Proverbs 21:15

KJV

¶ [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is joy {H8057} to the just {H6662} to do {H6213} judgment {H4941}: but destruction {H4288} shall be to the workers {H6466} of iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Acting justly is a joy for the righteous but it terrifies evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible

Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.

American Standard Version

It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:15 presents a profound antithesis, illuminating the intrinsic delight experienced by the righteous in upholding justice, contrasted with the inevitable ruin awaiting those who habitually practice wickedness. This verse encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom literature: moral choices have distinct, divinely ordained consequences, shaping both one's internal disposition and ultimate destiny. It underscores that true joy is found in alignment with God's moral order, while deviation from it leads to self-inflicted destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21:15 is situated within the "Solomonic collection" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a compilation of individual, often antithetical, wisdom sayings. This particular verse employs antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of Proverbs, where two opposing ideas are placed side-by-side to highlight a truth through contrast. It follows verses that discuss the importance of justice and righteousness (e.g., [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.")), and precedes others that continue to contrast the ways of the righteous and the wicked, reinforcing the book's overarching message that wisdom leads to life and folly to destruction. The structure of these proverbs encourages reflection on the practical implications of moral choices in daily life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but the skill of living well in accordance with divine order. Justice (mishpat) was a foundational pillar of society, rooted in God's character and covenant with Israel. Kings and judges were expected to administer justice fairly, and the community was responsible for upholding righteous standards. The concept of "iniquity" (ʼâven) often carried connotations of idolatry, deceit, and moral perversion, which were seen as direct affronts to God's established order and destructive to societal harmony. The consequences described in the proverb were understood as both natural outcomes of behavior and divine judgments, emphasizing a worldview where actions had tangible, often immediate, repercussions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Retributive Justice**, asserting that righteous living leads to positive outcomes, while wickedness culminates in ruin. This is not merely a legalistic principle but a description of the inherent order God has woven into creation. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Nature of True Joy**, positing that genuine satisfaction and inner peace are found in ethical conduct and the pursuit of justice, rather than in selfish gain or illicit pleasures. This contrasts sharply with the fleeting pleasures of the wicked, which ultimately lead to sorrow and destruction, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 14:13](/proverbs/14-13 "Proverbs 14:13 - Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Two Ways** theme, a foundational concept in wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Ungodly")), presenting a clear bifurcation between the path of the righteous, which leads to life and joy, and the path of the wicked, which leads to destruction and despair.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **joy (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be glad," this term signifies blithesomeness, glee, or profound gladness. It encompasses both secular and religious rejoicing, often associated with festivals and celebrations. Here, it denotes an inner delight and satisfaction that the "just" experience when they engage in acts of "judgment" or justice. It's not merely an external expression but a deep, intrinsic pleasure derived from alignment with righteousness.
* **just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be right" or "to be just," this word describes someone who is righteous, lawful, or upright. A _tsaddîyq_ is one who conforms to a moral and ethical standard, specifically God's standard of righteousness. They are characterized by integrity, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right in God's eyes and in their dealings with others.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From the verb "to judge," _mishpâṭ_ is a rich term encompassing a verdict, a sentence, a formal decree, or divine law. More broadly, it refers to justice, right conduct, and the proper administration of affairs. It includes both the act of judging and the standard of justice itself. For the just, "doing judgment" means actively engaging in righteous conduct, upholding fairness, and administering justice.
* **destruction (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh'_):** From a root meaning "to break down" or "to dissolve," this word denotes a dissolution, ruin, or even consternation and terror. It vividly portrays a shattering, a collapse, or an inevitable downfall. It's not merely a negative outcome but a complete undoing or unraveling, often implying a state of terror or dismay for those experiencing it.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From a root potentially meaning "to pant" or "to exert oneself in vain," _ʼâven_ strictly means "nothingness." It extends to trouble, vanity, wickedness, and specifically, an idol. It denotes that which is empty, worthless, and ultimately destructive. It encompasses affliction, evil, falsehood, and unrighteousness, representing a path that leads to naught and brings about sorrow and mischief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is joy to the just to do judgment":** This clause reveals the internal disposition of the righteous. For those who are _tsaddîyq_ (just), the act of performing _mishpâṭ_ (judgment/justice) is not a burdensome duty but a source of profound _simchâh_ (joy). This joy stems from their nature being aligned with God's character, finding satisfaction in upholding truth, fairness, and moral order. Their delight is in the very act of righteousness, reflecting an inner harmony and peace.
* **"but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity":** This clause presents the stark contrast and inevitable consequence for the wicked. Those who are "workers" (Hebrew, _pâʻal_, meaning to do or make systematically and habitually) of _ʼâven_ (iniquity/wickedness) are destined for _mᵉchittâh_ (destruction). This "destruction" is not merely a punitive measure but often the natural, self-inflicted outcome of a life lived in opposition to divine order. Their chosen path of emptiness and moral perversion leads to ruin, chaos, and a shattering of their lives and prospects.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 21:15 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure is characteristic of much of the wisdom literature, especially Proverbs, where two contrasting lines or ideas are placed in opposition to highlight a truth. Here, the "joy to the just" is directly contrasted with "destruction... to the workers of iniquity," emphasizing the divergent outcomes of righteous and wicked living. This parallelism serves to clarify and reinforce the moral lesson, making the consequences of each path unmistakable. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the concepts of "joy" and "destruction" in immediate proximity to amplify their opposing natures and underscore the absolute difference in destiny. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** where "judgment" (mishpat) stands for the entire sphere of righteous living, and "iniquity" (ʼâven) for the entire sphere of wicked living, each representing a comprehensive way of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 21:15 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of moral recompense, asserting that the universe is structured by God in such a way that actions have inherent consequences. This is not merely a human observation but a divine decree, reflecting God's own righteous character. The joy of the just in doing judgment speaks to the internal reward of obedience and alignment with God's will, a foretaste of the blessedness promised to those who walk in His ways. Conversely, the destruction of the wicked is a testament to the self-destructive nature of sin and rebellion against divine order, ultimately leading to separation from the source of life and flourishing. This proverb thus serves as a powerful call to choose the path of righteousness, not only for its ultimate reward but for the immediate, intrinsic joy it brings.

