Proverbs 24:24 kjv

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

Proverbs 24:24 nkjv

He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him.

Proverbs 24:24 niv

Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent," will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

Proverbs 24:24 esv

Whoever says to the wicked, "You are in the right," will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

Proverbs 24:24 nlt

A judge who says to the wicked, "You are innocent,"
will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 24 Meaning

Proverbs 24:24 declares a severe condemnation upon anyone who pronounces the wicked as righteous. Such an act is a profound perversion of truth and justice, actively affirming evil and misleading society. The consequence is universal public disgrace and detestation, reflecting divine disapproval.

Proverbs 24 24 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is a collection of further wise sayings, often presented as instructions from a wise teacher, building upon previous themes in Proverbs. It strongly emphasizes the importance of wisdom, justice, integrity, and diligence, while warning against slothfulness, malice, envy, and perverting justice. The immediate verses preceding and following 24:24 deal with similar themes: the value of honest counsel (v. 23) and the positive outcomes of rebuking evil (v. 25). Historically and culturally, this proverb speaks to a society where kings, judges, and elders were responsible for maintaining justice within communities. The temptation to accept bribes, show favoritism, or acquiesce to the powerful was prevalent. This proverb serves as a direct warning against such corruption, implying that divine displeasure and societal condemnation would follow such actions, making it a clear polemic against widespread social injustice.

Proverbs 24 24 Word analysis

• Whoever says: The Hebrew word here is אָמַר ('amar), meaning "to say," "to declare," or "to pronounce." This is not a passive thought but an active verbal endorsement or legal declaration. It implies a definitive judgment or statement.
• to the wicked: The Hebrew is לְרָשָׁע (l'rasha'), "to the guilty," "to the unrighteous," or "to the lawless." This refers to someone who is fundamentally contrary to God's standards and ethical conduct, often implying active wrongdoing or criminality in a legal sense.
• 'You are righteous,': The Hebrew phrase is צַדִּיק אָתָּה (tzaddiq attah), literally "Righteous are you." צַדִּיק (tzaddiq) means "just," "innocent," "upright," or "conforming to moral/divine law." This phrase represents a complete and damning mischaracterization – labeling someone who is undeniably evil as good.
• peoples will curse him,: The Hebrew word עַמִּים ('ammim) or לְאֻמִּים (l'ummim) can refer to "peoples," "tribes," or various segments of the populace. יִקּבֻּהוּ (yiqq'buhhu) means "they will curse him." This is a strong pronouncement of ill will or condemnation, often with the expectation of divine judgment accompanying it. It signifies broad societal rejection and a loss of public favor.
• and nations will abhor him. The Hebrew וּלְאֻמִּים יְקֹעֶנוּ (ul'ummim yeqo'enu). לְאֻמִּים (l'ummim) here also refers to "nations" or a broader collection of people groups. יְקֹעֶנוּ (yeqo'enu) means "they will abhor him," "detest him," or "feel revulsion toward him." This signifies an intense, deep-seated contempt and moral repugnance, going beyond a mere curse to total rejection.

Words-group analysis:

• "Whoever says to the wicked, 'You are righteous'": This phrase condemns any act of falsifying truth for personal gain, social pressure, or corrupt motives. It directly applies to judges, leaders, or even ordinary individuals who, through word or deed, legitimize wickedness. It is an inversion of moral order, equating good with evil.
• "peoples will curse him, and nations will abhor him": This emphasizes the universal and severe repercussions of such moral compromise. The consequences are not just private but public and widespread, signifying a complete loss of moral authority and standing among people. This reflects God's own judgment against injustice being manifest in societal reaction.

Proverbs 24 24 Bonus section

This proverb underscores the unchangeable moral order established by God. There is an absolute standard of righteousness, and attempts to redefine or excuse wickedness are met with severe condemnation from both God and righteous humanity. It teaches that one's reputation and legacy are tied to their integrity in discerning and upholding truth, rather than to their popularity or immediate gain. The divine blessing (or curse) is often manifested through human agents – the "peoples" and "nations" in this case become the instrument of judgment against those who pervert justice, reflecting God's ultimate verdict. This highlights the inter-connectedness of moral choices, societal well-being, and divine favor.

Proverbs 24 24 Commentary

Proverbs 24:24 serves as a stern warning against the perversion of justice and truth, a theme central to the biblical understanding of righteousness. The verse identifies a particularly egregious moral offense: declaring someone guilty as innocent. This act is a direct assault on the moral fabric of society, as it obliterates the distinction between right and wrong, virtue and vice.

The severity of the response – being cursed by "peoples" and abhorred by "nations" – highlights the deep-seated human instinct for justice, which aligns with God's own character. When those in positions of judgment or influence fail to uphold righteousness, they become a reproach, not only losing the respect of humanity but incurring divine displeasure. This principle applies universally, whether in legal judgments, public discourse, or personal ethical stance. To call evil good is to actively participate in the triumph of darkness over light, undermining the very foundations of moral order. It warns against complicity with wickedness, urging believers to stand firm for truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular.

• Examples:
  • A judge who acquits a known criminal for a bribe.
  • A public figure who defends corrupt leaders as being virtuous.
  • A community member who dismisses or praises sin as merely an "alternative lifestyle" or "personal choice" without biblical distinction.