Proverbs 10:24 kjv

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Proverbs 10:24 nkjv

The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted.

Proverbs 10:24 niv

What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.

Proverbs 10:24 esv

What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

Proverbs 10:24 nlt

The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;
the hopes of the godly will be granted.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 24 Meaning

Proverbs 10:24 presents a vivid contrast between the destinies of the wicked and the righteous, highlighting God's justice. It declares that the very thing the wicked dread, their deserved judgment and downfall, will inevitably come upon them. Conversely, the desires and longings of the righteous, which are inherently aligned with God's will, will be graciously fulfilled by God. This verse encapsulates the principle of divine retribution and reward, affirming that God's moral order ensures appropriate outcomes for distinct characters.

Proverbs 10 24 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a significant shift in the book's structure. Following the longer, thematic discourses of chapters 1-9, chapter 10 initiates a collection of pithy, two-line proverbs (often called "Solomon's proverbs"). These individual maxims primarily employ antithetical parallelism, directly contrasting the wise with the foolish, the righteous with the wicked, or specific virtues with their opposing vices. The focus is on the practical outcomes and consequences of different moral choices and character types.

Historically and culturally, the proverbs functioned as foundational ethical instruction within ancient Israel. They reflected and reinforced the worldview that the universe operates under a divine moral order. There was an expectation of an inherent justice system orchestrated by God, where righteousness generally led to blessing and wickedness to adversity. These proverbs often served as didactic tools, shaping the understanding of how daily life intertwined with divine governance, providing guidance for living wisely and righteously within the covenant community. The implied polemic often subtly pushes back against deterministic views or the notion of a chaotic or arbitrary universe. Instead, it asserts that consequences are largely a reflection of moral choices, ultimately orchestrated by a just and benevolent God.

Proverbs 10 24 Word analysis

• The fear (מְגוֹרָה, mᵉgôrāh): This term means "terror," "dread," or "that which causes fear." It often implies the object of their apprehension or the calamity they rightly anticipate as a consequence of their wicked deeds. For the wicked, their own ungodly actions create a reality that brings about the very things they are afraid of, such as ruin, exposure, or judgment. It can also suggest the fear they inflict upon others that eventually rebounds on them.
• of the wicked (רָשָׁע, rāšā‘): This term designates those who are unrighteous, morally wrong, impious, or hostile to God's ways. They are not merely those who make mistakes, but those whose character and conduct are marked by deliberate disregard for divine or moral law.
• will come upon him (תְבוֹאֶנּוּ, tᵉḇô’ennû): This phrase emphasizes the inevitability and certainty of the wicked's fate. It signifies that the dreadful outcome will "come into" or "befall" them, indicating a direct, personal consequence. This is not accidental but a divinely ordained or natural outcome of their path.
• but: This conjunction marks a strong contrast, introducing the antithetical second clause. It highlights the stark difference in destinies.
• the desire (תַּאֲוָה, ta’ăwāh): While ta’ăwāh can sometimes refer to carnal lusts (e.g., Num 11:4, Psa 78:30), when applied to the righteous, as here and in Prov 11:23, it denotes a legitimate longing, a godly aspiration, or what one earnestly and rightly wishes for. This "desire" is not born of selfishness but flows from a heart aligned with God's purposes.
• of the righteous (צַדִּיק, ṣaddîq): This describes those who are just, innocent, upright, and in right standing with God. They live in accordance with God's will and are characterized by integrity and moral rectitude.
• will be granted (יִתֵּן, yittēn): Literally meaning "it will be given." The implied subject here is God, indicating His active role in bestowing favor and fulfilling the pure and godly longings of those who walk in His ways. It is a divine blessing and affirmation.

Words-group analysis

• The fear of the wicked will come upon him: This phrase points to a direct correlation between the wicked's internal dread and their external reality. The very things they embody, cause, or fear—judgment, retribution, consequences of their deeds—will ultimately materialise for them. It speaks of a cosmic justice where what one expects and exemplifies through their actions inevitably circles back to them in the form of divine consequence.
• but the desire of the righteous will be granted: This part offers a profound contrast, indicating divine favour towards the upright. The legitimate, godly desires of those in right relationship with God are affirmed and brought to fruition. This is a promise of divine providence and generosity, showing that God is actively involved in blessing the lives of the righteous by bringing their good and pure aspirations to pass.

Proverbs 10 24 Bonus section

This proverb, like many others in Proverbs, reflects the Deuteronomic theology of blessings and curses – faithfulness leads to life, and rebellion leads to ruin. It's not merely a general observation but an articulation of God's active involvement in the world, ensuring that ultimate justice prevails. The outcomes described are not accidental but are consistent with the moral order established and maintained by God. The "fear" of the wicked is deeply personal; it speaks of an inner torment that finds its outward manifestation, while the "desire" of the righteous is a spiritual longing that God condescends to bring into being, signifying a relational fulfillment between God and His faithful ones.

Proverbs 10 24 Commentary

Proverbs 10:24 encapsulates a fundamental principle of divine justice woven throughout Scripture: character determines destiny. The verse starkly contrasts the outcomes for those who walk in wickedness versus those who walk in righteousness. For the wicked, the "fear" that engulfs them—be it their own self-inflicted terror, the object of their unholy dread, or the consequence of their destructive path—will inevitably become their reality. This speaks to the concept of poetic justice, where the wicked's own actions or anticipated judgment becomes their downfall. In essence, what they dish out or what they fear the most often returns to them as their bitter portion.

Conversely, the verse offers profound comfort and assurance to the righteous. Their "desire"—a longing born from a pure heart and aligned with God's good will—is not left unfulfilled. God actively "grants" these desires, affirming His covenant faithfulness and blessing upon those who faithfully walk with Him. This implies that righteous desires are inherently good and receive divine affirmation and fulfillment, standing in sharp contrast to the inevitable ruin that awaits the wicked. It encourages a life lived in piety and integrity, confident that God honors the longings of a heart devoted to Him.

Practical usage:

• This verse can encourage patience in the face of apparent injustice, knowing God's judgment will come.
• It serves as a powerful deterrent against wickedness, warning of inescapable consequences.
• It inspires righteous living, fostering hope that God hears and answers godly aspirations.