Proverbs 24:16

KJV

For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

KJV (with Strong's)

For a just {H6662} man falleth {H5307} seven times {H7651}, and riseth up again {H6965}: but the wicked {H7563} shall fall {H3782} into mischief {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For though he falls seven times, he will get up again; it's the wicked who fail under stress.

Berean Standard Bible

For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.

American Standard Version

For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:16 powerfully contrasts the enduring resilience of the righteous with the inevitable and destructive downfall of the wicked. It asserts that a person of integrity, though facing numerous trials and setbacks, will consistently recover and persevere, demonstrating divine sustenance. In stark opposition, those who walk in wickedness lack such a foundation, and their eventual collapse leads to lasting ruin and calamity, a direct consequence of their ungodly choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:16 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within what scholars often refer to as "Further Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This section, like much of the book, is characterized by its didactic nature, offering practical advice and moral instruction through pithy observations and contrasting statements. The immediate verses preceding and following Proverbs 24:16 reinforce themes of justice, prudence, and the consequences of one's actions. For instance, [Proverbs 24:15](/proverbs/24-15 "Proverbs 24:15 - Do Not Lie in Wait Against the Righteous") warns against lying in wait for the righteous, setting up the protective nature of God's justice seen in verse 16. The book of Proverbs frequently employs antithetical parallelism, where two lines express opposing ideas, making the contrast between the righteous and the wicked a central rhetorical device to highlight the divergent paths and outcomes of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre common across cultures like Egypt and Mesopotamia, though distinctively monotheistic in Israel. Wisdom literature in Israel was often rooted in the royal court and scribal schools, aiming to transmit practical and theological wisdom across generations. The concept of "justice" (צַדִּיק, _tsaddîyq_) was deeply intertwined with covenant faithfulness and adherence to God's law, not merely human legal codes. "Falling" and "rising" would have been understood in a society frequently subject to agricultural failures, economic downturns, and interpersonal conflicts, where resilience was a vital trait. The "wicked" (רָשָׁע, _râshâʻ_) were those who actively defied God's moral order, and their "mischief" (רַע, _raʻ_) would encompass not just personal misfortune but also social disorder and divine judgment, reflecting a worldview where actions had clear, often tangible, consequences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God's Justice**, demonstrating that while trials are universal, God's hand upholds the righteous, ensuring their ultimate stability and recovery, contrasting with the self-destructive path of the wicked. Secondly, it highlights the **Value of Perseverance and Resilience**, particularly for those committed to a life of integrity. The "seven times" motif emphasizes that righteousness does not exempt one from hardship, but rather provides the spiritual fortitude to overcome it. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of enduring faith, as seen in the trials of Job or the psalmist's cries for deliverance (e.g., [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all")). Finally, it reinforces the **Divergent Destinies of the Righteous and the Wicked**, a foundational theme throughout Proverbs and much of the Old Testament wisdom literature, where the path of wisdom leads to life and flourishing, while the path of folly leads to ruin and death, as vividly portrayed in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From the root צָדַק, meaning "to be righteous" or "to be just." This term refers to someone who is in right relationship with God and humanity, adhering to moral and ethical standards. It implies integrity, uprightness, and faithfulness to God's covenant, describing a person whose character and actions are aligned with divine wisdom.
* **falleth (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A primitive root (H5307) signifying "to fall," "to collapse," "to fail," or "to be cast down." In this proverb, it refers to a figurative falling into trouble, adversity, or a setback. The context of "seven times" implies repeated encounters with difficulty rather than moral failure.
* **riseth up again (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** A primitive root (H6965) meaning "to rise," "to stand," or "to establish." It denotes recovery, restoration, or re-establishment after a fall. In this verse, it highlights the resilience and divine empowerment that enables the righteous person to overcome adversity and continue in their righteous path.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** From the root רָשַׁע (H7563), describing someone who is morally wrong, ungodly, or actively bad. It refers to a person whose character and actions are contrary to God's will and moral law, often characterized by rebellion and injustice.
* **mischief (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From the root רָעַע (H7451), encompassing a wide range of negative concepts, including evil, calamity, disaster, or ruin. When the wicked "fall into mischief," it suggests a comprehensive and often irrecoverable state of ruin or destruction, a direct result of their unrighteous choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again:"** This clause presents the remarkable resilience of the righteous. The "just man" (or woman) is not exempt from life's hardships, trials, or setbacks. The number "seven" is a Hebrew idiom for completeness or many times, not a literal count. It signifies that the righteous person will encounter numerous adversities, misfortunes, or even temporary failures. However, the crucial point is their consistent ability to "rise up again." This rising is not due to their own inherent strength alone but is indicative of divine sustenance, spiritual fortitude, and the foundational truth that God upholds the righteous, enabling them to recover, learn, and persevere through faith.
* **"but the wicked shall fall into mischief."** This clause stands in stark contrast to the first, highlighting the inevitable and destructive fate of the wicked. Unlike the righteous, when the wicked "fall," their descent is not temporary or recoverable. They "fall into mischief," meaning they plunge into ruin, calamity, or disaster. This downfall is often a direct consequence of their ungodly choices, lack of moral compass, and absence of divine favor or spiritual foundation to recover. Their fall is characterized by its finality and destructive impact, leading to lasting harm or judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. **Antithetical Parallelism** is the most prominent, setting the "just man" and his resilience in direct opposition to the "wicked" and their ruin. This stark contrast effectively highlights the divergent outcomes of righteous and unrighteous living. The phrase "falleth seven times" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Symbolism**. "Seven" is a symbolic number in Hebrew thought, representing completeness or perfection, here conveying the idea of "many times" or "repeatedly," rather than a literal count. It exaggerates the frequency of falls to emphasize the extraordinary persistence of the righteous. This also functions as an **Idiom**, a common expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal words. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition**, placing the opposing fates side-by-side to underscore the moral lesson and the consequences of one's character. The overall structure is that of a **Proverb**, a short, pithy saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice, often using vivid imagery and concise language.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:16 encapsulates a core biblical truth: God's steadfast care for the righteous and His ultimate judgment of the wicked. It reveals that a life lived in alignment with divine wisdom, while not immune to hardship, is characterized by an enduring resilience rooted in God's faithfulness. The ability of the just to rise again is a testament to divine grace and sustaining power, demonstrating that true spiritual strength is found not in avoiding falls, but in the capacity to recover from them through God's help. Conversely, the wicked's inability to recover from their fall underscores the self-destructive nature of sin and the just consequences that inevitably follow a life lived apart from God's moral order. This proverb assures believers of God's protective hand and warns against the perilous path of unrighteousness.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The Lord Orders the Steps of a Good Man")
* [Psalm 37:24](/psalms/37-24 "Though He Fall, He Shall Not Be Utterly Cast Down")
* [Micah 7:8](/micah/7-8 "Rejoice Not Against Me, O My Enemy")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:16 offers profound encouragement and a sobering warning for our lives today. For those striving to live righteously, it is a powerful reminder that setbacks, failures, and adversities are not indicators of God's abandonment or a lack of faith. Instead, they are part of the refining process, and our ability to "rise up again" is a testament to God's sustaining grace and power at work within us. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of perseverance, to lean into God's strength when we stumble, and to trust that He will enable us to overcome. It challenges us to view trials not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to deepen our reliance on Him and demonstrate His faithfulness. For those who might be tempted by unrighteous paths, it serves as a stark warning: while the wicked may experience temporary success, their ultimate trajectory leads to an irrecoverable fall into ruin. Therefore, we are called to choose the path of righteousness, knowing that it leads to ultimate flourishing and divine preservation, even amidst life's inevitable challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "falls" or setbacks have you experienced recently, and how did you respond?**
* **In what ways does this proverb encourage you to persevere through current difficulties?**
* **How does the contrast between the righteous and the wicked challenge your own choices and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater resilience and reliance on God in your life?**

