The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 10:28
What does Proverbs 10:28 mean?
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Proverbs 10:28
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It's not just that the righteous will be glad, but their present hope is a source of joy, a present gladness even before it's fully realized. This verse contrasts that with the wicked's "expectation," which is ultimately hollow, destined to completely vanish rather than be fulfilled.
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs 10, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It highlights the ultimate outcomes of their differing attitudes towards life and God's promises. The verse directly contrasts the joyful, fulfilled hope of those who follow God with the ultimately empty and perishing expectations of those who do not.
What does it mean to have 'hope' that brings 'gladness' even before it's fully realized?
This verse contrasts two kinds of anticipation. For the righteous, hope isn't just a wish for the future; it's a source of present joy and confidence. This gladness comes from knowing their hope is founded on God’s promises and character. Even amidst challenges, their expectation brings peace and a joyful assurance of God's faithfulness, which will ultimately lead to full enjoyment.
Joy in the Present: The hope of the righteous isn't passive waiting; it's an active, joyful confidence that fuels their daily lives.
Certainty of the Future: This present gladness is a foretaste of the ultimate fulfillment they can expect, rooted in their relationship with God.
Why does the Bible say the wicked's expectation 'will perish'?
The verse starkly contrasts the righteous hope with the 'expectation' of the wicked. This expectation is often rooted in self-reliance, worldly ambitions, or a false sense of security. Because it's not grounded in God's truth or righteousness, it's destined to fail. What the wicked eagerly anticipate will ultimately lead to disappointment and ruin.
Misplaced Foundation: The wicked's hopes are built on shifting sand—worldly gains, personal schemes, or the denial of God's justice.
Inevitable Failure: When these foundations crumble, their expectations don't just fall short; they 'perish,' leading to utter frustration and loss.
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Understand the original words
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
A state of moral and ethical integrity, uprightness, or being in a right relationship with God as defined by His covenant standards. It describes those whose lives are characterized by conformity to God's will.
tiqvah · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to a firm and confident expectation of God’s future promises, contrasting with human wishful thinking. It is rooted in trust in God’s character and covenant faithfulness.
This passage speaks about salvation being a matter of hope that is seen and therefore not hope, highlighting the forward-looking nature of righteous hope that sustains believers even in present difficulties.
Psalm 112:6-7It directly parallels the verse by stating the righteous will not be moved and their memory will be a blessing, contrasting with the wicked whose fate is described in opposition.
Job 8:13-14This passage describes the destruction of the wicked's hope and how their confidence leads to ruin, directly contrasting with the sure hope of the righteous mentioned in Proverbs.
Luke 16:19-31The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the ultimate and irreversible perishing of the wicked's expectations, juxtaposed with the solace of the righteous.
pulpitProverbs 10:28: "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish."
Verse 28. - The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. The patient expectation of the righteous is joyful, because it has good hope of being, and is, fulfilled. So the apostle (Romans 12:12) speaks, "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation." Septuagint, "Gladness delayeth for the just." The expectation of the wicked; that which the wicked eagerly hope for shall come to naught (Prov…
pooleProverbs 10:28: "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish."
Shall be gladness; though at present it be mixed with doubts, and fears, and disappointments, yet at last it shall be accomplished, and turned into enjoyment. Shall perish; shall be utterly frustrated, and so end in sorrow.
It's not just that the righteous will be glad, but their present hope is a source of joy, a present gladness even before it's fully realized. This verse contrasts that with the wicked's "expectation," which is ultimately hollow, destined to completely vanish rather than be fulfilled.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs 10, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It highlights the ultimate outcomes of their differing attitudes towards life and God's promises. The verse directly contrasts the joyful, fulfilled hope of those who follow God with the ultimately empty and perishing expectations of those who do not.
This proverb is part of a larger collection in Proverbs 10, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It highlights the ultimate outcomes of their differing attitudes towards life and God's promises. The verse directly contrasts the joyful, fulfilled hope of those who follow God with the ultimately empty and perishing expectations of those who do not.
"The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish." — It's not just that the righteous will be glad, but their present hope is a source of joy, a present gladness even before it's fully realized. This verse contrasts that with the wicked's "expectat…
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Last reviewed October 2026