Proverbs 24:25 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: But for those who rebuke the wicked there will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

CSB: but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.

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

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

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

This concludes a wise teaching about impartial, fair judgment (Proverbs 24:23–24). The literal context seems to be those in the official position of a judge; however, the general concept applies to all people. God is fair, impartial, and just (Psalm 25:8) and so we should strive for truthful integrity in all things (Proverbs 18:5; Ephesians 4:15, 29; James 1:22; 5:12; 1 Peter 3:13–17). The prior verse noted that those known to protect evildoers will suffer with a bad reputation. Here the contrast is given, showing how those known for integrity are respected and blessed.

A judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, such a leader receives the good will and praise of law-abiding citizens. Fair-minded people are usually held in high regard—even if they are hated by the wicked people they rightly rule against. In modern times, judges are either elected or appointed, but those who fulfil their responsibility impartially and with integrity receive the public's respect. Those known for bias or corruption will be despised.

Samuel was not only a prophet but also a "judge" in the era after Israel's entry into the Promised Land (Judges 2:11–16). The Lord had called the boy Samuel to succeed Eli, and Samuel responded obediently to the call. First Samuel 3:19–20 states: "Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD." Practicing righteous judgment does not go undetected.

Proverbs 24:23–34 comes after a list of thirty wise teachings; these were recorded by Solomon while not necessarily being his own ideas. The wisdom which concludes this chapter is cited with less clarity, other than being attributed to wise speakers. These address discrimination, rebuke of the wicked, honesty, wise planning, revenge, and the consequences of laziness.

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.