Proverbs 21:15 kjv

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:15 nkjv

It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 21:15 niv

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:15 esv

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:15 nlt

Justice is a joy to the godly,
but it terrifies evildoers.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 15 Meaning

When the principles of justice and righteousness are put into practice, it brings immense joy and satisfaction to those who genuinely live righteously. Conversely, the implementation of such justice instills dread and fear in those who practice wickedness, as it exposes and brings consequence to their evil deeds. The verse highlights the intrinsic contrasting responses to divine and righteous order based on one's moral alignment.

Proverbs 21 15 Context

Proverbs 21 is a collection of various short, pithy sayings (maxims) characteristic of the wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for daily living under God's overarching moral order. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over rulers (v. 1), the importance of righteous conduct over ritual (v. 3), the consequences of diligence and laziness (v. 5), and the pitfalls of pride and wickedness. Verse 15 fits seamlessly into this moral framework by starkly contrasting the outcomes and emotional responses of the righteous and the wicked to the implementation of justice. It reaffirms the inherent stability and benefit of living in accordance with divine wisdom, and the inherent peril for those who defy it, resonating with the broader Old Testament theme of divine retribution and blessing. Historically, it was counsel for an Israelite society under God's covenant, where justice (mishpat) was paramount to societal well-being and a reflection of Yahweh's character.

Proverbs 21 15 Word analysis

• When justice is done

  • Justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This foundational Hebrew term encompasses not only judicial decisions but also righteous behavior, just governance, and the legal right or due. It signifies the ideal of God's perfect standard for order and fairness, both in divine judgment and human actions. It's an active principle of right ordering. In the context of the Ancient Near East, where legal systems were often capricious or based on royal whim, the Hebrew concept of mishpat was distinctively rooted in the divine covenant and a standard of moral equity applicable to all, from king to commoner. It was often paired with tzedaqah (righteousness) to describe God's own character and what He demands of His people.
  • is done (עֲשׂוֹת, 'asot): Means "to make," "to do," "to execute," or "to perform." It denotes the active, concrete execution or performance of mishpat, not merely an abstract concept. It's the practical implementation of righteous governance or moral truth. This implies real-world legal rulings, fair dealings, or ethical conduct that concretely manifests justice.

• it is a joy to the righteous

  • Joy (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): A deep sense of gladness, delight, and satisfaction. For the righteous, it signifies not only personal vindication but also the profound contentment and assurance that God's moral order is indeed being upheld in the world. It’s a joyful affirmation of divine truth and the triumph of good. This joy stems from seeing God's character reflected in the world and from experiencing the peace and order that true justice brings, rather than from schadenfreude at others' misfortune.
  • to the righteous (לַצַּדִּיק, lazzaddiq): Pertaining to the "just," "innocent," "virtuous," or "godly." A tzaddiq is someone who is right in character and conduct, aligning their life with God's commands and moral will. Their "righteousness" isn't merely an external conformity but an internal disposition rooted in faith and obedience to God. They have no fear of justice because their lives are already submitted to its demands.

• but terror to evildoers.

  • Terror (חִתָּה, chittah): Means "dread," "dismay," "panic," or "fright." This is the stark opposite of joy. It implies a crushing apprehension of inevitable exposure and consequence for their deeds. It speaks to the psychological torment that accompanies a life lived outside of divine moral bounds.
  • to evildoers (וּמַחַתָּה לְפֹעֲלֵי אָוֶן, u'mahattah lefo'alei aven):
    • The full phrase is po'alei aven, which translates to "workers of iniquity," "doers of wickedness," or "those who practice evil/unrighteousness."
    • Evildoers (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן, po'alei aven): These are individuals whose actions (their "works") are characterized by "iniquity" (אָוֶן, aven). Aven signifies trouble, wickedness, injustice, vanity, or anything that goes contrary to God's nature and law. It highlights their active engagement in perverse and harmful behavior. This contrasts directly with the righteous who "do" (perform) justice. For them, the presence of true justice is a threat because it promises an end to their lawlessness and brings accountability.

• Words-group Analysis

  • Antithetical Parallelism: The verse employs classic Proverbs-style antithetical parallelism, presenting two opposing scenarios that illuminate the same truth: the positive outcome for one group versus the negative outcome for the other, both flowing from the same event (the execution of justice). This literary device amplifies the moral dichotomy.
  • Divine Governance: The verse subtly implies a cosmic and moral order governed by God, where actions have commensurate reactions. It’s a foundational principle that living aligned with God's will leads to flourishing and peace, while rebellion leads to dismay and destruction. It offers reassurance that ultimately, wrongs will be righted.
  • Polemics: This proverb directly counters any notion prevalent in ancient or contemporary societies that wickedness can perpetually escape consequence, or that "might makes right." It firmly asserts that the very application of justice, whether through human courts or divine intervention, inherently divides society and reveals moral alignment, dispelling any illusion of long-term impunity for the wicked.

Proverbs 21 15 Bonus section

The active "doing" of justice (mishpat alongside tzedaqah) is repeatedly presented throughout the Old Testament as a non-negotiable expectation for God's people and rulers, reflecting God's own character. Ignoring or corrupting justice was seen as a direct affront to God Himself and led to societal decay and divine judgment. This verse can also be seen as an encouraging word to those who strive for righteousness in a world that often seems unjust. It affirms that their pursuit aligns with ultimate reality and divine decree, promising them an enduring inner joy. It also serves as a warning, emphasizing the natural spiritual and practical consequences awaiting those who willfully engage in evil, irrespective of temporary worldly success.

Proverbs 21 15 Commentary

Proverbs 21:15 encapsulates a core tenet of biblical wisdom: the inherent and distinct responses to justice depending on one's moral character. For the righteous, the visible execution of justice – whether in a court of law, in societal dealings, or in the ultimate divine vindication – is a cause for profound gladness. This joy is not born of vengeance, but from the reassurance that God's moral universe is operating as it should, affirming truth and order over chaos and deception. It is the peace and stability that come from knowing wrong will eventually be made right. They embrace justice because they live by its principles.

Conversely, for those who habitually practice wickedness, the very prospect of justice being carried out incites deep dread and dismay. Their "works of iniquity" thrive in obscurity and injustice. When true justice appears, it signals their exposure, the end of their illicit gains, and inevitable accountability. Their terror is a direct result of their self-serving and often oppressive actions, for justice represents the dismantling of their twisted reality. This proverb underscores that God's unwavering moral law is immutable, ensuring that ethical behavior leads to joy and peace, while defiance brings about inevitable fear and downfall. It points to a moral clarity that anticipates ultimate judgment.