Proverbs 21:10 - The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
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What does "Proverbs 21:10" mean?
Proverbs 21:10 paints a stark picture of a wicked person's inner state and its outward manifestation. Let's break it down:
"The soul of the wicked desires evil...": This part focuses on the core motivation of the wicked. Their soul, representing their deepest self, is drawn towards evil. It's not just that they occasionally stumble or make mistakes; their fundamental orientation is towards wrongdoing. They crave evil; it is something they actively seek out and find satisfaction in. This suggests a deliberate choice to embrace negativity and harm rather than goodness.
"...his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.": This describes the outward expression of that inward desire. Because the wicked person delights in evil, they are incapable of extending compassion or kindness to those around them. The phrase "finds no mercy in his eyes" emphasizes a complete lack of empathy. When others are suffering or in need, the wicked person feels no urge to help or show compassion. Their eyes, often seen as a window to the soul, reflect their hard-heartedness and indifference. It implies they can see the pain of others but are unmoved.
In essence, the verse is saying that wickedness is not just about doing bad things; it's about wanting to do bad things and lacking any sense of compassion for the consequences of those actions on others. The wicked individual is defined by a deep-seated inclination towards evil and a corresponding absence of empathy and mercy. They lack the ability to see their neighbor as someone deserving of kindness or help. They may even see their neighbor's misfortune as a source of personal satisfaction.
Proverbs 21:10 - The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
What does "Proverbs 21:10" mean?
Proverbs 21:10 paints a stark picture of a wicked person's inner state and its outward manifestation. Let's break it down:
"The soul of the wicked desires evil...": This part focuses on the core motivation of the wicked. Their soul, representing their deepest self, is drawn towards evil. It's not just that they occasionally stumble or make mistakes; their fundamental orientation is towards wrongdoing. They crave evil; it is something they actively seek out and find satisfaction in. This suggests a deliberate choice to embrace negativity and harm rather than goodness.
"...his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.": This describes the outward expression of that inward desire. Because the wicked person delights in evil, they are incapable of extending compassion or kindness to those around them. The phrase "finds no mercy in his eyes" emphasizes a complete lack of empathy. When others are suffering or in need, the wicked person feels no urge to help or show compassion. Their eyes, often seen as a window to the soul, reflect their hard-heartedness and indifference. It implies they can see the pain of others but are unmoved.
In essence, the verse is saying that wickedness is not just about doing bad things; it's about wanting to do bad things and lacking any sense of compassion for the consequences of those actions on others. The wicked individual is defined by a deep-seated inclination towards evil and a corresponding absence of empathy and mercy. They lack the ability to see their neighbor as someone deserving of kindness or help. They may even see their neighbor's misfortune as a source of personal satisfaction.