Proverbs 24:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:20 delivers a potent 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 vividly illustrates this truth through the metaphor of an extinguished lamp, signifying the abrupt and complete cessation of their influence, hope, and legacy, thereby underscoring the unwavering principle of divine justice within God's moral universe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is situated within a larger collection of "sayings of the wise" found in [Proverbs 22:17-24:34](/proverbs/22-17 "Proverbs 22:17-24:34 - Sayings of the Wise"), which serves as an appendix to the main body of Solomon's proverbs. This section often presents practical advice and moral instruction, frequently contrasting the paths and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. [Proverbs 24:19](/proverbs/24-19 "Proverbs 24:19 - Do Not Fret Over Evildoers") immediately precedes this verse with a similar admonition not to fret over evildoers, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution and the ultimate futility of evil. The broader book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living") 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 leads to destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom literature like Proverbs was crucial for moral education and societal stability. The concept of "reward" or "latter end" (Hebrew: *ʼachărîyth*) was deeply tied to the idea of 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. Conversely, an extinguished "candle" or "lamp" (Hebrew: *nîyr*) was a powerful and universally understood symbol. Lamps were essential for daily life, providing light in homes. 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 end of a lineage, or the complete loss of hope and influence, as seen in passages like [Job 18:5-6](/job/18-5 "Job 18:5-6 - The Light of the Wicked").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 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 illusory and without lasting benefit, as stated in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished"). 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 life. This stands in stark contrast to the enduring light and hope promised to the righteous, as described in [Proverbs 13:9](/proverbs/13-9 "Proverbs 13:9 - The Light of the Righteous"). 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
* **reward (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** From H319, this word signifies "the last or end," hence, "the future" or "posterity." In this context, it refers to the ultimate outcome, destiny, or the lasting legacy of one's life. The declaration "no reward" implies a complete absence of a positive, enduring future, hope, or any beneficial final result for the evil person. It's not merely about material gain but about the very substance of one's existence and future prospects.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term encompasses badness, wickedness, calamity, or moral wrong. It describes the character and actions of the person whose "reward" is absent. This refers to those who intentionally pursue harmful, unjust, or ungodly ways, acting contrary to God's revealed will and moral order. The term is broad, covering both actively malicious deeds and a general disposition towards unrighteousness.
* **candle (Hebrew, _nîyr'_):** From H5216, this word refers to a "lamp" or "light," typically an oil lamp. As a powerful symbol in ancient Near Eastern culture, a burning lamp represented life, prosperity, joy, hope, and the continuation of a family line or legacy. It signified a person's presence, influence, and future. The imagery of a "candle" or "lamp" is therefore deeply significant, representing the very essence of one's existence and future prospects.
* **put out (Hebrew, _dâʻak'_):** From H1846, 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 and desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there shall be no reward to the evil [man];"**: This clause sets forth 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 line, 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. 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 for the life, prosperity, hope, and legacy of the wicked. Its extinguishing vividly symbolizes the complete and abrupt cessation of these aspects. This **Imagery** is powerful, evoking a sense of finality and darkness that contrasts sharply with the light associated with life and blessing. The verse also utilizes **Antithetical Parallelism**, a common feature in Proverbs. While not explicitly stated, the fate of the wicked is implicitly contrasted with the enduring light and reward promised to the righteous (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Righteous")). This contrast highlights the two distinct paths and their inevitable, opposing outcomes. The use of strong, definitive language ("no reward," "shall be put out") also contributes to the verse's **Didactic Tone**, emphasizing the certainty of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:20 anchors itself in the foundational biblical truth of divine justice and God's moral governance of the world. It asserts that while God's patience is great, His justice is inevitable. The temporary prosperity of the wicked is an illusion, a fleeting flicker that will ultimately be extinguished, revealing the emptiness of a life lived apart from God. This principle underscores the importance of living righteously, not 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 has eternal consequences, and that God will ultimately settle all accounts, ensuring that evil does not have the final word.

* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalm/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")
* [Job 21:17](/job/21-17 "Job 21:17 - How Seldom Is the Lamp of the Wicked Put Out?")
* [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:20 offers a profound challenge and 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. 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 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 and lasting hope are found only in God, whose promises for the righteous are eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of an "extinguished candle" challenge your perspective on worldly success and influence?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to envy the apparent prosperity of those who do not follow God's ways? How does this verse reorient your thinking?**
* **What does this proverb teach you about the nature of God's justice and His ultimate control over all things?**
* **How can the promise of no lasting "reward" for the wicked encourage you to persevere in righteousness, even when it seems difficult?**

### FAQ
**What does "reward" mean in this context, and why is it denied to the evil man?**

Answer: 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](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a righteous judge").

**Why is a "candle" used as a metaphor for the wicked, and what does its being "put out" signify?**

Answer: 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](/job/18-5 "Job 18:5 - The Light of the Wicked").

**Does this proverb mean that the wicked never prosper or experience good things in this life?**

Answer: 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](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - God Is Good to Israel")), 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](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose light can never be extinguished. While the wicked's hope and prosperity are temporary and lead to 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](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). 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](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - Cast Out the Worthless Servant")). Conversely, for those who walk in Christ, the Light, there is no condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), but rather the promise of eternal life and a glorious future, where their light, reflecting Christ's, will shine forever ([Matthew 13:43](/matthew/13-43 "Matthew 13:43 - The Righteous Will Shine")). 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.

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 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.