- Home
- Bible
- Proverbs
- Chapter 21
- Verse 21
Proverbs 21:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Charles FinneyCharles Finney
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 It is a joy to the just to do justice, And a terror for them that work iniquity. To act according to the law of rectitude is to these as unto death; injustice has become to them a second nature, so that their heart strives against rectitude of conduct; it also enters to little into their plan of life, and their economy, that they are afraid of ruining themselves thereby. So we believe, with Hitzig, Elster, Zckler, and Luther, this must be explained in accordance with our interpretation of Pro 10:29. Fleischer and others supplement the second parallel member from the first: וּפעל און מחתּה לפעלי אין; others render 15b as an independent sentence: ruin falls on those who act wickedly. But that ellipsis is hard and scarcely possible; but in general מחתה, as contrasted correlate to שׂמחה, can scarcely have the pure objective sense of ruin or destruction. It must mean a revolution in the heart. Right-doing is to the righteous a pleasure (cf. Pro 10:23); and for those who have און, and are devoid of moral worth, and thus simply immoral as to the aim and sphere of their conduct, right-doing is something which alarms them: when they act in conformity with what is right, they do so after an external impulse only against their will, as if it were death to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
John Gill Bible Commentary
It is joy to the, last to do judgment,.... It is with pleasure he does it; he delights in the law of God, after the inward man, and finds much peace of mind and joy in the Holy Ghost in keeping it, and observing its commands, which are holy, just, and good; yea, it gives him pleasure to see justice done by others; both by private persons in their dealings with one another; and especially by judges putting the laws in execution, as their office requires; whereby much good comes to a nation in general, and to particular persons; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity; that make a trade of sinning; whose whole life is a continued series of sin and iniquity; who take much pains in committing sin, and are constant at it; everlasting destruction is in their ways, and they lead unto it: or, "terror" (a) shall be to them; terror of mind now at times, in opposition to the joy and peace a good man finds; and dreadful horror at death and to all eternity: or, as it is joy to a just man to see public justice done, and good laws put in execution, it is a terror to evildoers, Rom 13:3. (a) "pavor", V. L. "horror", Tigurine version; "terror", Vatablus, Mercerus; "consternatio", Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is a pleasure and satisfaction to good men both to see justice administered by the government they live under, right taking place and iniquity suppressed, and also to practise it themselves, according as their sphere is. They no only do justice, but do it with pleasure, not only for fear of shame, but for love of virtue. 2. It is a terror to wicked men to see the laws put in execution against vice and profaneness. It is destruction to them; as it is also a vexation to them to be forced, either for the support of their credit or for fear of punishment, to do judgment themselves. Or, if we take it as we read it, the meaning is, There is true pleasure in the practice of religion, but certain destruction at the end of all vicious courses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:15 God is just, so he will reward the innocent and punish the wicked. No wonder the godly love justice while the wicked fear it.
Proverbs 21:15
The King’s Heart
14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. 15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
To Elisha Camp
By Charles Finney0IntegrityJusticePSA 37:5PRO 12:22PRO 21:15ISA 1:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:10ROM 12:192TI 4:7JAS 1:51PE 3:14In his sermon 'To Elisha Camp', Charles Finney addresses the legal troubles faced by Elisha Camp, emphasizing the importance of integrity and justice in both personal and professional matters. Finney highlights the need for individuals to be prepared to confront challenges with wisdom and faith, encouraging Camp to stand firm against the accusations he faces. The sermon serves as a reminder of the moral responsibilities that come with leadership and the necessity of relying on God's guidance in difficult situations.
Letter - to Elisha Camp
By Charles Finney0Preparation for TrialsJusticePSA 37:5PRO 21:15ISA 1:17ROM 12:191PE 3:14In his letter to Elisha Camp, Charles Finney addresses legal challenges faced by Camp, providing insights into the court proceedings and the objections raised against him. Finney reassures Camp that he successfully quashed the suit based on jurisdictional issues, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to counter the claims made against him. The letter reflects Finney's legal acumen and his commitment to supporting Camp during a difficult time, while also hinting at the broader themes of justice and accountability. Finney's guidance encourages Camp to face his adversaries with confidence and wisdom.
