TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 24:19–20.
Here, 1. He repeats the caution he had before given against envying the pleasures and successes of wicked man in their wicked ways. This he quotes from his father David, Psa 37:1. We must not in any case fret ourselves, or make ourselves uneasy, whatever God does in his providence how disagreeable soever it is to our sentiments, interests, and expectations, we must acquiesce in it. Even that which grieves us must not fret us; nor must our eye be evil against any because God is good. Are we more wise or just than he? If wicked people prosper, we must not therefore incline to do as they do. 2. He gives a reason for this caution, taken from the end of that way which wicked man walk in. Envy not their prosperity; for, (1.) There is no true happiness in it: Thee shall be no reward to the evil man; his prosperity only serves for his present subsistence; these are all the good things he must ever expect: there is none intended him in the world of retribution. He has his reward, Mat 6:2. He shall have none. Those are not to be envied that have their portion in this life and must out-live it, Psa 17:14. (2.) There is no continuance in it; their candle shines brightly, but it shall presently be put out, and a final period put to all their comforts, Job 21:14; Psa 37:1, Psa 37:2.
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Summary
Proverbs 24:20 serves as a profound warning regarding the ultimate destiny of those who persist in wickedness, asserting that their apparent prosperity or temporary gains will yield no lasting reward or positive future. It powerfully illustrates this truth through the vivid metaphor of an extinguished lamp, symbolizing the abrupt and complete cessation of their influence, hope, and legacy, thereby underscoring the unwavering principle of divine justice within God's meticulously ordered moral universe.
Context
Literary Context
This proverb is situated within a distinct collection of "sayings of the wise" found in Proverbs 22:17-24:34, which functions as an appendix to the core Solomonic proverbs. This section frequently offers practical wisdom and moral instruction, often employing antithetical parallelism to starkly contrast the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 24:19 issues a similar admonition not to fret over evildoers, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine retribution and the ultimate futility of evil. The broader book of Proverbs consistently teaches that true wisdom involves aligning one's life with God's established moral order, where the path of righteousness leads to life and blessing, while the path of wickedness inevitably leads to destruction.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, wisdom literature like Proverbs was foundational for moral education and maintaining societal stability. The concept of "reward" or "latter end" (Hebrew: ʼachărîyth) was intrinsically linked to one's legacy, prosperity, and the well-being of one's descendants. A positive "latter end" implied a secure future, a lasting name, and continued blessing from God. Conversely, an extinguished "candle" or "lamp" (Hebrew: nîyr) was a potent and universally understood symbol. Lamps were indispensable for daily life, providing light in homes and public spaces. Metaphorically, a burning lamp represented life, vitality, prosperity, joy, the continuation of a family line, and the presence of God's blessing. To have one's lamp "put out" signified utter ruin, death, the termination of a lineage, or the complete loss of hope and influence, a dire consequence vividly depicted in passages like Job 18:5-6.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it asserts the theme of Divine Justice, emphasizing that God's moral order ensures ultimate accountability for wickedness. While the wicked may appear to flourish temporarily, their success is ultimately illusory and without lasting benefit, as stated in Proverbs 11:21. Secondly, it highlights the Fleeting Nature of Wicked Prosperity, using the vivid imagery of an extinguished lamp to symbolize the abrupt and complete end of their influence, hope, and even their very existence. This stands in stark contrast to the enduring light and hope promised to the righteous, as described in Proverbs 13:9. Finally, the verse serves as both a Warning and an Encouragement: a stark warning for those who choose evil to repent, and a profound encouragement for the righteous to persevere in faith, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate them and bring justice, even when it seems delayed.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term signifies "the last or end," extending to "the future" or "posterity." In this context, it refers to the ultimate outcome, destiny, or the enduring legacy of one's life. The declaration "no reward" implies a complete absence of a positive, lasting future, hope, or any beneficial final result for the evil person. It speaks not merely to material gain but to the very substance of one's existence and future prospects, suggesting a life that culminates in emptiness.
This word refers to a "lamp" or "light," typically an oil lamp. As a powerful and pervasive symbol in ancient Near Eastern culture, a burning lamp represented life, vitality, prosperity, joy, hope, and the continuation of a family line or legacy. It signified a person's presence, influence, and future prospects. The imagery of a "candle" or "lamp" is therefore deeply significant, representing the very essence of one's existence and future potential.
A primitive root meaning "to be extinguished." Figuratively, it means "to expire" or "be dried up." When applied to a lamp, it denotes its complete and final cessation of light. In the context of the wicked, it signifies the abrupt, irreversible end of their prosperity, influence, hope, and perhaps even their life or legacy. It is a stark image of complete ruin, desolation, and the termination of their perceived "light."
Verse Breakdown
"For there shall be no reward to the evil [man];"
This clause establishes the primary assertion: the wicked person, characterized by their "evil" nature and actions, will ultimately receive no lasting benefit, positive outcome, or enduring hope. Any temporary successes they achieve are fleeting and will not culminate in a favorable or blessed "latter end." This speaks to the futility of a life lived apart from God's wisdom, where even apparent gains are ultimately void of true, eternal value.
"the candle of the wicked shall be put out."
