Proverbs 11:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 11:10
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 11 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, obedience, righteousness. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 11:10
10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
Analysis
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. Righteous prosperity benefits the whole community, producing celebration. Wicked destruction also brings joy because their oppression ends. This verse establishes that individual righteousness or wickedness affects corporate welfare. The righteous person's success blesses society; the wicked person's downfall relieves it.
Historical Context
Reflects covenant community where individual and corporate welfare were interconnected. Righteous leaders brought national blessing; wicked rulers brought national suffering.
Reflection
- How does your flourishing or failure affect your community for good or ill?
- Do you rejoice in the righteous's success and the wicked's downfall appropriately?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6662 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Proverbs 28:12