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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Proverbs 11:10
What does Proverbs 11:10 mean?
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Proverbs 11:10
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This verse reveals that a righteous person isn't just good for themselves; their well-being directly impacts the entire community, bringing joy and stability to the city. Conversely, the removal of wicked individuals is met with celebratory shouts, highlighting the collective relief and restoration that their downfall brings.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, nestled within Proverbs' exploration of justice and wisdom, highlights the profound societal impact of moral character. It's part of a series contrasting the righteous and the wicked, showing how their actions ripple outward to affect the whole community. The passage emphasizes that a city thrives and celebrates when righteous individuals are advanced and prosper, but finds relief and shouts with joy when the wicked are removed.
Ever notice how a city feels different when things are going well? Proverbs connects this directly to the presence of the righteous.
This verse paints a picture of a healthy community. When righteous people are present, and when they prosper – not just personally, but in their influence and standing – the whole city benefits. This isn't just about good feelings; it's about tangible blessings.
A Ripple Effect
Think about it: upright leaders bring just governance, wise counselors offer sound advice, and even the everyday actions of righteous individuals create a positive atmosphere. Their presence is a blessing, leading to peace, security, and a general sense of well-being that lifts the spirits of everyone around them. It’s like a breath of fresh air for the whole community.
When a harmful presence is removed, there's often a sense of relief. Proverbs vividly captures this communal release.
The second half of the verse speaks to the removal of wickedness. When wicked individuals, who often bring corruption, injustice, and suffering, are finally dealt with – they 'perish' – it's not met with sorrow, but with shouts of gladness. This isn't a call for vengeance, but a recognition of liberation.
Freedom from Burden
Imagine a community groaning under the weight of oppressive or destructive forces. The downfall of such elements is experienced as a profound deliverance. It’s a release from fear, from injustice, and from the negative impact these individuals have on the fabric of society. The 'shouting' signifies a collective exhale and a celebration of regained peace and safety.
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This passage describes the blessedness of the righteous person who is like a tree firmly planted, whose life flourishes and brings forth fruit, mirroring the idea that when things go well for the righteous, it has a positive ripple effect.
Ecclesiastes 10:5-7This section contrasts the misplaced elevation of fools with the proper placing of nobles, highlighting how the right people in leadership (the righteous) bring stability and prosperity to a city, while foolishness brings ruin.
Isaiah 3:10-11This prophetic declaration directly states that 'it will be well with the righteous' and connects their well-being to the joy of the community, while woe is pronounced for the wicked.
Galatians 6:7-8This passage teaches the principle of sowing and reaping, explaining that righteousness leads to a harvest of life, which resonates with the idea that the well-being of the righteous brings positive outcomes, whereas wickedness leads to destruction.
Revelation 18:20This passage in Revelation describes a heavenly rejoicing and shouting of praise when 'Babylon' (representing wickedness and oppression) is judged and falls, echoing the 'shouting of gladness' when the wicked perish.
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…
This verse reveals that a righteous person isn't just good for themselves; their well-being directly impacts the entire community, bringing joy and stability to the city. Conversely, the removal of wicked individuals is met with celebratory shouts, highlighting the collective relief and restoration that their downfall brings.
This verse, nestled within Proverbs' exploration of justice and wisdom, highlights the profound societal impact of moral character. It's part of a series contrasting the righteous and the wicked, showing how their actions ripple outward to affect the whole community. The passage emphasizes that a city thrives and celebrates when righteous individuals are advanced and prosper, but finds relief and shouts with joy when the wicked are removed.
This verse, nestled within Proverbs' exploration of justice and wisdom, highlights the profound societal impact of moral character. It's part of a series contrasting the righteous and the wicked, showing how their actions ripple outward to affect the whole community. The passage emphasizes that a city thrives and celebrates when righteous individuals are advanced and prosper, but finds relief and shouts with joy when the wicked are removed.
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness." — This verse reveals that a righteous person isn't just good for themselves; their well-being directly impacts the entire community, bringing joy and stability to the city. Conversely, the removal of w…
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Last reviewed October 2026