### FAQ

**Does "falleth seven times" imply moral failure or sin?**

Answer: No, in the context of Proverbs 24:16, "falleth seven times" does not primarily refer to moral failure or repeated sin. The number "seven" is an idiom for "many times" or "completely." It signifies that the righteous person will encounter numerous adversities, trials, misfortunes, or setbacks in life. The emphasis is on their resilience and ability to recover from these external challenges, rather than a cycle of moral transgression. The contrast with the "wicked" who "fall into mischief" further clarifies that the just man's "falls" are not self-inflicted moral collapses but rather the common hardships of life from which they are divinely enabled to rise. This aligns with other wisdom literature that speaks of the trials of the righteous, such as [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all").

**What does "fall into mischief" mean for the wicked?**

Answer: For the wicked, "fall into mischief" (Hebrew: _raʻ_) signifies a comprehensive and often irrecoverable downfall, leading to ruin, calamity, or disaster. Unlike the righteous, who are sustained through their trials, the wicked lack the spiritual foundation, moral compass, or divine favor to recover from their own self-inflicted consequences or the just judgments that befall them. Their "fall" is not a temporary setback but a plunge into lasting destruction, often a direct result of their ungodly choices and actions, as illustrated in passages like [Proverbs 1:31-32](/proverbs/1-31 "The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). It speaks to the ultimate futility and destructive end of a life lived in rebellion against God's wisdom.

**How does this proverb relate to the idea of God's justice?**

Answer: This proverb is a powerful affirmation of God's justice. It demonstrates that God actively upholds and preserves the righteous, even amidst their struggles, ensuring their ultimate recovery and stability. Their ability to "rise up again" is a testament to His faithfulness and protective hand. Conversely, the inevitable and destructive fall of the wicked illustrates God's just judgment against unrighteousness. While God is patient, He will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. The proverb reveals a moral order in the universe established by God, where different choices lead to fundamentally different, and justly deserved, outcomes. This principle is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's righteous governance over all creation, as seen in [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "The Lord Reigns Forever").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the resilience of the righteous man, it points to the perfect righteousness and unparalleled resilience of the Son of God. Jesus, the perfectly [just and righteous One](/1_peter/3-18 "Christ Suffered for Sins, the Just for the Unjust"), experienced the ultimate "fall" not due to His own sin, but for ours. He was [crucified, died, and was buried](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "Christ Died for Our Sins and Rose Again"), a profound descent into the depths of human suffering and death. Yet, in perfect fulfillment of this proverb's promise, He "rose up again" on the third day, [conquering death and the grave](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). His resurrection is the definitive "rising again," demonstrating God's power to overcome even the most profound fall. Furthermore, through His atoning work, Christ enables believers, who are declared righteous in Him, to also "rise up again" from their own falls—from sin, despair, and adversity. We are not left to our own strength, but are empowered by the [Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus Dwells in You"), ensuring our ultimate victory and eternal life, contrasting sharply with the final and irrecoverable fall of those who reject Him.

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 34:19

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

2 Corinthians 4:8

¶ [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:12

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.