Proverbs 2:22

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Proverbs 2:22

Proverbs Chapter 2 is a powerful exhortation to seek and embrace wisdom, understanding, and discernment. The chapter opens with a call to receive God's words and store up His commandments (Proverbs 2:1), promising great benefits for those who do. It describes wisdom as a protector, guiding the righteous in paths of uprightness (Proverbs 2:20). Verse 22 serves as a stark contrast to the destiny of the righteous, revealing the inevitable consequence for those who reject wisdom and choose a path of wickedness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This verse underscores a fundamental principle in the book of Proverbs and throughout Scripture: there are consequences for actions. God's moral universe ensures that wickedness does not ultimately triumph.
  • The Inevitable Downfall of the Wicked: The imagery of being "cut off" and "rooted out" vividly portrays a complete and utter removal. It signifies that the wicked will not find lasting stability, prosperity, or presence on the earth. Their influence and very existence will be terminated.
  • Contrast with the Righteous: This verse stands in direct opposition to the promise given to the upright and the perfect in Proverbs 2:21, who "shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it." The book consistently highlights this dichotomy between the two paths.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Cut off" (Hebrew: karath - כָּרַת): This term implies severance or destruction. It's often used in the Old Testament to denote being separated from the community, or even divine judgment leading to extinction. Here, it suggests a decisive termination of their presence and influence.
  • "Rooted out" (Hebrew: nasach - נָסַח): This word paints a picture of being violently uprooted, like a plant torn from the ground. It emphasizes the complete and forceful removal, signifying a lack of foundation, stability, or enduring legacy for the transgressors. This imagery contrasts with the deep roots that allow the righteous to flourish.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:22 serves as both a solemn warning and a profound reassurance. For those contemplating or engaging in wicked ways, it's a stark reminder that such paths lead to destruction and removal, not lasting peace or success. It reinforces the wisdom of choosing righteousness and seeking God's guidance.

For those striving to live righteously, this verse offers comfort and encouragement. It affirms that despite temporary appearances, God's justice will prevail. The wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but their ultimate fate is one of removal and ruin. This truth encourages perseverance in faith and good conduct, knowing that God is ultimately in control and will establish His righteous order. It calls us to build our lives on the firm foundation of wisdom and obedience to God's Word.

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.

  • 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.

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