The righteous man is delivered from trouble;
This phrase emphasizes the divine protection and deliverance that God provides to those who live righteously. Throughout the Bible, the concept of righteousness is closely tied to living in accordance with God's laws and commands. In the Old Testament, figures like Noah and Daniel exemplify this righteousness and are delivered from perilous situations (Genesis 6:9, Daniel 6:22). The deliverance of the righteous is a recurring theme, as seen in Psalm 34:19, which states, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." This deliverance is not always immediate or in the form expected, but it is assured by God's faithfulness.

in his place the wicked man goes in.
This part of the verse highlights the principle of divine justice, where the wicked ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The idea of the wicked taking the place of the righteous in trouble is seen in the story of Haman and Mordecai in the Book of Esther (Esther 7:10), where Haman is hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. This reflects the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as stated in Galatians 6:7. The wicked often fall into the very traps they set for others, illustrating the moral order established by God. This concept is also echoed in Psalm 7:15-16, where the wicked fall into the pit they have made. The ultimate fulfillment of this justice is seen in the final judgment, where the wicked face eternal separation from God, while the righteous are rewarded with eternal life.

1. The Righteous Man
Represents those who live according to God's commandments and seek to align their lives with His will. In the Hebrew text, the word for "righteous" is (tzaddik), which implies someone who is just, lawful, and morally upright.

2. The Wicked Man
Symbolizes those who reject God's ways and live in opposition to His laws. The Hebrew term (rasha) is used, indicating someone who is guilty, criminal, or morally wrong.

3. Deliverance
This event refers to the act of being saved or rescued from danger or trouble. In the context of this verse, it highlights God's intervention on behalf of the righteous.

4. Trouble
Represents the challenges, dangers, or adversities that one might face in life. The Hebrew word (tzarah) is used, which can mean distress or affliction.

5. Divine Justice
The overarching theme of this verse is the concept of divine justice, where God ensures that the righteous are protected and the wicked face the consequences of their actions.God's Protection for the Righteous
The righteous can trust in God's protection and deliverance from life's troubles. This assurance should encourage believers to live uprightly, knowing that God is their refuge.

The Consequences of Wickedness
The wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. This serves as a warning to avoid sinful behavior and to seek repentance and transformation through Christ.

Divine Justice and Sovereignty
God's justice is perfect and sovereign. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God sees all and will ensure that justice prevails, even if it is not immediately apparent.

Encouragement in Trials
When facing difficulties, believers should remember that God is faithful to deliver them. This perspective can provide hope and strength during challenging times.

Living a Righteous Life
The call to righteousness is not just about avoiding punishment but about living a life that reflects God's character and brings glory to Him.(8) The righteous is delivered out of trouble. . . .--That is, misfortunes pass by the righteous and fall upon the wicked. (Comp. Proverbs 21:18.) Or, it may mean that the righteous "is taken away from the evil to come "by death (Isaiah 57:1), the wicked lives on to suffer in his place.

Verse 8. - Out of trouble; i.e. God is at hand to help the righteous out of straits (de angustia, Vulgate); or takes him away from the evil to come (Isaiah 57:1; Wisd. 4:10-14). Septuagint, "escapeth from the chase." In his stead (Proverbs 21:18). The evil from which the righteous is saved fails upon the wicked. As Abraham says to Dives in the parable, "He is comforted, but thou art tormented" (Luke 16:25). Of this substitution many instances occur in Scripture. Thus Haman was hanged on the gallows which he had erected for Mordecai (Esther 7:10); Daniel's accusers were cast into the den of lions from which he was saved (Daniel 6:24; comp. Isaiah 43:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The righteous man
צַ֭דִּיק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

is delivered
נֶחֱלָ֑ץ (ne·ḥĕ·lāṣ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen

from trouble;
מִצָּרָ֣ה (miṣ·ṣā·rāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival

in his place
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃ (taḥ·tāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

the wicked man
רָשָׁ֣ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

goes in.
וַיָּבֹ֖א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:8 A righteous person is delivered out (Prov. Pro Pr)