Proverbs 11:23 - The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 11:23" mean?
Proverbs 11:23 highlights the fundamental difference between the desires and expectations of righteous and wicked people, and how these desires ultimately shape their outcomes. Let's break it down:
"The desire of the righteous is only good."
Desire: This refers to the inner longings, motivations, and goals of a person.
Righteous: Those who strive to live according to God's standards, seeking to do what is just, moral, and pleasing to Him.
Only good: The righteous person's desires are not perfectly good in the sense of being flawless (because all humans are imperfect). Rather, they are oriented toward goodness. They desire things that are beneficial to themselves and others, things that align with justice, kindness, and the will of God. Their motivations are generally pure and constructive. They want what is right and beneficial for themselves, their community, and ultimately, what pleases God.
"The expectation of the wicked is wrath."
Expectation: This refers to what the wicked anticipate or hope to receive. It's the anticipated outcome of their actions and lifestyle.
Wicked: Those who deliberately choose to disregard God's laws and live selfishly, often causing harm to others.
Wrath: This signifies divine punishment, judgment, or negative consequences. The wicked, by their actions, set themselves on a path leading to destruction and suffering. Their choices bring about negative consequences, both in this life and potentially in the afterlife. They may expect to get away with their wrongdoing, but ultimately, their actions will lead to a reckoning. It can also refer to the anger and frustration that arises from their own failed schemes and the negative consequences they bring upon themselves.
In summary:
The verse contrasts the outcomes of two different ways of life:
Righteousness leads to goodness: When a person's desires are rooted in goodness and righteousness, they tend to pursue actions that benefit themselves and others. This leads to positive outcomes and blessings.
Wickedness leads to wrath: When a person's desires are selfish and destructive, they tend to engage in actions that harm themselves and others. This leads to negative consequences, judgment, and ultimately, destruction.
Key Takeaways:
Desire is a powerful force: Our desires shape our actions, and our actions shape our destiny.
Moral compass matters: The direction of our moral compass (righteousness or wickedness) will determine the ultimate outcome of our lives.
Consequences are inevitable: Every action has a consequence, and living righteously brings positive consequences, while living wickedly brings negative ones.
Perspective: It emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment are found in pursuing what is good and right, rather than seeking selfish gain, which ultimately leads to downfall.
Proverbs 11:23 - The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
What does "Proverbs 11:23" mean?
Proverbs 11:23 highlights the fundamental difference between the desires and expectations of righteous and wicked people, and how these desires ultimately shape their outcomes. Let's break it down:
"The desire of the righteous is only good."
Desire: This refers to the inner longings, motivations, and goals of a person.
Righteous: Those who strive to live according to God's standards, seeking to do what is just, moral, and pleasing to Him.
Only good: The righteous person's desires are not perfectly good in the sense of being flawless (because all humans are imperfect). Rather, they are oriented toward goodness. They desire things that are beneficial to themselves and others, things that align with justice, kindness, and the will of God. Their motivations are generally pure and constructive. They want what is right and beneficial for themselves, their community, and ultimately, what pleases God.
"The expectation of the wicked is wrath."
Expectation: This refers to what the wicked anticipate or hope to receive. It's the anticipated outcome of their actions and lifestyle.
Wicked: Those who deliberately choose to disregard God's laws and live selfishly, often causing harm to others.
Wrath: This signifies divine punishment, judgment, or negative consequences. The wicked, by their actions, set themselves on a path leading to destruction and suffering. Their choices bring about negative consequences, both in this life and potentially in the afterlife. They may expect to get away with their wrongdoing, but ultimately, their actions will lead to a reckoning. It can also refer to the anger and frustration that arises from their own failed schemes and the negative consequences they bring upon themselves.
In summary:
The verse contrasts the outcomes of two different ways of life:
Righteousness leads to goodness: When a person's desires are rooted in goodness and righteousness, they tend to pursue actions that benefit themselves and others. This leads to positive outcomes and blessings.
Wickedness leads to wrath: When a person's desires are selfish and destructive, they tend to engage in actions that harm themselves and others. This leads to negative consequences, judgment, and ultimately, destruction.
Key Takeaways:
Desire is a powerful force: Our desires shape our actions, and our actions shape our destiny.
Moral compass matters: The direction of our moral compass (righteousness or wickedness) will determine the ultimate outcome of our lives.
Consequences are inevitable: Every action has a consequence, and living righteously brings positive consequences, while living wickedly brings negative ones.
Perspective: It emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment are found in pursuing what is good and right, rather than seeking selfish gain, which ultimately leads to downfall.