Proverbs 11:18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Original Language Analysis
רָשָׁ֗ע
The wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֗ע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
1 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
worketh
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
worketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שָׁ֑קֶר
a deceitful
H8267
שָׁ֑קֶר
a deceitful
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
וְזֹרֵ֥עַ
but to him that soweth
H2232
וְזֹרֵ֥עַ
but to him that soweth
Strong's:
H2232
Word #:
5 of 8
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 10:8He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.James 3:18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.Proverbs 22:8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.Proverbs 1:18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.Proverbs 5:22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.Ephesians 4:22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Historical Context
Agricultural imagery pervaded wisdom literature in agrarian society. The principle that sowing determines harvest was self-evident and applied to moral life - sow righteousness, reap blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you currently sowing that will determine your future harvest?
- How does confidence in certain reward for righteousness sustain faithful labor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. Wicked labor is deceitful (sheqer - false, illusory) - appearing profitable but ultimately empty. Sowing righteousness brings certain (emet - true, faithful) reward. The agricultural metaphor emphasizes both effort (sowing) and harvest (reward). Righteousness may require patient cultivation, but the harvest is guaranteed.