Proverbs 24:25 kjv

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Proverbs 24:25 nkjv

But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

Proverbs 24:25 niv

But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.

Proverbs 24:25 esv

but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.

Proverbs 24:25 nlt

But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
rich blessings will be showered on them.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 25 Meaning

Proverbs 24:25 declares a divine promise of delight and blessing for those who courageously confront and correct the wicked. This verse extols the virtue of speaking truth against injustice, affirming that such actions are met with divine favor and prosperity. It is a pronouncement of endorsement for moral courage and righteous judgment within a community.

Proverbs 24 25 Context

Proverbs 24 is part of "further sayings of the wise," a section beginning in chapter 22:17. This specific verse, along with the preceding one (24:24), addresses the issue of impartial justice. While 24:24 condemns those who pronounce the guilty innocent, 24:25 directly commends those who hold the wicked accountable. It emphasizes the societal importance of righteous judgment and the proactive role of individuals in confronting evil. The chapter often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, underscoring the benefits of wisdom, diligence, and justice. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, "the gate" was the place of legal and social dealings, making the act of rebuke or judgment a public and crucial function for maintaining moral order.

Proverbs 24 25 Word analysis

• But (Hebrew: אך, ak): This strong adversative conjunction marks a sharp contrast with the preceding verse (Prov 24:24), which condemns those who affirm the wicked. It emphasizes the opposite action and its distinct, positive outcome.
• to those who rebuke (Hebrew: לַמּוֹכִיחִים, lammochiḥim): Derived from the root יָכַח (yakhaḥ), meaning "to decide, adjudge, prove, correct, reprove, rebuke." It implies more than mere scolding; it denotes a judicial or moral process of argumentation, conviction, and correction aimed at revealing truth or establishing justice. It suggests an authoritative and necessary intervention against wrongdoing, often with the intention of leading to repentance or upholding righteousness.
• the wicked (Hebrew: רָשָׁע, rasha'): This term refers to the unrighteous, the guilty, or those who are in a state of practical godlessness. It implies a habitual or deliberate pattern of acting unjustly, violating God's laws, or harming others. It signifies a person whose way of life is contrary to God's standards, not just one who commits isolated sins.
• will have delight (Hebrew: נֹעַם, noʿam): Meaning "pleasantness, delight, favor, charm, graciousness." This describes an inner state of satisfaction, well-being, and inner peace that comes from performing a righteous act. It suggests divine approval and the inherent goodness of acting justly, leading to a pleasant outcome or experience.
• and a good blessing (Hebrew: וּבִרְכַת־טוֹב, uvirkhat-tov): A compound phrase combining "blessing" (berakhah, meaning favor, prosperity, enablement) and "good" (tov, meaning pleasant, agreeable, virtuous, bountiful). This denotes a comprehensive and beneficial outcome, encompassing material, spiritual, or relational well-being, often understood as divinely bestowed. It's a rich and abundant favor.
• will come upon them (Hebrew: תָּבוֹא עֲלֵיהֶם, tavo' 'alehem): This indicates a certain and direct consequence. The blessing and delight are not merely abstract concepts but tangible realities that are effectively transferred or manifest themselves upon those who act righteously. It signifies a clear, unmissable recompense for their actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But to those who rebuke the wicked": This phrase establishes the courageous and decisive action being praised. It points to individuals who actively confront and correct those living in injustice, setting themselves apart from those who condone evil.
• "will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them": This describes the twofold, divinely ordained reward. "Delight" suggests an intrinsic joy and inner satisfaction, a confirmation of their righteousness, while "good blessing" implies tangible benefits, prosperity, and divine favor that manifest in their lives. The certainty of "will come upon them" highlights the direct causality between the righteous act and the promised reward.

Proverbs 24 25 Bonus section

The active "rebuking" mentioned here is a vital component of biblical wisdom. It is not indiscriminate accusation, but rather a wise and discerning confrontation (compare Prov 9:7-8 on rebuking a scoffer vs. a wise person). The passage assumes the rebuker is operating from a place of righteous judgment, rather than personal malice. This prophetic action, echoing the Old Testament prophets who challenged kings and nations, ensures that moral lines are upheld and justice prevails within society. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly embodies the confrontation of wickedness, particularly in His challenging the spiritual blindness of His generation and triumphing over sin and death, thereby opening the way for blessing upon all who follow His truth. The New Testament calls believers to continue this work of exposing darkness, recognizing that light inherently dispels it.

Proverbs 24 25 Commentary

Proverbs 24:25 is a powerful affirmation of moral courage in the face of wickedness. It challenges passive acceptance of injustice and champions the active pursuit of righteousness. The verse highlights that not only does God oppose the wicked, but He also rewards those who, in their wisdom and commitment to His standards, speak out against them. This "rebuke" is not merely criticism, but a purposeful act of exposing wrong, stemming from a desire for truth and order. The promised "delight" is the inner satisfaction and peace found in doing what is right in God's eyes, and the "good blessing" is the comprehensive favor of the Lord upon those who uphold His justice. This encourages believers to be agents of truth and accountability, trusting in God's commendation for their integrity.

• Example: A believer in a workplace observes systemic dishonesty and speaks out, knowing it might be unpopular, trusting God's blessing will follow.
• Example: A parent lovingly corrects a child's wrong behavior, enduring the momentary discomfort for the long-term benefit and integrity.