Proverbs 24:16 kjv

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 24:16 nkjv

For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Proverbs 24:16 niv

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 24:16 esv

for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

Proverbs 24:16 nlt

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 16 Meaning

Proverbs 24:16 teaches the enduring resilience of the righteous individual in the face of repeated adversity and setbacks. Though a person living in conformity with God's ways may encounter numerous difficulties, failures, or trials—symbolized by "seven times" to signify completeness or multitude—they are consistently enabled to recover, rise, and press forward. In stark contrast, the wicked, those who disregard God and righteousness, lack this spiritual fortitude; a single calamity or severe trial proves to be their irreversible undoing, leading to complete downfall or ruin. This verse highlights the fundamental difference in outcomes between a life lived according to God's principles and one marked by ungodliness.

Proverbs 24 16 Context

Proverbs 24:16 is situated within a collection of wise sayings, often grouped as "Further Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). Specifically, verses 15 and 16 form a tight unit. Verse 15 warns the wicked not to plot against or lie in wait for the dwelling of the righteous, because their schemes will ultimately be futile. Verse 16 then provides the foundational reason for this futility: the inherent resilience and divine protection afforded to the righteous. This literary context reinforces the contrast between the destinies and experiences of the righteous and the wicked, a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs. Historically, Proverbs reflects the collected wisdom transmitted within ancient Israelite families and schools, emphasizing ethical conduct and divine justice as the basis for a flourishing life in covenant with God. It challenges a simplistic "prosperity gospel" worldview prevalent in some ancient cultures that equated suffering directly with sin, suggesting instead that suffering is part of the human experience, even for the upright, but their divine connection changes their response and outcome.

Proverbs 24 16 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): This causal conjunction serves to introduce the reason or explanation for the preceding warning in verse 15. It signals that what follows explains why plotting against the righteous is vain.
• a righteous man (צַדִּיק, tzaddiq): Refers to one who is just, upright, virtuous, or vindicated in their character and conduct according to God's standards. It signifies one who maintains a right relationship with God and adheres to His moral law, distinguishing them from the "wicked."
• may fall (יִפּוֹל, yippol): Hebrew verb meaning "to fall, fall down, fail, stumble, be cast down." In this context, it speaks of experiencing misfortune, defeat, setback, trouble, or even a temporary moral lapse, but not ultimate spiritual failure or annihilation. It emphasizes experiencing adversity rather than being permanently overcome.
• seven times (שֶׁבַע, sheva): This is an idiom for "many times," "repeatedly," or "to the fullest extent," rather than a literal number. It denotes a multitude of instances or completeness, signifying frequent and various kinds of adversity that a righteous person might face.
• and rise again (וָקָם, veqam): From the Hebrew verb qum, meaning "to stand up, arise, be established, recover." It conveys the idea of bouncing back, regaining strength, being restored, or persevering through divine help and inner fortitude. It speaks of spiritual and practical recovery from falls.
• but (וְ-, ve-): This conjunction functions as a strong contrast, introducing the opposing fate of the wicked.
• the wicked (רְשָׁעִים, resha'im): Plural of rasha', denoting those who are unrighteous, impious, guilty, or morally wrong. They stand in direct opposition to the tzaddiq (righteous) and are characterized by a lack of fear of God and adherence to evil paths.
• stumble (יִכָּשְׁלוּ, yikkashevu): From the Hebrew verb kashal, meaning "to stumble, totter, fail completely, be brought to ruin, collapse irreversibly." Unlike the temporary fall of the righteous, this implies a final, fatal downfall from which there is no recovery.
• in time of calamity (בְרָעָה, bera'ah): Literally "in evil," "in misfortune," "in distress," "in adversity." This refers to difficult circumstances, affliction, or judgment that comes upon the wicked, serving as the definitive catalyst for their collapse. Their lack of inner and divine resource renders them unable to withstand such pressures.

Proverbs 24 16 Bonus section

The "fall" of the righteous can encompass a wide spectrum of experiences, from sincere repentance after sin to simply encountering unavoidable misfortunes in life. It doesn't mean perpetual spiritual perfection but rather a persistent alignment with God's will and reliance on His mercy. The resilience highlighted is a testimony to God's steadfast love and corrective discipline (Heb 12:6), which strengthens the righteous even through trials. Conversely, the downfall of the wicked is a direct result of their own unrighteous choices, exposing their spiritual weakness and ultimately leading to divine judgment, both temporal and eternal. This proverb assures believers that even when circumstances seem dire, their hope is in the Lord, who consistently grants the ability to overcome and rise again.

Proverbs 24 16 Commentary

Proverbs 24:16 succinctly captures a profound theological truth about God's ordering of the world and His relationship with humanity. It underscores that life, even for the devoted believer, is not free from trials or failures. The righteous person is not immune to hardship; indeed, they may face many forms of "falling"—be it moral failings, physical suffering, relational conflict, or professional setbacks. The power of this verse lies in the assurance that such falls are never final. The repeated act of "rising again" implies a divinely enabled resilience and a spirit of repentance and perseverance. This rebound is not solely due to personal strength but is often empowered by God's grace, upholding hand, and the foundational stability of their righteous character built upon truth and faith.

In stark contrast, the wicked, though they might appear prosperous or untouchable for a time, lack this spiritual anchor. When "calamity" strikes—the same type of adversity that the righteous might experience and recover from—it proves catastrophic for them. Their stumble becomes a definitive downfall, leading to ruin because their foundations are unstable, and they lack God's upholding hand. They cannot stand when adversity comes, revealing their true vulnerability and the consequence of their rebellion against God's ways. This verse offers encouragement to those facing hardship, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their potential for restoration, while serving as a sober warning to those living outside His truth about the ultimate fragility of a godless life.