The light of the righteous shines brightly
This phrase emphasizes the inherent contrast between the righteous and the wicked. In biblical literature, "light" often symbolizes purity, truth, and divine presence. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's will, are depicted as a source of illumination in a dark world. This imagery is consistent with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-16, where believers are called the "light of the world." The light shining brightly suggests not only visibility but also influence and guidance, reflecting the transformative power of living a life aligned with God's principles. Historically, light was a precious commodity in ancient times, often associated with safety and knowledge, further underscoring the value of righteousness.

but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished
In contrast, the "lamp" of the wicked represents a temporary and ultimately futile existence. While a lamp provides light, it is limited and requires external fuel to sustain it. The imagery of a lamp being extinguished conveys the idea of judgment and the eventual downfall of those who live in opposition to God's ways. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, as seen in passages like Psalm 37:20, where the wicked are compared to a vanishing smoke. The extinguishing of the lamp signifies the end of influence and the absence of divine favor, highlighting the transient nature of wickedness compared to the enduring light of the righteous.

1. The Righteous
In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's wisdom and commandments. They are characterized by their moral integrity and faithfulness to God.

2. The Wicked
This term refers to those who reject God's ways and live in opposition to His commandments. Their lives are marked by sin and moral corruption.

3. Light
Symbolically represents truth, purity, and the presence of God. In the Bible, light often signifies the guidance and favor of God.

4. Lamp
In ancient times, a lamp was a source of light in darkness. It symbolizes temporary or artificial light, which can be extinguished, unlike the enduring light of the righteous.

5. Proverbs
A book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for its wisdom literature that provides practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God.The Enduring Light of Righteousness
The light of the righteous is not just a temporary flicker but a bright and enduring presence. This light is fueled by a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom and truth.

The Temporary Nature of Wickedness
The lamp of the wicked, though it may seem bright for a time, is ultimately extinguished. This serves as a warning about the fleeting nature of a life lived apart from God.

Living as Light in the World
Believers are called to be a light in the world, reflecting God's truth and love in their actions and words. This involves living with integrity and purpose, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Understanding the difference between the enduring light of righteousness and the temporary lamp of wickedness requires spiritual discernment. Believers must seek God's wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.(9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth--i.e., burns joyously, as the sun "rejoiceth as a giant to run his course" (Psalm 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.)

Verse 9. - The light of the righteous rejoiceth; laetificat, Vulgate. But the verb is intransitive, and means "burn joyfully," bright and clear, as the sun rejoices as a strong man to run a race (Psalm 19:5). This light (or) is the grace and virtue which adorn the good man's life, and which beam through all his actions with a cheerful, kindly radiance (comp. Proverbs 4:18, 19). This is a true light, kindled in his heart by God, different from the lamp (ner) of the wicked, which is devised and lighted by themselves, and has no element of permanence, but soon shall be put out (Proverbs 24:20; comp. Proverbs 20:20; Job 18:5; John 1:8; John 5:35, where the distinction between "light" and "lamp" is maintained). The lamp of the wicked is the false show of wisdom or piety, which may glimmer and deceive for a time, but is ere long detected and brought to naught. There may be here an allusion to a common custom in the East. "No house, however poor," says Dr. Geikie ('Holy Land,' 1:117), "is left without a light burning in it all night; the housewife rising betimes to secure its continuance by replenishing the lamp with oil. If a lamp goes out, it is a fatal omen" (comp. 1 Kings 15:4; Jeremiah 25:10; Revelation 18:23). Septuagint, "The light of the righteous is everlasting; but the light of sinners is quenched." Then is introduced a couplet not found in the Hebrew, of which the latter part is borrowed from Psalm 37:21 or Psalms 112:5, "Crafty souls go astray in sins; righteous men show mercy and pity." The Vulgate inserts this paragraph after ver. 13.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The light
אוֹר־ (’ō·wr-)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary

of the righteous
צַדִּיקִ֥ים (ṣad·dî·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

shines brightly,
יִשְׂמָ֑ח (yiś·māḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

but the lamp
וְנֵ֖ר (wə·nêr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

of the wicked
רְשָׁעִ֣ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

is extinguished.
יִדְעָֽךְ׃ (yiḏ·‘āḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1846: To be extinguished, to expire, be dried up


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly (Prov. Pro Pr)