Proverbs 18:3
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Original Language Analysis
רָ֭שָׁע
When the wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
When the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וְֽעִם
H5973
וְֽעִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Proverbs 22:10Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.Proverbs 11:2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.1 Peter 4:14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures like ancient Israel, public disgrace was one of the worst fates imaginable. The wicked's descent into universal contempt served as a powerful deterrent to covenant unfaithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you trace sin's progressive nature in your own life—small compromises leading to greater problems?
- How does understanding sin's snowball effect help you resist 'small' temptations?
- What does repentance look like when you recognize yourself on this downward trajectory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wickedness brings contempt, and 'with ignominy cometh reproach.' The progression is instructive: 'wicked' (Hebrew 'rasha'—guilty, ungodly) leads to 'contempt' (Hebrew 'buz'—scorn), 'ignominy' (Hebrew 'qalon'—dishonor), and 'reproach' (Hebrew 'cherpah'—shame). Sin compounds its own consequences. Reformed theology's understanding of sin's deceitfulness shows how wickedness snowballs—each sin making the next easier and consequences more severe. The wicked person eventually becomes an object of universal scorn. This warns against sin's first steps, knowing where they inevitably lead.