Proverbs 11:23
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Original Language Analysis
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
The desire
H8378
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
The desire
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
1 of 7
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
אַךְ
H389
ט֑וֹב
is only good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
is only good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
תִּקְוַ֖ת
but the expectation
H8615
תִּקְוַ֖ת
but the expectation
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
5 of 7
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
Cross References
Psalms 37:4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.Isaiah 26:9With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.Psalms 10:17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:Proverbs 10:28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.Jeremiah 17:16As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.
Historical Context
Reflects biblical theology where the righteous rightly hope for blessing while the wicked wrongly expect to escape judgment. Ultimate outcomes will confirm righteous hope and expose wicked delusion.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your desires reflect righteous or wicked expectations about the future?
- How does the gospel purify desires so they're 'only good' rather than mixed or evil?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. What the righteous desire is exclusively good - their wants are rightly ordered. What the wicked expect (qatsooh - hope, expectation) is actually wrath - though they expect good, judgment awaits. This verse contrasts righteous desires rightly anticipating blessing with wicked expectations falsely anticipating good while heading toward wrath.