Proverbs 10:30
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Original Language Analysis
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
shall never
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
shall never
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
but the wicked
H7563
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
but the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
5 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 37:22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.Psalms 125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.Proverbs 10:25As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.Psalms 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.Psalms 112:6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.Matthew 21:41They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
Historical Context
This promise had special significance for Israel in the Promised Land. God promised Abraham's descendants would inherit Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21), and Moses warned that wickedness would result in exile (Deuteronomy 28:63-64). Israel's own exile vindicated this principle—unfaithfulness led to removal from the land. Yet God promised restoration for the faithful remnant. Post-exilic Jews clung to promises that the righteous would ultimately possess the land while the wicked would be cut off.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise that 'the righteous shall never be removed' provide assurance amid life's instabilities?
- In what sense do Christians 'inherit the earth' both now and in the future consummation?
- How should this promise affect our perspective on the apparent prosperity of the wicked in this present age?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses security and permanence for the righteous versus instability for the wicked. "The righteous shall never be removed" uses bal-yimmot le'olam (בַּל־יִמּוֹט לְעוֹלָם, shall never be moved forever)—expressing absolute stability. Tsaddiq (צַדִּיק, righteous) are those justified by faith, living in covenant relationship with God. Their security isn't physical immovability but spiritual permanence rooted in God's unchanging character.
"But the wicked shall not inhabit the earth" presents stark contrast. Resha'im lo yishkenu-erets (רְשָׁעִים לֹא יִשְׁכְּנוּ־אָרֶץ) promises the wicked will not permanently dwell in the land. This echoes Psalm 37:9-11: "Evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth... But the meek shall inherit the earth."
The proverb establishes an eschatological principle: God's justice ensures permanence for the righteous and displacement for the wicked. While temporal circumstances may appear contradictory, ultimate reality vindicates God's people. Jesus blessed the meek who "shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), and Revelation 21-22 pictures the new earth where righteousness dwells eternally. Only those clothed in Christ's righteousness will inhabit God's renewed creation forever.