Proverbs 21:10

KJV

¶ The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

The soul {H5315} of the wicked {H7563} desireth {H183} evil {H7451}: his neighbour {H7453} findeth no favour {H2603} in his eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wicked is set on evil; he doesn't pity even his neighbor.

Berean Standard Bible

The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

American Standard Version

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:10 offers a profound insight into the intrinsic nature of the wicked, revealing that their deepest desires are oriented towards evil. This internal corruption manifests externally as a complete absence of compassion or grace towards their neighbors, underscoring a fundamental self-centeredness that stands in stark opposition to the principles of communal harmony and divine wisdom. The verse highlights the direct link between a depraved inner disposition and its detrimental impact on interpersonal relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21 is a rich tapestry of individual proverbs, often presenting concise, antithetical statements that contrast the wise with the foolish, the righteous with the wicked. This chapter, like much of the book, emphasizes the practical outworking of wisdom in daily life, touching on themes such as justice, diligence, integrity, and the consequences of one's choices. Verse 10 fits seamlessly into this collection, elaborating on the character of the wicked person. It follows verses that speak of the Lord's scrutiny of the heart (Proverbs 21:2) and the importance of righteousness over sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3), setting up a clear distinction between those who pursue good and those whose inner being is bent towards evil. The verse's focus on internal desire and external lack of favor complements the broader Proverbial teaching that true wisdom begins within and impacts all relationships.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, a pedagogical system designed to instruct individuals in living a life that honors God and promotes societal well-being. In this cultural setting, the "neighbor" (רֵעַ, _rêaʻ_) was not merely someone living nearby but often encompassed a broader community member, including friends, associates, and fellow Israelites. Relationships within the community were paramount, governed by covenantal laws that emphasized justice, mercy, and mutual support. The concept of "favour" (חֵᆫ, _chên_) was deeply embedded in social interactions, signifying grace, kindness, and benevolent regard—qualities expected within a righteous community. Thus, for a wicked person to show no favor to their neighbor was a profound societal offense, indicating a rejection of the very fabric of communal responsibility and covenantal love, echoing the command to [love one's neighbor as oneself](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 21:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **nature of the human heart**, emphasizing that sin originates not merely in outward actions but in the deep-seated desires of the "soul" or inner being. This aligns with biblical anthropology that views the heart as the wellspring of life (cf. [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **moral corruption and its social consequences**. The wicked person's internal evil inevitably leads to a lack of compassion and benevolence towards others, disrupting social harmony and demonstrating a fundamental disregard for God's design for human relationships. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom tradition's call for justice and mercy. Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **divine judgment and discernment**, as it provides a clear characteristic by which the wicked can be identified—their inherent desire for evil and their inability to extend grace, which ultimately incurs divine displeasure (cf. [Proverbs 15:9](/proverbs/15-9 "Proverbs 15:9 - The Way of the Wicked is an Abomination to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term is used very widely in a literal, accommodated, or figurative sense, referring to a breathing creature, vitality, or abstractly, the inner self, appetite, mind, or person. In Proverbs 21:10, "soul" signifies the innermost being, the seat of desires, emotions, and will. It indicates that the wicked person's inclination towards evil is not superficial or accidental but deeply ingrained in their very essence, reflecting their core identity and orientation.
* **Desireth (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_):** From H183, a primitive root meaning to wish for, covet, greatly desire, or lust after. This word conveys a strong, active craving or longing. It is not merely a passive thought or a fleeting temptation, but an active, often intense, yearning for something. When applied to "evil," it highlights that the wicked person is not just prone to evil but actively yearns for it, finding satisfaction or fulfillment in its pursuit.
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, a primitive root meaning to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition). It denotes grace, compassion, benevolence, or pity. The phrase "findeth no favour" means the wicked person lacks any inclination to show kindness, mercy, or grace to others. Their internal orientation towards evil precludes the outward expression of compassion, demonstrating a hardened heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The soul of the wicked desireth evil":** This initial clause establishes the internal disposition of the wicked. It asserts that their "soul"—their very inner being, their core identity and will—is actively and profoundly inclined towards "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_), which encompasses moral wrong, calamity, mischief, and wickedness. This is not a passive susceptibility but an active, deep-seated yearning or craving, indicating a fundamental orientation of their nature towards what is contrary to God's will and human flourishing.
* **"his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes":** This second clause reveals the external manifestation and consequence of the wicked person's internal disposition. Because their soul desires evil, they are incapable of extending "favour" (H2603, _chânan_)—grace, compassion, or benevolence—to their "neighbour" (H7453, _rêaʻ_), who represents any fellow human being, especially those in their community. The phrase "in his eyes" (H5869, _ʻayin_) indicates that their perception, judgment, and outlook are devoid of kindness or mercy. They see no value or reason to show grace, reflecting a profound self-centeredness and lack of empathy rooted in their evil desires.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, a hallmark of the book of Proverbs, though here it is implied rather than explicit. The description of the wicked's soul desiring evil and showing no favor implicitly contrasts with the righteous person, whose soul desires good and who extends kindness to their neighbor. This antithetical thinking is fundamental to wisdom literature. **Personification** is evident in "The soul... desireth evil," attributing the human action of "desiring" to the abstract concept of the "soul," emphasizing the deep-seated nature of this inclination. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is used with "in his eyes," where "eyes" represent the wicked person's perception, judgment, and overall disposition towards others. It signifies that their entire outlook is devoid of grace, rather than merely a physical inability to see favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 21:10 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: the human heart is the wellspring of actions, and a heart bent towards evil will inevitably produce malevolent fruit, particularly a lack of compassion for others. This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of human depravity, where sin is not merely an act but a condition of the heart, inherited from the Fall. The wicked person's desire for evil and their inability to show favor to their neighbor highlights a fundamental brokenness in their relationship with both God and humanity. It underscores the importance of a transformed inner life, as true righteousness stems from a heart aligned with God's will, leading to acts of love and mercy towards others. Without this internal transformation, external displays of piety are hollow, and genuine compassion remains elusive.

