TRV
Proverbs 21:10
Bible Versions
¶ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
The wicked is set on evil; he doesn't pity even his neighbor.
The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
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Micah 3:2
Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; -
Micah 3:3
Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. -
1 John 2:16
For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. -
Isaiah 32:6
For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. -
Isaiah 32:8
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. -
Proverbs 3:29
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. -
Psalms 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Proverbs 21:10 (KJV) states, "¶ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes." This profound verse from the book of Proverbs offers a piercing insight into the character and motivations of those who are wicked, highlighting both their internal disposition and its external manifestation.
Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom, often presenting sharp contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish. Chapter 21, in particular, continues this theme, addressing various aspects of justice, righteousness, diligence, and the consequences of one's actions. Verse 10 fits squarely within this framework, providing a concise summary of the wicked person's inherent nature and their lack of compassion, which stands in stark opposition to the principles of God's law and true wisdom.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "desireth" is 'avvah (אִוְּתָה), which conveys a strong craving or longing, not just a passing thought. It denotes a deep, insatiable appetite for evil. This highlights that the wicked person is not merely tempted by evil but actively yearns for it. The term "favour" is from the Hebrew chen (חֵן), meaning 'grace,' 'favor,' or 'pity.' The phrase "his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes" therefore means that the wicked person lacks any sense of grace, compassion, or benevolence towards their fellow human beings; they see no value in showing kindness or mercy.
Practical Application
Proverbs 21:10 serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of the heart's condition. It challenges us to examine our own desires and motivations. Do we find ourselves craving what is good and righteous, or are there inclinations towards selfishness and harm? This verse underscores that true wickedness begins internally, with a soul that delights in evil and consequently has no room for compassion for others. Cultivating a heart that desires righteousness and shows mercy and compassion is essential for living a life aligned with God's wisdom and for fostering healthy relationships within the community. It also warns us to be discerning about those whose actions consistently demonstrate a lack of favor or grace towards others, as their internal disposition may be rooted in evil desires.