Proverbs 24:20

For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

For there shall be no reward {H319} to the evil {H7451} man; the candle {H5216} of the wicked {H7563} shall be put out {H1846}.

For the evil person has no future -the lamp of the wicked will go out.

For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

Proverbs 24:20 delivers a stern warning about the ultimate fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their apparent success is fleeting and without lasting reward. It underscores the principle of divine justice inherent in God's moral order, contrasting the temporary gains of evil with its inevitable, dismal end.

Context

This verse is part of a collection of "sayings of the wise" within the book of Proverbs (chapters 22:17-24:34). It fits seamlessly into the broader wisdom tradition that consistently contrasts the paths and destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The book of Proverbs teaches that while the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their end is destruction, while the righteous find lasting blessing and security. This particular verse reinforces the idea that true wisdom involves understanding and aligning with God's moral universe, where evil ultimately receives no lasting benefit or hope.

Key Themes

  • Ultimate Justice: The verse strongly asserts that there is no lasting "reward" or favorable outcome for those who persist in evil. Any gains made through wickedness are temporary and ultimately futile. This speaks to God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished in the long run.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Wicked Prosperity: The metaphor of the "candle of the wicked" being put out powerfully illustrates the abrupt and complete cessation of their prosperity, influence, or even life. Unlike the enduring light of the righteous, the wicked's light is extinguished, symbolizing the end of their hope and legacy. This contrasts sharply with the light of the righteous, which shines brightly.
  • Warning and Encouragement: For the wicked, it serves as a stark warning to change their ways. For the righteous, it provides encouragement to persevere, trusting that God sees and will ultimately bring justice, even when it appears delayed.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "reward" here is 'acharith (אַחֲרִית), which literally means "latter end," "outcome," or "future." So, "there shall be no future" or "no hope" for the evil man in a lasting, positive sense. This emphasizes the finality and lack of positive legacy for the wicked.
  • "Candle" translates the Hebrew word nēr (נֵר), which specifically refers to a lamp, usually an oil lamp. In ancient times, a burning lamp was a symbol of life, prosperity, joy, and the continuation of a household or lineage. To have one's lamp "put out" meant the end of all these, signifying ruin, death, or the complete loss of hope and influence. This imagery is also used in Job 18:5-6, where the light of the wicked is described as being put out.

Practical Application

Proverbs 24:20 offers profound comfort and challenge for today. It reminds us not to envy the temporary success of those who live unrighteously, as their ultimate end is devoid of true reward or lasting peace. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His just character. Even when evil seems to triumph, this verse assures us that divine justice will prevail, and there is no true or lasting benefit for those who choose the path of wickedness. It calls us to live wisely, knowing that the choices we make have eternal consequences, and that a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom leads to an enduring "reward" and a light that will not be extinguished.

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.

  • Proverbs 13:9

    ¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

  • Job 18:5

    ¶ Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

  • Job 18:6

    The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.

  • Job 21:17

    ¶ How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them! [God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.

  • Psalms 11:6

    Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

  • Proverbs 20:20

    ¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

  • Jude 1:13

    Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back