Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂמְחָ֑ה
shall be gladness
H8057
שִׂמְחָ֑ה
shall be gladness
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
3 of 6
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
וְתִקְוַ֖ת
but the expectation
H8615
וְתִקְוַ֖ת
but the expectation
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
4 of 6
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
Cross References
Job 8:13So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.Proverbs 11:7When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
Historical Context
Reflects biblical theology where present suffering gives way to future glory for the righteous, while present prosperity gives way to future judgment for the wicked. Temporal and eternal outcomes diverge dramatically.
Questions for Reflection
- What hopes sustain you, and do they reflect righteous or wicked expectations?
- How does confidence in ultimate outcomes affect your response to present circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. What the righteous anticipate (blessing, God's favor) will come to fruition in joy. What the wicked expect (success through evil) will fail utterly. This verse grounds ethics in eschatology - ultimate outcomes vindicate righteousness and expose wickedness's futility. Present circumstances don't determine final outcomes; God's justice does.