Proverbs 11:10-11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to read this as simply "good people make everyone happy, bad people make everyone happy when they're gone." But the real insight is that the "city" — the community — is measuring its own well-being by how the righteous are treated and how the wicked are removed. Their rejoicing isn't just emotional; it's a collective affirmation that justice and order are prevailing.
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the societal impact of each. It speaks to a community's response to the fortunes of its citizens – celebrating the flourishing of good people and rejoicing when wicked individuals are removed, implying that justice and stability follow righteous leadership while oppression and hardship stem from wickedness.
Ever notice how the mood of a whole town can shift with just a few key people? This verse unpacks that idea on a grand scale.
Proverbs connects the fate of a city directly to the character of its people, especially those in positions of influence. When righteous individuals flourish, it's not just good for them; the whole community benefits. Their presence brings stability, justice, and peace, leading to widespread rejoicing. It’s like a breath of fresh air that lifts everyone's spirits. Conversely, when wicked people are removed, it’s cause for celebration because their removal means an end to the mischief, burdens, and injustice they caused. It’s a clear statement: the moral health of the leadership directly impacts the emotional and physical well-being of the populace.
Think about the last time a major injustice was corrected or a corrupt influence was removed. There's a unique kind of celebration that follows, isn't there?
This verse points to a powerful truth: the removal of wickedness is a cause for genuine, even exuberant, joy. It's not morbid schadenfreude, but a deep relief and gladness that justice has prevailed. When wicked people 'perish' – whether through natural means, divine judgment, or facing consequences – it signifies the end of their harmful influence. This deliverance from oppression, corruption, and suffering naturally leads to 'shouts of gladness.' It’s a divine sigh of relief for the community, celebrating God’s justice and the restoration of peace and order.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
berakah · Hebrew Noun
A pronouncement of favor or success, often invoking God's grace or prosperity upon others. It signifies a positive influence that promotes the welfare of the community.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Those who are morally straight, honest, and walking in accordance with God's law. They are characterized by integrity and righteous conduct.
rasha · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Characterized by moral perversity, rebellion against God, or destructive behavior. In wisdom literature, they are the antithesis of the wise and righteous.
haras · Hebrew Verb
To be brought down, ruined, or destroyed. It signifies the catastrophic social impact of godless speech on a community.
This Psalm echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 11:10, describing the joy and vindication that comes when wickedness is punished and justice prevails.
Isaiah 3:10This verse speaks of the prosperity of the righteous as a divine blessing, directly linking their well-being to the positive outcomes for the community.
1 Samuel 10:24This passage shows a communal rejoicing when Saul, a righteous leader chosen by God, is presented to the people, highlighting how the elevation of the righteous brings happiness to the nation.
Luke 10:20While focused on spiritual matters, Jesus' words about rejoicing because names are written in heaven connect the joy of the righteous with a profound, eternal good that impacts the divine perspective.
Revelation 18:20This prophetic passage describes heavenly rejoicing when a wicked system falls, mirroring the 'shouts of gladness' in Proverbs when evil is removed and justice is restored.
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 easy to read this as simply "good people make everyone happy, bad people make everyone happy when they're gone." But the real insight is that the "city" — the community — is measuring its own well-being by how the righteous are treated and how the wicked are removed. Their rejoicing isn't just emotional; it's a collective affirmation that justice and order are prevailing.
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the societal impact of each. It speaks to a community's response to the fortunes of its citizens – celebrating the flourishing of good people and rejoicing when wicked individuals are removed, implying that justice and stability follow righteous leadership while oppression and hardship stem from wickedness.
This proverb sits within a section of Proverbs contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the societal impact of each. It speaks to a community's response to the fortunes of its citizens – celebrating the flourishing of good people and rejoicing when wicked individuals are removed, implying that justice and stability follow righteous leadership while oppression and hardship stem from wickedness.
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown." — It's easy to read this as simply "good people make everyone happy, bad people make everyone happy when they're gone." But the real insight is that the "city" — the community — is measuring its own…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
