Proverbs 11:10
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just that people like righteous leaders; the verse implies the entire city rejoices when they thrive because their well-being directly leads to peace and justice for everyone. Conversely, the "shouting" when the wicked perish isn't just petty schadenfreude, but a profound release and celebration of being freed from oppression and harm.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It speaks to the observable impact these two groups have on the wider community, suggesting that the well-being and downfall of each bring distinct reactions from the people around them. The sentiment here is echoed in other parts of Proverbs where the nature of justice and the consequences of both virtue and vice are explored.
Ever notice how one person's success can lift a whole community? This verse unpacks why that happens, especially when that person is a follower of God.
Goodness Spreads
When things go well for the righteous – when they are promoted, when their wisdom guides, or when their character shines through – it's not just a personal victory. The whole 'city,' meaning the community or society, rejoices.
Why? Because the presence and prosperity of the righteous bring tangible benefits:
Think about a time a harmful influence was removed from your life or community. This verse captures that feeling of collective relief and celebration.
The Sound of Deliverance
On the flip side, when the wicked 'perish' – when they are removed from positions of power, when their schemes fail, or when divine justice finally catches up to them – there are 'shouts of gladness.'
This isn't about celebrating death itself, but about the profound relief that comes when:
This passage describes a similar communal rejoicing in response to a righteous outcome, where the Jews had light and gladness and honor, mirroring the city's joy when good things happen for the righteous.
Psalm 97:12This verse speaks directly to the theme of rejoicing in righteousness, stating 'Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name,' echoing the sentiment of collective happiness tied to righteous favor.
Isaiah 3:10This verse offers a contrasting consequence for wickedness, stating 'Say of the righteous, it will be well with him, for they will eat the fruit of their deeds,' implying that when the righteous prosper, it's a testament to their deeds and a cause for good outcomes, aligning with the city's rejoicing.
Luke 15:7Jesus' parable about the lost sheep highlights extreme joy over one repentant sinner, illustrating the profound happiness that can arise from a positive resolution, akin to the 'shouting of gladness' when wickedness is removed.
pulpitProverbs 11:10: "When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting."
Verse 10. - The city; any city. Ewald would argue that such language could not be used of the capital of the Jews till the times of Asa or Jehoshaphat. But what is to prevent the sentence being taken generally of any city or community? The Vatican manuscript of the Septuagint and some others give here only the first clause, "In the prosperity of the righteous the city succ…
bensonProverbs 11:10: "When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting."
Proverbs 11:10 . When it goeth well with the righteous — When righteous men are encouraged and advanced to places of trust and power; the city rejoiceth — The citizens, or subjects, of that government, rejoice, because they confidently expect justice and tranquillity, and many other benefits, by their administration of public affairs. When the wicked perish, there is shout…
It's not just that people like righteous leaders; the verse implies the entire city rejoices when they thrive because their well-being directly leads to peace and justice for everyone. Conversely, the "shouting" when the wicked perish isn't just petty schadenfreude, but a profound release and celebration of being freed from oppression and harm.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It speaks to the observable impact these two groups have on the wider community, suggesting that the well-being and downfall of each bring distinct reactions from the people around them. The sentiment here is echoed in other parts of Proverbs where the nature of justice and the consequences of both virtue and vice are explored.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. It speaks to the observable impact these two groups have on the wider community, suggesting that the well-being and downfall of each bring distinct reactions from the people around them. The sentiment here is echoed in other parts of Proverbs where the nature of justice and the consequences of both virtue and vice are explored.
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"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness." — It's not just that people like righteous leaders; the verse implies the entire city rejoices when they thrive because their well-being directly leads to peace and justice for everyone. Conversely…
