Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 13:21
What does Proverbs 13:21 mean?
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Proverbs 13:21
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The verse paints a vivid picture of relentless pursuit: "evil" is actively chasing down sinners, not just waiting for them. This isn't just about eventual punishment, but the pervasive consequences that dogs their steps, while a divine "He" actively rewards the righteous with enduring good.
Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse sits within a chapter exploring the contrast between the ways of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on the importance of listening to instruction and the deceptive nature of wealth, all building towards the fundamental principle that living righteously leads to lasting reward, while wickedness ultimately brings ruin. The proverb directly contrasts the inevitable consequences for both paths, highlighting that disaster relentlessly pursues sinners while good things are stored up for the righteous.
Ever feel like trouble just keeps finding you? This verse speaks to that persistent pull of negative consequences.
The verse paints a vivid picture of sin and its consequences. It's not just that disaster happens to sinners; it actively 'pursues' them. Think of it like a shadow that can't be escaped, or a hunter relentlessly tracking its prey. This pursuit isn't always immediate or obvious. Sometimes, sinners might even seem to prosper for a time. But make no mistake, the natural outcome of choosing sin is a path that leads to ruin and destruction. This 'evil' isn't just external misfortune; it can also be the inner torment of a guilty conscience, the gnawing awareness that your choices are leading you astray.
While trouble chases some, a different kind of destiny awaits the faithful.
In stark contrast to the fate of sinners, the righteous are promised 'good.' This isn't just about avoiding disaster; it's about receiving a positive recompense. God Himself is the one who 'will repay good.' This reward isn't solely for future heavenly bliss, though that's certainly part of the ultimate hope. It encompasses blessings in this life, peace of conscience, and a deep-seated joy that comes from living in accordance with God's will. Even when the righteous face hardship, it's often within a framework of divine purpose, leading to a greater good.
Understand the original words
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ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A general state of calamity, misfortune, or judgment that overtakes those who live in rebellion against God’s moral order.
chatta' · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who habitually deviate from the path of God’s law, characterized by moral failure and opposition to divine wisdom.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Noun
Those who are in right standing with God, acting in accordance with His covenant standards and characterized by integrity.
This passage vividly describes the punishment awaiting the wicked, echoing the idea in Proverbs that disaster actively pursues sinners with snares and fire.
Luke 6:38Jesus' teaching on giving is directly paralleled here, showing that the good measure given to the righteous is abundant and overflowing, just as Proverbs states they will be rewarded with good.
Romans 2:6-8Paul explains that God will repay each person according to what they have done, giving eternal life to those who persevere in doing good, which aligns with the proverb's promise of good being repaid to the righteous.
Galatians 6:7-9This passage warns against sowing to the flesh and reaping corruption, but encourages sowing to the Spirit to reap eternal life, reinforcing the proverb's principle that actions have consequences, with disaster for sinners and good for the righteous.
gillProverbs 13:21: "Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed."
Evil pursueth sinners,.... They pursue the evil of sin, and the evil of punishment pursues them, and at last overtakes them; their damnation, though it may seem to slumber and linger, it does not; it is upon the full speed after them, and will quickly seize upon them. Some understand this of the evil of sin in the conscience, which pursues the sinner, and fills him with terror; but to the righteous good shall b…
ellicottProverbs 13:21: "Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed."
(21) Evil pursueth sinners.— The “snares, fire, and brimstone,” of Psalm 11:6 ; while the “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” ( Luke 6:38 ), awaits the righteous.
The verse paints a vivid picture of relentless pursuit: "evil" is actively chasing down sinners, not just waiting for them. This isn't just about eventual punishment, but the pervasive consequences that dogs their steps, while a divine "He" actively rewards the righteous with enduring good.
This verse sits within a chapter exploring the contrast between the ways of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on the importance of listening to instruction and the deceptive nature of wealth, all building towards the fundamental principle that living righteously leads to lasting reward, while wickedness ultimately brings ruin. The proverb directly contrasts the inevitable consequences for both paths, highlighting that disaster relentlessly pursues sinners while good things are stored up for the righteous.
This verse sits within a chapter exploring the contrast between the ways of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on the importance of listening to instruction and the deceptive nature of wealth, all building towards the fundamental principle that living righteously leads to lasting reward, while wickedness ultimately brings ruin. The proverb directly contrasts the inevitable consequences for both paths, highlighting that disaster relentlessly pursues sinners while good things are stored up for the righteous.
"Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good." — The verse paints a vivid picture of relentless pursuit: "evil" is actively chasing down sinners, not just waiting for them. This isn't just about eventual punishment, but the pervasive consequences t…
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Last reviewed October 2026