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Proverbs 11:8

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¶ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

The righteous {H6662} is delivered out {H2502} of trouble {H6869}, and the wicked {H7563} cometh {H935} in his stead.

The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked comes to take his place.

The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in.

The righteous is delivered out of trouble; And the wicked cometh in his stead.

Commentary

Proverbs 11:8 in the King James Version presents a stark contrast between the destinies of the righteous and the wicked when facing adversity. It highlights a principle of divine justice where the upright are rescued from difficulty, while the wicked often find themselves trapped by the very troubles the righteous escape.

Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, offering guidance for living a life pleasing to God and navigating the complexities of the world. Chapter 11 continues the theme of contrasting the paths and outcomes of the righteous ('tsaddiq' in Hebrew, meaning just, right, or vindicated) and the wicked ('rasha', meaning guilty, wrong, or condemned). This verse fits within a section that emphasizes the practical consequences of one's moral standing and actions in daily life and in times of crisis.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse asserts that the righteous receive deliverance from trouble. This is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and Proverbs, emphasizing God's care for those who follow His ways.
  • Contrasting Fates: It clearly shows two opposite outcomes based on one's character. While the righteous are freed, the wicked inherit the trouble, often as a consequence of their own actions or divine judgment. This principle is foundational to much of the wisdom literature.
  • Justice and Retribution: The verse implies a form of poetic or divine justice where the trouble intended for the righteous, or the general trouble present, ensnares the wicked instead. This speaks to the idea that the wicked often fall into the pit they dig for others or for themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trouble" is tsarah (צָרָה), which means distress, trouble, anguish, or adversity. It denotes a state of being hemmed in or restricted. The phrase "cometh in his stead" (וַיָּבֹא רָשָׁע תַּחְתָּיו, vayavo rasha tachthayv) literally means "and the wicked comes under him" or "in his place," powerfully illustrating the substitution of fate.

Reflection and Application

This proverb offers encouragement to the righteous, reminding them that their uprightness is not in vain and that God provides rescue. It also serves as a warning to the wicked about the consequences of their choices. For believers today, it reinforces the importance of living righteously, trusting that God is sovereign over circumstances and works justice in the world, often protecting His own. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God's power to deliver the godly out of temptations and reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment is real.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 6:23 (16 votes)

    Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

  • Daniel 6:24 (16 votes)

    And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

  • Proverbs 21:18 (14 votes)

    ¶ The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

  • Esther 7:9 (10 votes)

    And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

  • Esther 7:10 (10 votes)

    So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

  • Isaiah 43:3 (9 votes)

    For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

  • Isaiah 43:4 (9 votes)

    Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.