From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator
By Flavius Josephus0PRO 11:10PRO 21:15PRO 24:24PRO 28:12PRO 29:2PRO 29:27PRO 31:8ECC 3:8ECC 8:11Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving the monarchy. Cherea, a key conspirator, played a crucial role in orchestrating Caius's downfall, leading to the restoration of liberty in Rome. The senators praised Cherea's bravery and honored him for his role in freeing the city from tyranny. Despite some dissent, Cherea ordered the execution of Caius's wife and daughter to prevent any remnants of the tyrant's family from causing further harm to the city.
The Eyes of God See It All
By C.H. Spurgeon0Justice and RighteousnessGod's SovereigntyPSA 9:7PSA 46:10PSA 75:7PRO 21:15ECC 3:17ISA 61:8ROM 12:192TH 1:6HEB 10:30REV 20:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the joy and assurance that comes from knowing God is sovereign and sees all injustices in the world. He reassures the righteous that God holds all power and will ultimately bring justice against tyranny and cruelty. Spurgeon encourages believers to remain patient and steadfast, trusting that God will avenge wrongdoings and uphold the cause of the oppressed. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in God's ultimate authority and righteousness, reminding us that no act of injustice goes unnoticed by Him.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
15 It is a joy to the just to do justice, And a terror for them that work iniquity. To act according to the law of rectitude is to these as unto death; injustice has become to them a second nature, so that their heart strives against rectitude of conduct; it also enters to little into their plan of life, and their economy, that they are afraid of ruining themselves thereby. So we believe, with Hitzig, Elster, Zckler, and Luther, this must be explained in accordance with our interpretation of Pro 10:29. Fleischer and others supplement the second parallel member from the first: וּפעל און מחתּה לפעלי אין; others render 15b as an independent sentence: ruin falls on those who act wickedly. But that ellipsis is hard and scarcely possible; but in general מחתה, as contrasted correlate to שׂמחה, can scarcely have the pure objective sense of ruin or destruction. It must mean a revolution in the heart. Right-doing is to the righteous a pleasure (cf. Pro 10:23); and for those who have און, and are devoid of moral worth, and thus simply immoral as to the aim and sphere of their conduct, right-doing is something which alarms them: when they act in conformity with what is right, they do so after an external impulse only against their will, as if it were death to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But the just love right and need no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption.
John Gill Bible Commentary
It is joy to the, last to do judgment,.... It is with pleasure he does it; he delights in the law of God, after the inward man, and finds much peace of mind and joy in the Holy Ghost in keeping it, and observing its commands, which are holy, just, and good; yea, it gives him pleasure to see justice done by others; both by private persons in their dealings with one another; and especially by judges putting the laws in execution, as their office requires; whereby much good comes to a nation in general, and to particular persons; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity; that make a trade of sinning; whose whole life is a continued series of sin and iniquity; who take much pains in committing sin, and are constant at it; everlasting destruction is in their ways, and they lead unto it: or, "terror" (a) shall be to them; terror of mind now at times, in opposition to the joy and peace a good man finds; and dreadful horror at death and to all eternity: or, as it is joy to a just man to see public justice done, and good laws put in execution, it is a terror to evildoers, Rom 13:3. (a) "pavor", V. L. "horror", Tigurine version; "terror", Vatablus, Mercerus; "consternatio", Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. It is a pleasure and satisfaction to good men both to see justice administered by the government they live under, right taking place and iniquity suppressed, and also to practise it themselves, according as their sphere is. They no only do justice, but do it with pleasure, not only for fear of shame, but for love of virtue. 2. It is a terror to wicked men to see the laws put in execution against vice and profaneness. It is destruction to them; as it is also a vexation to them to be forced, either for the support of their credit or for fear of punishment, to do judgment themselves. Or, if we take it as we read it, the meaning is, There is true pleasure in the practice of religion, but certain destruction at the end of all vicious courses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:15 God is just, so he will reward the innocent and punish the wicked. No wonder the godly love justice while the wicked fear it.