* [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - What Comes from the Heart")
* [1 John 3:15](/1_john/3-15 "1 John 3:15 - Hatred as Murder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 21:10 serves as a stark mirror, inviting us to examine the true inclinations of our own hearts. It challenges the superficial assessment of character, reminding us that genuine righteousness or wickedness originates not merely in outward actions but in the deep-seated desires of the "soul." Do we find ourselves actively craving what is good, just, and compassionate, or are there subtle (or not-so-subtle) yearnings for selfish gain, harm, or indifference towards others? This verse underscores that a heart that delights in evil will inevitably manifest a lack of grace and empathy towards our neighbors, leading to fractured relationships and a life out of step with God's wisdom. Cultivating a heart that genuinely desires righteousness and actively seeks to extend favor and compassion to others is not just a moral ideal but a spiritual imperative, essential for living a life that reflects God's character and builds healthy, flourishing communities. It also serves as a warning to be discerning about those whose consistent actions demonstrate a lack of grace, as their internal disposition may be rooted in a dangerous orientation towards evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the deepest desires of my own soul? Do they align with God's desires for good and compassion, or do I find myself drawn to self-serving or harmful inclinations?**
* **In what ways do I actively extend "favor" or grace to my neighbors, both those I know well and those I encounter in daily life? Where might I be withholding it?**
* **How does the concept of "evil" in this verse challenge my understanding of sin as merely outward actions versus an internal disposition?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that desires righteousness and actively seeks the well-being of others, even those who may be difficult to love?**

### FAQ
**Does "evil" in this verse refer only to major crimes, or something broader?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) is quite broad, encompassing not only major crimes but also moral wrong, calamity, mischief, distress, and general wickedness. In the context of "the soul... desireth evil," it refers to a fundamental orientation of the inner being towards anything that is contrary to God's good design and righteous standards. This includes malicious intent, selfish ambition that harms others, a delight in others' misfortune, or a general disregard for justice and compassion. It's about the internal bent of the heart, which can manifest in various degrees, from subtle unkindness to overt acts of malice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 21:10, with its piercing diagnosis of the wicked soul's desire for evil and its consequent lack of favor towards others, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. The verse highlights humanity's inherent spiritual brokenness, a condition that the New Testament consistently attributes to the fallen nature inherited from Adam, where the heart is described as deceitful and desperately sick (cf. [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). Jesus, however, perfectly embodied the opposite of this wicked disposition. His soul desired only the will of God (cf. [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")), and His entire life was an outpouring of divine favor and grace towards His "neighbors"—the sick, the marginalized, the sinful, and even His enemies (cf. [Luke 6:35-36](/luke/6-35 "Luke 6:35-36 - Love Your Enemies")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ not only paid the penalty for our evil desires but also provided the means for a radical transformation of the human heart. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, works to replace the soul's desire for evil with a desire for righteousness and to enable us to extend the very favor and compassion of God to our neighbors, fulfilling the law of love (cf. [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured into Our Hearts") and [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, what Proverbs identifies as the problem of the wicked heart, Christ provides the divine remedy, transforming us into those who increasingly desire good and extend grace.

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

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.