This second clause functions as a powerful metaphorical explanation and reinforcement of the first. The "candle" (lamp) symbolizes the life, prosperity, influence, and future prospects of the "wicked" (a morally wrong or ungodly person). The act of it being "put out" signifies the complete and abrupt termination of all these things. It implies a total loss of hope, a cessation of their lineage, and the end of any perceived light or glory they might have possessed, leaving them in utter darkness and ruin.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth with striking clarity. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically in the phrase "the candle of the wicked shall be put out." Here, a "candle" (or lamp) is not literally present but stands as a powerful symbol for the life, prosperity, hope, and legacy of the wicked. Its extinguishing vividly symbolizes the complete and abrupt cessation of these aspects, evoking a sense of finality and darkness that contrasts sharply with the light associated with life and blessing. This potent Imagery creates a lasting impression on the reader. The verse also utilizes Antithetical Parallelism, a common structural feature in Proverbs. While not explicitly stated, the dismal fate of the wicked is implicitly contrasted with the enduring light and reward promised to the righteous (e.g., Proverbs 4:18). This inherent contrast highlights the two distinct paths and their inevitable, opposing outcomes. The use of strong, definitive language ("no reward," "shall be put out") further contributes to the verse's Didactic Tone, emphasizing the certainty and immutability of divine justice.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 24:20 anchors itself in the foundational biblical truth of divine justice and God's sovereign moral governance of the world. It asserts that while God's patience is immense, His justice is ultimately inevitable. The temporary prosperity of the wicked is revealed as an illusion, a fleeting flicker that will ultimately be extinguished, exposing the emptiness and futility of a life lived apart from God. This principle underscores the profound importance of living righteously, not primarily out of fear of punishment, but out of a deep understanding that true and lasting reward, hope, and light are found only in alignment with God's wisdom and character. The verse serves as a sober reminder that every choice carries eternal consequences, and that God will ultimately settle all accounts, ensuring that evil does not have the final word in His universe.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 24:20 offers both a profound challenge and a deep comfort for contemporary life. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper, this verse serves as a crucial anchor for our faith, reminding us of God's ultimate sovereignty. It calls us to resist the temptation to envy or be discouraged by the temporary successes of those who disregard God's ways. Instead, it encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice. Our ultimate reward and the enduring light of our lives are not found in fleeting worldly gains or influence, but in a steadfast relationship with God and a life lived in obedience to His wisdom. This proverb compels us to critically evaluate our own priorities: are we building on a foundation that will endure, or are we chasing a "light" that is destined to be extinguished? It reminds us that true security, lasting hope, and eternal significance are found only in God, whose promises for the righteous are eternal and unshakeable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "reward" mean in this context, and why is it denied to the evil man?
The Hebrew word for "reward" here is ʼachărîyth (H319), which literally means "latter end," "outcome," or "future." It refers not merely to material gain but to the ultimate destiny, legacy, or the sum total of one's life's accomplishments and prospects. For the evil man, there is "no reward" in the sense that their life, though it may include temporary successes, will ultimately lead to no positive, enduring, or blessed future. Their efforts are futile in the long run, and their legacy will be one of emptiness or destruction, devoid of true peace, hope, or God's favor. This denial of a positive "reward" is a direct consequence of their choices, reflecting God's righteous judgment against wickedness, as hinted at in Psalm 7:11.
Why is a "candle" used as a metaphor for the wicked, and what does its being "put out" signify?
In ancient times, a "candle" or "lamp" (Hebrew: nîyr, H5216) was a vital source of light and a powerful symbol of life, prosperity, joy, hope, and the continuation of a household or lineage. To have one's lamp burning brightly signified well-being and a secure future. Therefore, using the "candle" of the wicked as a metaphor highlights that any prosperity, influence, or hope they possess is temporary and fragile. Its being "put out" (Hebrew: dâʻak, H1846) signifies the complete, abrupt, and irreversible cessation of their life, prosperity, influence, and legacy. It represents utter ruin, the end of their line, and the complete loss of all that they held dear or built up, leaving them in darkness, as also depicted in Job 18:5.
Does this proverb mean that the wicked never prosper or experience good things in this life?
No, the proverb does not suggest that the wicked never experience temporary prosperity or good things. In fact, other biblical texts, particularly in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 73), grapple with the very real observation that the wicked often seem to flourish in this life. However, Proverbs 24:20 emphasizes that such prosperity is fleeting and ultimately without lasting "reward" or a positive "latter end." Their gains are superficial and will not lead to true, enduring peace, joy, or a blessed legacy. The "putting out" of their candle signifies that their apparent success is not sustainable and will eventually come to a dismal, final end, contrasting sharply with the eternal hope and light promised to the righteous.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 24:20, with its stark contrast between the fleeting "candle" of the wicked and their lack of lasting "reward," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal "light of the world" (John 8:12), whose light can never be extinguished, even by the deepest darkness. While the wicked's hope and prosperity are temporary and lead to eternal darkness, those who believe in Christ receive an eternal reward and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:4). The "no reward to the evil man" foreshadows the ultimate judgment where those who reject Christ will face eternal separation from God's light, cast into "outer darkness" (Matthew 25:30). Conversely, for those who walk in Christ, the Light, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1), but rather the promise of eternal life and a glorious future, where their light, reflecting Christ's own glory, will shine forever (Matthew 13:43). Thus, Christ is the ultimate "reward" and the unquenchable "candle" for all who trust in Him, securing for them an eternal hope that the wicked can never possess.