Proverbs 14:11
The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּ֣ית
The house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
The house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 6
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְאֹ֖הֶל
but the tabernacle
H168
וְאֹ֖הֶל
but the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 6
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.Proverbs 12:7The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.Job 21:28For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked?Job 8:15He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.Zechariah 5:4I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.Psalms 128:3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.Proverbs 21:12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel transitioned from nomadic tent-dwelling to settled house-building. The patriarchs lived in tents (Genesis 12:8, 18:1). Permanent houses represented stability and wealth. This proverb subverts expectations—wicked people's solid houses face destruction, while upright people's tents flourish. Israel's exile demonstrated this: wicked kings' palaces were razed, while faithful remnants survived. The principle applies individually and nationally—wickedness brings ruin, uprightness brings flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'houses' (securities, achievements, reputations) are you building, and are they founded on righteousness or wickedness?
- How does viewing yourself as a tent-dweller (pilgrim) rather than permanent resident shift your priorities and values?
- In what ways does Christ provide the eternal 'house' (John 14:2) that makes earthly dwellings merely temporary?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts the destinies of wicked and upright. "The house of the wicked shall be overthrown" pronounces judgment. Beyt resha'im yishamed (בֵּית רְשָׁעִים יִשָּׁמֵד, the house of the wicked will be destroyed). Shamad (שָׁמַד, destroy, annihilate, exterminate) indicates total ruin. The wicked's household—family, possessions, legacy—faces obliteration.
"But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish" promises prosperity. Ve'ohel yesharim yafriyach (וְאֹהֶל יְשָׁרִים יַפְרִיחַ, but the tent of the upright will blossom/flourish). Parach (פָּרַח, blossom, sprout, flourish) suggests vibrant growth and multiplication. Though described as mere ohel (אֹהֶל, tent—temporary dwelling), the upright's habitation thrives.
The house/tent imagery is significant. The wicked build permanent houses (bayit), seeking lasting security. The upright have tents—modest, temporary dwellings. Yet wickedness's permanence is illusion; righteousness's temporariness outlasts it. Psalm 52:5-8 contrasts the wicked uprooted with the righteous flourishing like olive trees. Jesus warned against building on sand (Matthew 7:26-27). Hebrews 11:9-10 says Abraham dwelt in tents, seeking a city whose builder is God. Believers are pilgrims whose tent-dwelling on earth gives way to eternal dwelling in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1). True flourishing comes through righteousness, not wicked accumulation.