Proverbs 21:10 kjv

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:10 nkjv

The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:10 niv

The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.

Proverbs 21:10 esv

The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:10 nlt

Evil people desire evil;
their neighbors get no mercy from them.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 10 Meaning

Proverbs 21:10 describes the inherent inclination of the wicked individual. Their inner being, their very soul, is driven by a deep and strong desire for evil and wickedness. This internal corruption prevents them from acting graciously, kindly, or compassionately towards others; consequently, their neighbor receives no favor or benevolence in their sight.

Proverbs 21 10 Context

Proverbs chapter 21 frequently contrasts the character and fate of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring that God observes and weighs the true intentions of the heart, not merely outward actions. This particular verse follows a proverb (v. 9, 21:19) about living with a contentious woman, a context that emphasizes the difficulty of certain relationships. Proverbs 21:10 shifts the focus from external relational strife (though still implied) to the internal disposition of the wicked themselves, whose very core (soul) is set on doing evil. This inner drive inevitably manifests as an unwillingness or inability to show kindness or favor to their neighbor. The verse is part of a larger theme in Proverbs highlighting the connection between a person's inner moral condition and their outward behavior and relational quality, often in stark contrast to God’s demands for justice and compassion within the community. In ancient Israelite society, "neighbor" was a critical relationship, encompassing fellow community members to whom one was ethically bound, emphasizing that the wicked person's malevolence impacts daily communal life.

Proverbs 21 10 Word analysis

• נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh): Translates as "soul," "life," "person," "appetite," or "inner self." It signifies the totality of a being, particularly the seat of desires, emotions, and will. In this context, it emphasizes that the entire being or deepest essence of the wicked individual is directed toward evil. It's not a superficial act but a core inclination.
• רָשָׁע (rasha’): Means "wicked," "guilty," or "unrighteous." This term denotes someone who deviates from the righteous path established by God's law, characterized by moral depravity and actions that inflict harm or injustice. It describes a person in opposition to divine standards and social harmony.
• אִוְּתָה (ʾiwwəthâ): A strong verb meaning "desires," "lusts," "craves," or "longs for." It denotes an intense, deeply felt inclination, not a passing fancy. When applied to evil, it reveals a consuming passion or inherent pull toward wrongdoing.
• רָע (ra’): "Evil," "bad," "wickedness," "adversity," "calamity." Here, it refers to moral evil, actions, or intentions that are contrary to God's will and harmful to others. It covers both active maliciousness and the general condition of being morally corrupt.
• לֹא־יֻחַן (lo’-yukhan): A negated verb phrase meaning "finds no favor," "receives no grace," or "is not shown mercy." Lo' is "not." Yukhan is from the root חנן (chanan), "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to have mercy." This highlights the complete absence of a benevolent or compassionate disposition. The wicked actively withhold kindness and mercy.
• בְּעֵינָיו (bəʿêynāw): An idiom meaning "in his eyes," or "in his estimation/sight." It points to the wicked person's perspective and attitude towards others, signifying a judgmental, dismissive, or actively hostile outlook rather than one of warmth or acceptance.
• רֵעֵהוּ (rēʿēhû): "His neighbor," "his friend," "his companion." This term refers to any fellow human being, particularly those in close proximity or within the community. It emphasizes that the wicked person's inner corruption has direct, negative implications for their relationships with those around them.

Words-group analysis

• נֶפֶשׁ רָשָׁע אִוְּתָה רָע ("The soul of the wicked desires evil"): This phrase identifies the core issue: the wickedness stems from the innermost being. It describes an internal inclination and strong appetite for wrongdoing. It is not just about isolated bad actions, but a deeply seated spiritual and moral condition that actively seeks evil, suggesting an almost gravitational pull towards unrighteousness. This speaks to the concept of total depravity, where the natural heart is bent away from God's goodness.
• לֹא־יֻחַן בְּעֵינָיו רֵעֵהוּ ("his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes"): This part reveals the outward manifestation of the internal corruption. Because their soul desires evil, the wicked are inherently incapable or unwilling to extend kindness, compassion, or a benevolent spirit towards their neighbor. Their distorted internal nature dictates their relational poverty and absence of grace, leading them to view and treat others with disregard, hostility, or lack of mercy, reflecting their own evil intent.

Proverbs 21 10 Bonus section

• The emphasis on the nephesh desiring evil indicates that the wickedness is not superficial or incidental; it defines the core of the individual's being, including their motivations, thoughts, and will. This comprehensive desire highlights a spiritual barrenness and an opposition to God’s nature and commands.
• The absence of chanan (favor/grace) is particularly poignant because chanan is a key attribute of God Himself, who is gracious and merciful (Ex 33:19; Ps 103:8). For the wicked to lack this quality toward their fellow human underscores their alienation from God's character.
• This proverb powerfully illustrates that external behavior (or lack thereof) is a direct consequence of internal disposition. One cannot consistently act graciously if their inner self is fundamentally aligned with evil desires.
• The verse serves as a profound caution: it's not enough to avoid overtly "evil" acts; the Christian is called to cultivate an inner nature that desires good, thereby enabling them to extend true favor and mercy to others, reflecting Christ's character (Eph 4:32).

Proverbs 21 10 Commentary

Proverbs 21:10 is a penetrating insight into the essence of wickedness. It establishes that sin is not merely a behavioral flaw but originates from a corrupt inner nature. The "soul" (nephesh) of the wicked doesn't occasionally stumble into evil; it desires evil (a strong, active craving). This foundational depravity ensures that any interaction the wicked has with their "neighbor" (rea’ehû) will be devoid of "favor" (chanan), or grace. They simply do not see others through a lens of compassion, but rather with a gaze (bəʿêynāw) that reflects their own malice or self-interest, viewing others as objects for manipulation, competition, or disdain rather than as recipients of kindness. This verse implies that true benevolence and righteous action must spring from a heart transformed, as mere external compliance cannot cover an evil disposition. This starkly contrasts with the biblical command to love one's neighbor and extend mercy, revealing that the wicked's inner state makes such commands impossible to fulfill.

• Example 1: A malicious boss who schemes to cut benefits for employees will also find reasons to refuse small, personal favors (like flexible hours or a positive reference) because their desire for self-serving "evil" (profit at others' expense) negates any impulse to show grace.
• Example 2: A gossip, whose heart desires to harm reputations (evil), will not see a peer in distress as someone deserving of sympathy and support, but potentially as a new subject for negative commentary.