Proverbs 14:19

¶ The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

The evil {H7451} bow {H7817} before {H6440} the good {H2896}; and the wicked {H7563} at the gates {H8179} of the righteous {H6662}.

The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

The evil bow down before the good; And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

Commentary

Proverbs 14:19, from the KJV, presents a powerful proverb contrasting the ultimate destinies of the wicked and the righteous. It offers a promise of divine justice and the eventual triumph of moral order.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, emphasizing the practical application of divine truth to daily life. It frequently draws sharp distinctions between the paths and outcomes of the wise (often equated with the righteous) and the foolish (the wicked). This verse fits squarely within that theme, providing a moral assurance that, despite present appearances, righteousness will ultimately prevail and wickedness will be humbled. It reflects a fundamental belief in God's just governance of the world, where the temporary flourishing of the wicked is contrasted with their ultimate downfall.

Key Themes

  • Vindication of the Righteous: The proverb asserts that the "good" and the "righteous" will ultimately be exalted. It speaks to a future state where their moral standing is acknowledged and respected, even by those who oppose them. This offers great encouragement to those who strive to live righteously amidst adversity, reminding them that their efforts are not in vain and that their character holds lasting value.
  • Humiliation of the Wicked: The imagery of "bowing" and being "at the gates" signifies submission, defeat, or even supplication. The wicked, who often appear to prosper temporarily, will ultimately face humiliation and be forced to acknowledge the moral superiority or authority of the righteous. This is a powerful statement about the inevitable consequences of unrighteous living.
  • Divine Justice: At its core, this verse is a declaration of God's unwavering justice. It assures believers that there is a moral order in the universe, ordained by God, where evil does not ultimately triumph over good. It points to a time when God's standards will be fully upheld, and the roles will be reversed for those who scorned righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bow before" comes from the Hebrew word karac (כָּרַע), which means to kneel, bow down, or crouch, often in submission or homage. This is not merely a polite gesture but signifies a posture of reverence, defeat, or supplication. Being "at the gates" (Hebrew: sha'ar, שַׁעַר) is significant because city gates in ancient Israel were central places of judgment, commerce, and public assembly. To be at the gates of the righteous could imply seeking their favor, being judged by them, or being subject to their influence and authority, highlighting their position of honor and the wicked's subjugation.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:19 serves as both an encouragement and a warning. For the righteous, it is a powerful reminder to persevere in living a life of integrity and goodness, even when it seems difficult or unrewarded in the short term. It instills confidence that ultimately, God's justice will prevail, and righteousness will be vindicated. For those who are inclined towards wickedness, it serves as a stark warning about the inevitable consequences of their choices. It encourages introspection and repentance, pointing towards the wisdom of choosing the path of righteousness, which leads to ultimate honor and peace, as opposed to the path of evil, which leads to shame and defeat. This timeless truth reminds us to trust in God's ultimate plan and to live in alignment with His righteous character, knowing that we are to overcome evil with good.

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 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

  • Genesis 42:6 (5 votes)

    And Joseph [was] the governor over the land, [and] he [it was] that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him [with] their faces to the earth.

  • Malachi 4:3 (5 votes)

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Revelation 3:9 (4 votes)

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Isaiah 60:14 (3 votes)

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Exodus 8:8 (3 votes)

    Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

  • Micah 7:16 (3 votes)

    The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

  • Micah 7:17 (3 votes)

    They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.