Proverbs 24:16
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֶׁ֨בַע׀
seven times
H7651
שֶׁ֨בַע׀
seven times
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
2 of 8
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יִפּ֣וֹל
man falleth
H5307
יִפּ֣וֹל
man falleth
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
3 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וָקָ֑ם
and riseth up again
H6965
וָקָ֑ם
and riseth up again
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
5 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
but the wicked
H7563
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
but the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
Psalms 37:24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.Psalms 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.Job 5:19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.Proverbs 14:32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.Psalms 52:5God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.Amos 5:2The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.1 Samuel 26:10David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
Historical Context
Life in the ancient world was precarious—famine, war, disease, and economic reversals threatened survival. This proverb offered hope: the righteous may fall repeatedly but will rise again through God's sustaining grace. The wicked, despite temporary prosperity, ultimately fall permanently. This principle encouraged faithfulness despite adversity, trusting God's ultimate justice and care.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's sustaining grace enabling you to 'rise up again' after failures or setbacks?
- What distinguishes falling and rising (resilience) from falling into permanent ruin, and how does righteousness make the difference?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts the resilience of the righteous with the fragility of the wicked: 'For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.' The 'just man' (tsaddiq) experiences repeated setbacks ('seven times'—representing completeness, many times), yet 'riseth up again' (qum)—he perseveres, recovering from failures and difficulties. This doesn't describe moral falls into sin but life's trials and troubles. The righteous person's character, faith, and God's help enable recovery. Conversely, 'the wicked shall fall into mischief (ra'ah—calamity, evil)' permanently—lacking moral foundation, they cannot recover. Proverbs 24:16 anticipated by centuries Paul's affirmation: 'we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair' (2 Corinthians 4:8).