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Proverbs 18:3

Proverbs 18:3 in Multiple Translations

With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach.

When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.

With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.

When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.

With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame — reproach.

When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

The wicked man when he is come into the depth of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.

Whenever people do wicked things, others will despise them; when people do things that cause themselves to no longer be honored, they will be disgraced also.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:3

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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּֽ/בוֹא רָ֭שָׁע בָּ֣א גַם בּ֑וּז וְֽ/עִם קָל֥וֹן חֶרְפָּֽה
בְּֽ/בוֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רָ֭שָׁע râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj
בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גַם gam H1571 also Adv
בּ֑וּז bûwz H937 contempt N-ms
וְֽ/עִם ʻim H5973 with Conj | Prep
קָל֥וֹן qâlôwn H7036 dishonor N-ms
חֶרְפָּֽה cherpâh H2781 reproach N-fs
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 18:3

בְּֽ/בוֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
רָ֭שָׁע 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.
בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בּ֑וּז bûwz H937 "contempt" N-ms
This noun refers to contempt or disrespect, and can stem from evil, prosperity, or judgment, as described in the book of Job. It is used to describe a negative attitude or feeling towards someone or something. This term is translated as contempt or despised in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) contempt 1a) springing from evil 1b) springing from prosperity 1c) springing from judgment
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contempt(-uously), despised, shamed. See also: Genesis 38:23; Psalms 107:40; Psalms 31:19.
וְֽ/עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
קָל֥וֹן qâlôwn H7036 "dishonor" N-ms
This word refers to feelings of shame or dishonor, like when someone does something wrong. It is used in Proverbs to describe the shame of foolish behavior. The Bible teaches that God can restore honor to those who repent.
Definition: 1) shame, disgrace, dishonour, ignominy 1a) ignominy (of nation) 1b) dishonour, disgrace (personal)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame. See also: Job 10:15; Proverbs 18:3; Psalms 83:17.
חֶרְפָּֽה cherpâh H2781 "reproach" N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.

Study Notes — Proverbs 18:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.
2 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
3 Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
4 Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
5 Psalms 69:20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.
6 Psalms 123:3–4 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud.
7 Nehemiah 4:4 Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity.
8 1 Peter 4:4 Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.
9 1 Samuel 20:30 Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the disgrace of the mother who bore you?
10 Psalms 69:9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

Proverbs 18:3 Summary

[Proverbs 18:3 teaches us that when we choose to live a wicked life, we will also experience contempt and shame, and ultimately, disgrace. This is because God is a holy God who hates sin, as seen in Psalm 45:7. By choosing to follow God's ways, as described in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, we can avoid these negative consequences and live a life of integrity and respect. By turning to God and seeking His wisdom, we can find a better path and live a life that is pleasing to Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a wicked person in the context of Proverbs 18:3?

A wicked person is someone who deliberately rejects God's ways and chooses to live in sin, as seen in Psalm 1:1, which describes the blessed man as one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.

How does contempt and shame accompany a wicked person?

Contempt and shame are natural consequences of a wicked person's actions, as their behavior leads to a loss of respect and dignity, as warned in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Can a wicked person change and avoid contempt and shame?

Yes, a wicked person can change and turn to God, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:13-14, where the Apostle Paul describes himself as a former blasphemer and persecutor, but then received mercy from God and became a servant of Christ.

What is the significance of disgrace accompanying shame in Proverbs 18:3?

Disgrace accompanying shame emphasizes the severity of the consequences of wickedness, as it not only affects the individual but also brings shame to their family and community, as seen in Proverbs 29:3, which warns that a man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I may be tolerating or even embracing wickedness in my own life, and how can I turn away from it?
  2. How have I seen contempt and shame affect those around me who have chosen a wicked path, and what can I learn from their experiences?
  3. In what ways can I, as a follower of Christ, be a positive influence on those around me and help them avoid the pitfalls of wickedness?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to pursue righteousness and avoid the consequences of wickedness, as warned in Proverbs 18:3?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:3

When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt,.... When he comes into the world, as Aben Ezra; as soon as he is born, he is liable to contempt, being born in sin; but this is true of all:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:3

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. When the wicked cometh, then cometh (also) contempt.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:3

When the wicked cometh into any place or company, then cometh also contempt; either, 1. Passively; he is justly contemned and reproached by those who converse with him. Or rather, 2. Actively; he despiseth and scorneth all instruction and reproof, neither fearing God nor reverencing man; for he seems here to note his sin rather than his punishment. And with ignominy reproach; and he doth not only contemn others in his heart, but showeth his contempt of them by ignominious and reproachful expressions and carriages.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:3

Proverbs 18:3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.Ver. 3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh contempt.] It comes into the world with him, so the Hebrew doctors expound it. He is born a contemner of God, of his people, and of his ordinances, being "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind," and having a base esteem of others, in comparison of himself. Thus "vain man would be wise," yea, the only wise, "though man be born like a wild ass’ s colt," and so he could not but confess, would he but consult a while with himself. But he doth with himself as some people do by dogs and monkeys, which they know to be paltry carrion beasts, and yet they set great store by them, and make precious account of them, merely for their mind’ s sake. And with ignominy, reproach.] These two he shall be sure of, according to that of 1 Samuel 2:30 : - "They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed"; and Proverbs 3:34, "Surely God scorneth the scorners"; he pays them in their own coin, overshoots them in their own bow, makes them to meet with such as will mete them out their own measure, and for their contempt repay them with ignominy, "reproach."

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:3

(3) When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt.—Comp. the whole burden of Psalms 106, that sorrow and shame follow sin.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:3

Verse 3. When the wicked cometh, c.] would it not be better to read this verse thus? "When the wicked cometh contempt cometh and with ignominy cometh reproach." A wicked man is despised even by the wicked. He who falls under ignominy falls under reproach.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:3

3. with ignominy reproach] Or, with ignominy cometh reproach. As shame is inseparable from wickedness, so is reproach from ignominy, i.e. ignominious character and conduct (“a shameful deed,” Gesen.; “turpi mores, turpiter facta,” Maur.). The rendering, however, of A.V. gives a good sense: when the wicked cometh, all these evil things, contempt, ignominy and reproach, come with him.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:3

With ignominy - Better, “together with baseness comes reproach.” The outer shame follows close upon the inner.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:3

3. Ignominy — Usually rendered, shame or dishonour. The idea probably is, that contempt follows wickedness, and reproach comes along with an ignominious or shameful act. (Comp.

Sermons on Proverbs 18:3

SermonDescription
St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite Concerning Mortal Sins, Pardonable Sins, and Sins of Omission by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite preaches about the importance of understanding the different categories of sins - mortal, pardonable, and sins of omission. Mortal sins corrupt the love
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 30): Suffering in God's Will and Out by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of identifying and understanding adversities in order to better bear them. He emphasizes that humans are naturally afraid of
David Wilkerson Holy Ground by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it
Corrie Ten Boom Corrie Ten Boom, on Tribulation and Persecution by Corrie Ten Boom This sermon by Corrie ten Boom emphasizes the role of Christians as overcomers and ambassadors for Christ in a world filled with tribulation and persecution. It highlights the impo
T. Austin-Sparks The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of glory in the foundation of the Christian faith. The New Testament reveals that glory is a central and governing factor in t
William MacDonald Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgme
Leonard Ravenhill Tokens of His Compassion - Part 5 by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the concept of sin in different periods, highlighting the Church's struggle against the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. It emphasizes the need for chur

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