Proverbs 14:19 kjv

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

Proverbs 14:19 nkjv

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

Proverbs 14:19 niv

Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Proverbs 14:19 esv

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

Proverbs 14:19 nlt

Evil people will bow before good people;
the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 19 Meaning

Proverbs 14:19 asserts a powerful principle of divine justice: the ultimate reversal of fortunes where those who commit evil and live wickedly will be compelled to humble themselves and submit to the righteous. It signifies a future vindication where the superiority of wisdom and righteousness is publicly acknowledged, and the inherent emptiness of wickedness leads to its downfall and submission.

Proverbs 14 19 Context

Proverbs 14 primarily delineates the characteristics and outcomes of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. The chapter presents a series of antithetical parallels, contrasting virtues like wisdom, righteousness, and humility with vices such as foolishness, wickedness, and pride. Verse 19 fits squarely within this theme, assuring that despite the apparent temporary success or influence of the wicked, their ultimate destiny is humbling before the lasting triumph of the righteous. This proverb serves as both a comfort to the upright and a warning to the evildoer, speaking to a cosmic justice that will inevitably assert itself, whether in societal reputation or in a divine, ultimate judgment.

Proverbs 14 19 Word analysis

• The evil (Hebrew: רָע, ra‘): This term refers to those who are morally bad, corrupt, and engaged in malicious deeds. It denotes not just wrongdoing, but an inherent state of antagonism towards goodness and God's ways.
• bow (Hebrew: שָׁחַח, shakhach): This verb means to crouch, sink down, be humbled, or prostrate oneself. It implies a posture of submission, defeat, or profound deference. Here, it denotes an involuntary or forced acknowledgement of superiority.
• before (Hebrew: לִפְנֵי, lip̄nê): Literally "in the face of" or "in the presence of." It indicates a position of immediate subservience, signifying that the act of bowing is done in direct sight of, or under the authority of, the good.
• the good (Hebrew: טוֹב, tov): This describes individuals who embody moral rectitude, uprightness, favor, and actions aligned with divine standards. It refers to those who are genuinely beneficial, virtuous, and spiritually wholesome.
• and the wicked (Hebrew: רָשָׁע, rasha‘): Distinct from those who merely stumble, the rasha‘ is guilty, actively rebellious against divine law, and fundamentally unrighteous. They are condemned and antagonistic towards God's will.
• at the gates (Hebrew: בַּשְׁעָרֵי, ba-sha‘arê): In ancient Near Eastern cities, the "gates" were crucial public spaces. They served as places for legal judgments, commercial transactions, public assemblies, and community decisions. This location signifies a public, authoritative, and judicial setting where matters of justice and honor are decided.
• of the righteous (Hebrew: צַדִּיק, tzaddiq): This term describes someone who is just, right, and has been vindicated. They live in accordance with God's law, demonstrating integrity and uprightness in their conduct and character.

• The evil bow before the good: This phrase describes the reversal of natural order. While wickedness may temporarily seem to prevail or boast, the ultimate trajectory leads to its humiliation and submission before moral integrity and uprightness. It's a statement about the eventual triumph of virtue.
• and the wicked at the gates of the righteous: This part specifically highlights the public and official nature of this humiliation. The city gates, being the seats of justice and power, emphasize that the submission of the wicked will be a recognized, possibly judicially enforced, or divinely ordained event. It speaks of the righteous ultimately being given public honor and authority.

Proverbs 14 19 Bonus section

This proverb, while speaking to general principles, can be understood on multiple levels:

• Societal Vindication: In some interpretations, it describes situations where a nation or people, through their righteousness, gain respect and influence even over former adversaries. The wicked, observing the blessing and integrity of the righteous, might seek favor or be compelled to acknowledge their legitimate standing.
• Individual Character: On an individual level, it highlights that a life characterized by integrity and godliness will eventually gain respect, even from those who oppose it, while sustained wickedness leads to disgrace.
• Eschatological Fulfillment: The most profound application often points to the ultimate judgment, where all evil and wickedness will be absolutely vanquished and made subject to Christ, who perfectly embodies all goodness and righteousness, aligning with scriptures like Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 20:11-15.
• The "bowing" action signifies a loss of pride and power. The inherent instability and self-destructive nature of evil ultimately bring it to its knees before the steadfastness of good.

Proverbs 14 19 Commentary

Proverbs 14:19 succinctly declares a future where the current power dynamics, often seemingly favoring the corrupt, will be inverted. It’s a profound assurance of the triumph of moral order over chaos. "The evil bow before the good" suggests a necessary prostration or humbling of those who oppose God's ways. This is not necessarily an act of willing repentance, but rather a forced acknowledgement of righteousness's ultimate dominion and vindication. The parallel phrase, "and the wicked at the gates of the righteous," intensifies this imagery. The "gates" signify public judgment, authority, and vindication. It paints a picture where those who scorned the righteous will find themselves subservient, acknowledging the moral authority and divine blessing on the righteous, possibly in a public, legally-sanctioned, or eschatological context. This proverb provides solace for the righteous experiencing hardship, reinforcing that their enduring integrity will ultimately be honored, while the path of wickedness inevitably leads to a humiliating end.