Proverbs 13:9
Proverbs 13:9 in Multiple Translations
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out.
The life of good people shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
The light of the righteous reioyceth: but the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth, And the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be extinguished.
The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Righteous people are like a lamp [MET] that shines brightly, but wicked people are like [MET] a lamp that will soon be extinguished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוֹר
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
יִשְׂמָ֑ח
וְ/נֵ֖ר
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
יִדְעָֽךְ
אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִשְׂמָ֑ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
lamp
Conj | N-ms
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִדְעָֽךְ
dâʻak
H1846
to put out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:9
אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
צַדִּיקִ֥ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִשְׂמָ֑ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
וְ/נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
Conj | N-ms
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יִדְעָֽךְ
dâʻak
H1846
"to put out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to put out or extinguish, like a flame or a life. It can also mean to dry up or be consumed, often used to describe the end of something.
Definition: 1) to go out, be extinguished, dry up 1a) (Qal) to go out, be extinguished 1b) (Niphal) to be made extinct, be dried up 1c) (Pual) to be extinguished, be quenched
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be extinct, consumed, put out, quenched. See also: Job 6:17; Psalms 118:12; Proverbs 13:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:9
Context — A Father’s Discipline
7One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
10Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised. 11Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:18 | The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. |
| 2 | Proverbs 24:20 | For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. |
| 3 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:4 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. |
| 5 | Psalms 97:11 | Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. |
| 6 | Job 18:5–6 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 7 | Matthew 25:8 | The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ |
| 8 | Job 21:17 | How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction? |
| 9 | Isaiah 50:10–11 | Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 11:36 | I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. |
Proverbs 13:9 Summary
This verse tells us that when we live according to God's ways, our lives can be filled with joy, peace, and purpose, like a shining light. On the other hand, when we choose to live in opposition to God, our lives can become dark and meaningless, like a lamp that has been extinguished. Living a righteous life, as seen in Proverbs 13:9, means following God's commands and trusting in His goodness, which is why it's so important to stay connected to Him through prayer and Bible study, as reminded in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 4:4. By doing so, we can experience a life that is fulfilling and impactful, shining as lights in a world that often lacks true direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the light of the righteous to shine brightly?
This phrase refers to the radiant joy, peace, and wisdom that comes from living a life surrendered to God, as seen in Proverbs 4:18 and Matthew 5:14-16. It symbolizes the positive impact believers have on the world around them.
Why is the lamp of the wicked extinguished?
The lamp of the wicked is extinguished because their actions and decisions are not guided by God's wisdom, leading to a life of darkness and chaos, as warned in Proverbs 2:13 and Isaiah 5:20. This results in a lack of true fulfillment and purpose.
Is this verse promising that righteous people will never face difficulties?
No, this verse is not promising a life free from challenges for the righteous. However, it does assure that even in the midst of difficulties, the righteous can have a deep sense of peace and purpose, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
How can I ensure my light shines brightly as a righteous person?
To have your light shine brightly, focus on cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, studying His word, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in John 15:10 and 1 John 2:3-6. This will guide you in living a life that honors Him and positively influences those around you.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I reflect the light of God in my daily interactions with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be allowing darkness to prevail, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How does my understanding of God's love and mercy affect my ability to shine as a light in the world?
- What practices can I adopt to nurture my spiritual growth and ensure my light continues to shine brightly?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoiceth,.... The light of joy and gladness, which is sown for them, and arises to them; the light of spiritual knowledge and experience they have; the light of sound
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. The light of the righteous rejoiceth - joyfully shines forth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
The light; the prosperity or happiness, which is oft called a light or lamp in Scripture, and other authors. Rejoiceth; shineth with a pleasant and constant brightness and glory; for this is opposed to the putting out in the next clause. Rejoicing is here ascribed to the light, as it is to the sun, , both metaphorically, because they would rejoice in it if they were capable of any such passions; and metonymically, because they refresh and cheer men’ s spirits. So mountains and trees are said to rejoice, 96:12. The lamp of the wicked shall be put out; their felicity shall have a sudden and a dismal end.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.Ver. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth.] As the sun rejoiceth to run his race, and seemeth sometimes to suffer eclipse, but doth not. A saint’ s joy is as the light of the sun, fed by heavenly influence, and never extinct, but diffused through all parts of the world. But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.] Their joy is but as the light of a candle, - fed by base and stinking matter, soon wasting and ending in an offensive snuff. "The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle; and his candle shall be put out with him." Ecquandone vidisti flammom stipula exortam claro strepitu, largo fulgore, cito incremento, sed enim materalevi, caduco incendio, nullis requiis? Solomon compares it fitly to a handful of brushwood or sear thorn under the pot. Sol non patitur eclipsin, sed videtur tantum pati. Apuleius in Apolog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
(9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth—i.e., burns joyously, as the sun “rejoiceth as a giant to run his course” (Psalms 19:5). A distinction may be drawn between the “light” of the righteous and “lamp” of the wicked. The one walks in the “light” of God’s truth, and so his path becomes continually more plain (see above on Proverbs 6:23); the other walks by the glimmer of his own “lamp,” the “fire” and “sparks” of his own kindling (Isaiah 50:11), the fancies of his own devising, and so his end is darkness. But this distinction is not always observed (comp. Job 18:5-6, where “light” and “lamp” are both applied to the wicked.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
Verse 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth] They shall have that measure of prosperity which shall be best for them; but the wicked, howsoever prosperous for a time, shall be brought into desolation. Light and lamp in both cases may signify posterity. The righteous shall have a joyous posterity; but that of the wicked shall be cut off. So 1Kg 11:36: "And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light ( ner, a lamp) always before me." 1Kg 15:4: "Nevertheless for David's sake did the Lord give them a lamp, to set up his son after him." See also Psalms 132:17, and several other places.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:9
9. light … lamp] The change of word is doubtless designed. So our Lord is φῶς, and John Baptist λύχνος (John 8:12; John 5:35). shall be put out] Comp. Proverbs 20:20, Proverbs 24:20. The LXX. add to this verse: “Deceitful souls go astray in sins; But the righteous are pitiful and merciful.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:9
Very beautiful in its poetry is the idea of the light “rejoicing” in its brightness (compare Psalms 19:5; Job 38:7). Note also the distinction between the “light” and the “lamp.” The righteous ones have the true light in them.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:9
9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth — Burns brightly, cheerfully, as if rejoicing; equal to, they shall have prosperity, or a happy posterity.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th |
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Gathering in Jesus Name (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual progress and becoming more like Jesus Christ each year. It highlights the need to forget past accomplishments and focus on contin |
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Parables of Jesus - 05 Four Types of Backsliders by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of backsliding and explores four types of backsliders described in Luke chapter 15. The speaker emphasizes that God's perfect will |
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(Texas 2009) Question Answers Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of a man who was lame and begged for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple. Peter and John encounter him and instead of giving h |
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(Pure Testimony) the Witness of One Man by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of one person's influence. He uses the examples of Daniel and Noah to illustrate how even a small group or family can have a signif |
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World-Changer by Micheal Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to live a life that counts for God, to let our light shine in darkness, and to seek after Him wholeheartedly. It ch |
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One Sin Will Destroy You by Bob Jennings | Walking in the light is emphasized as the path to finding joy, a clear conscience, and a close relationship with God. The sermon highlights the importance of addressing any darknes |