* [Psalm 1:1-6](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-6 - The Two Ways")
* [Proverbs 10:29](/proverbs/10-29 "Proverbs 10:29 - The Way of the Lord is Strength")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 21:15 offers a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers. It invites us to examine the true source of our joy. Do we find genuine delight in upholding justice, truth, and righteousness, even when it is difficult or unpopular? Or do we secretly chafe against moral obligations, seeking shortcuts or indulging in practices that, while seemingly beneficial in the short term, are rooted in injustice or compromise? The verse teaches that authentic and lasting joy is not found in external circumstances or material gain, but in the internal alignment of our hearts and actions with God's righteous character. For those who strive to live justly, it offers the assurance of an inner peace and satisfaction that worldly pursuits cannot provide. For those tempted by the path of expediency or self-interest, it serves as a solemn warning: the "destruction" for workers of iniquity is not always a sudden, dramatic collapse, but often a gradual erosion of character, relationships, and spiritual vitality, culminating in ruin. This calls us to a daily commitment to ethical integrity, knowing that our choices shape not only our destiny but also our present experience of joy or sorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life reveal where I find true joy: in doing what is just, or in pursuing self-interest?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect a commitment to "doing judgment" in my family, workplace, and community?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly contributing to "iniquity" through apathy, compromise, or unrighteous gain, and what "destruction" might that path lead to?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper delight in God's righteous standards, making justice a source of joy rather than a burden?**

### FAQ
**What does "doing judgment" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "Doing judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) extends beyond formal legal rulings to encompass all aspects of righteous conduct, fairness, and ethical living. For believers today, it means actively seeking and upholding justice in all spheres of life. Practically, this involves treating others with equity, honesty, and integrity in our relationships and business dealings. It means advocating for the vulnerable and oppressed, speaking truth to power, and working against systemic injustices. It also implies making decisions that are morally sound and aligned with God's character, even when it's costly or unpopular. Ultimately, it's about living a life that reflects God's own righteousness and concern for justice, as exemplified throughout Scripture, such as in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 21:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "just" one and the "doer of judgment," while also bearing the "destruction" for the "workers of iniquity." Jesus, the [Righteous One](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous"), found His deepest joy in doing the will of His Father, which was always just and righteous. His entire life was an act of "doing judgment," from His teachings on the [Kingdom of God](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand") to His compassionate acts of healing and deliverance, all culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross. He delighted in establishing God's righteous rule, even when it led to suffering. Conversely, the "destruction" for the "workers of iniquity" is profoundly addressed in Christ. On the cross, Jesus, though Himself without sin, became sin for us, bearing the full weight of the "destruction" (the spiritual ruin and separation from God) that was due to humanity's "iniquity" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He offers a path for all who were "workers of iniquity" to be made righteous and to escape eternal destruction, finding true joy and life in Him (cf. [Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justified by Faith")). Thus, Christ is not only the perfect example of the just one who finds joy in doing judgment, but also the divine provision for those who, by faith, are delivered from the destruction of their own iniquity.

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 10:29

¶ The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Isaiah 64:5

Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, [those that] remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Matthew 13:42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 13:27

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.