Proverbs 21:15
Proverbs 21:15 in Multiple Translations
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
It is a joy to the good man to do right, but it is destruction to the workers of evil.
When justice is done, the good are happy, but it brings terror to those who do evil.
It is ioye to the iust to doe iudgement: but destruction shalbe to the workers of iniquitie.
To do justice [is] joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.
Good/Righteous people are happy when they see others do what is just/fair, but those who do what is evil are terrified when they think about what may happen to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
לַ֭/צַּדִּיק
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה
לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי
אָֽוֶן
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
לַ֭/צַּדִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Prep | Adj
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Inf-a
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
terror
Conj | N-fs
לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
to work
Prep | V-Qal
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:15
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
לַ֭/צַּדִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Prep | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה
mᵉchittâh
H4288
"terror"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.
לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
Prep | V-Qal
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:15
Context — The King’s Heart
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
16The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:29 | The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil. |
| 2 | Matthew 7:23 | Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ |
| 3 | Matthew 13:41–42 | The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| 4 | Isaiah 64:5 | You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 3:12 | I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, |
| 6 | Psalms 119:16 | I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. |
| 7 | Luke 13:27–28 | And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:12 | The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. |
| 9 | Job 29:12–17 | because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. |
| 10 | Psalms 40:8 | I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” |
Proverbs 21:15 Summary
This verse tells us that when justice is done, it brings happiness to those who are trying to do what is right, but it causes fear in those who are doing wrong. This is because God is a fair and just judge, as seen in Psalm 67:4, where He judges the peoples with equity. We can trust that God will always do what is right and fair, and we should strive to live in a way that honors Him, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are called to work heartily for the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for justice to be executed?
Justice being executed means that wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is praised for His justice and fairness. This brings a sense of relief and joy to those who have been wronged or who value righteousness.
Why is justice a terror to the workers of iniquity?
Those who engage in wickedness or sinful behavior, as described in Proverbs 21:15, fear justice because they know they will be held accountable for their actions, as warned in Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is death.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that God is a just and fair judge, as stated in Psalm 89:14, where righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. We should strive to live righteously and uphold justice in our own lives and communities.
What is the difference between the righteous and the workers of iniquity?
The righteous are those who follow God's laws and live according to His will, as described in Psalm 1:1-6, while the workers of iniquity are those who engage in sinful behavior and rebel against God, as warned in Proverbs 10:23, where the desire of the righteous is only good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can promote justice and righteousness in my own community?
- How can I ensure that I am living a life that is pleasing to God and upholding His standards of justice?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising or ignoring justice, and how can I make changes to align with God's will?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8, where we are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:15
[It is] joy to the, last to do judgment,.... It is with pleasure he does it; he delights in the law of God, after the inward man, and finds much peace of mind and joy in the Holy Ghost in keeping it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just: the sense is either, 1. He is highly pleased and delighted with it. Or, 2. He reapeth much comfort and benefit by it, which is opposed to the following destruction: joy is put for matter or cause of joy. To do judgment; to do what is just or good, for this is opposed to working of iniquity. Destruction; or, as others render it, terror or horror, opposite to joy.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
Proverbs 21:15 [It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.Ver. 15. It is joy to the just to do judgment.] They love it dearly, and therefore cannot but rejoice in it exceedingly: "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil," wherein the pleasure is usually as much as the profit. Besides, as every flower hath its sweet savour, so every good duty carries meat in the mouth - comfort in the performance. Hence the saints’ alacrity in God’ s service, so far as they are spiritual. "I delight in the law of God, after the inward man," saith St Paul, who yet but a little before complained of a clog. But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.] Wicked men are great workmen; they put themselves to no small pains in "catering for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof"; yea, and this they do with singular delight, as the opposition implies; they "weary themselves to commit iniquity," and yet they give not over, but lie grinding day and night in the mill of some or other base lust. Now what can come of this, better than utter destruction? which indeed is the just hire of the least sin, and will befall the workers of iniquity, as sure as the coat is on their back or the heart in their body.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
(15) But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.—This may also mean, “It is a terror to the workers of iniquity (to do right).” They are afraid to trust such promises as Matthew 6:33. They think they will be ruined if they do not cheat their neighbours when they have an opportunity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:15
15. destruction shall be] There is no necessity for inserting the words shall be. The subject may be continued from the preceding clause but it (sc. to do judgement) is a destruction to (in the estimation of) the workers of iniquity. It is the ruin, they think, of all their prospects. Comp. Proverbs 10:29.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:15
15. Joy… to do judgment — The proper administration of justice is a “joy,” or satisfaction, to the upright. Destruction — The workers of iniquity shall be visited with terror.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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To Elisha Camp by Charles Finney | In his sermon 'To Elisha Camp', Charles Finney addresses the legal troubles faced by Elisha Camp, emphasizing the importance of integrity and justice in both personal and professio |
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From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus | Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th |
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The Eyes of God See It All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the joy and assurance that comes from knowing God is sovereign and sees all injustices in the world. He reassures the righteous that God holds all power an |
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Letter - to Elisha Camp by Charles Finney | In his letter to Elisha Camp, Charles Finney addresses legal challenges faced by Camp, providing insights into the court proceedings and the objections raised against him. Finney r |
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Do You Want an Answer? by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of seeking honest solutions to our problems by turning to the Word of God rather than seeking mere audience for our grievances and excuse |
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A Satanic Deception Regarding Salvation by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true source of authority in life, death, and morality. He asserts that the final authority is found in t |
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(I Want an Answer) Does It Matter How We Live? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of how a person lives and builds their life. He uses the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the fool |