Proverbs 24:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

NIV: for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

NASB: For there will be no future for the evil person; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

CSB: For the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

NLT: For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

KJV: For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

NKJV: For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Scripture does not flinch when discussing the reality of sin and evil: some evildoers gain earthly benefits from their sin. That can be frustrating to those who honor God (Proverbs 24:1–2; Psalm 73:2–3). Yet Scripture is also clear that such persons risk drastic, immediate consequences (Proverbs 8:33–36). More importantly, they temporarily gain what they cannot keep, in exchange for their eternal souls (Proverbs 10:24; 11:23).

The life of an evil person—one who rejects God and His wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)—is empty and hopeless. That path leads to ruin, likely in this life, and certainly in the life to come. This is nothing to envy (Proverbs 24:19). Defying God destroys meaning, purpose, peace, and security. Whatever the godless person obtains will vanish. Nothing they own can ultimately satisfy their soul. Someday, the one who rejects God will perish; Solomon depicts that moment of judgment as a flame being snuffed out.

Jesus told a story about a rich farmer who emphasized his earthly goods and ignored his soul. He cared only about material wealth. When he experienced prosperity, he planned to sit back, relax, and savor the successful harvest. He assumed his soul could be satisfied with the abundant crops, and he could blissfully eat, drink, and be merry (Luke 12:19). However, he did not have an earthly future. His "lamp" would be "put out" that very day. God called such a man a fool, and said: "This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20). Jesus concluded, "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

Proverbs 24:13–22 gives practical advice to Solomon's son, or student. This passage includes the last five of thirty wise teachings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) is something to be savored and enjoyed. A wise person is not violent nor predatory; he does not gloat over a defeated enemy. The reader is again reminded not to be jealous or fearful of evil people, as they are subject to God's judgment.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.