Proverbs 11:10 “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.”
Proverbs is famous for giving us a variety of subjects to contrast. A frequent contrast is that of the righteous and the wicked. Here we find both bringing joy to a city but for totally different reasons. When the righteous are doing well the city rejoices. Even those who are not righteous benefit from the prosperity and peace that righteous living brings. Those who are described as “the righteous” are those who themselves do what is right. They are law-abiding citizens. They are hard workers who provide for their needs and are generous to help those in need. They look out for the best interest of others. The righteous have an eye on the future and seek to make decisions that bring about a better future for the next generation. (These are but a few characteristics found throughout the Book of Proverbs). I think it is sufficient to say that life is better with “the righteous” living around you!
On the other hand, when “the wicked” perishes there is a sense of relief. As the wicked live their wicked lifestyle they don’t just bring pain to themselves but also to all who are around them. They damage and destroy themselves and they damage and destroy others.
While the righteous brings pleasure to a city, the wicked brings pain to the city.
One feels safe around the righteous while one feels fearful and unsafe around the wicked. No wonder the verse says there is gladness when they are no longer around.
It is worth noting that God responds to both the righteous and the wicked. In understanding God’s response to the righteous and the wicked we look at Proverbs 3:33. It says, “The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.”
I hope it is sobering to you to think that the way you live can be bringing God’s blessings to your neighborhood or it could be bringing God’s curse to your neighborhood, I trust you want to be a blessing to your family, friends, and neighbors. Doing what is right will open the windows of heaven for Him to pour out blessings on those around you!
Let us bring pleasure to our fellow citizens and not pain!
Continue Strong being a blessing to others by living right and doing right!
And remember to DATE The Word