteous from the wicked. He Himself was "cut off" from the land of the living ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Christ Cut Off")) on the cross, not for His own wickedness, but as the sinless Lamb of God, bearing the judgment due to humanity. In His death, the roots of sin and wickedness were dealt a decisive blow, and through His resurrection, the path to enduring life and a permanent inheritance was secured for those who trust in Him. Ultimately, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, and at that time, all who have rejected His wisdom and lived in unrepentant transgression will indeed be "rooted out" from His presence and from the new heavens and new earth, where only righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem")). Thus, Proverbs 2:22 foreshadows the final, complete, and eternal separation of evil from God's renewed creation, accomplished through the redemptive and judicial work of Christ.

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

Psalms 52:5

God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of [thy] dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Psalms 37:28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Deuteronomy 28:63

And it shall come to pass, [that] as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 7:22

And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.