Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
Justice is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's character as a just and righteous judge. In the context of ancient Israel, justice was not only a legal matter but a divine mandate. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, find joy in justice because it aligns with their values and the order God intended for creation. This joy is rooted in the assurance that God is sovereign and His justice will ultimately prevail. The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, such as in Psalm 37:28, which states that the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints. The joy of the righteous is also a foretaste of the ultimate justice that will be realized in the eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom, as seen in Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear and right every wrong.

but a terror to the workers of iniquity
In contrast, those who engage in iniquity, or moral wrongdoing, find justice to be a source of terror. This reflects the biblical principle that sin has consequences, and those who persist in evil will face judgment. The fear of justice is a natural response for those who reject God's ways, as seen in the story of Cain in Genesis 4, where he fears retribution after murdering Abel. The concept of divine retribution is a recurring theme, with Proverbs 10:29 stating that the way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless but destruction to evildoers. This terror is not only a present reality but also points to the final judgment, where all will be held accountable before God, as described in Matthew 25:31-46. The workers of iniquity are reminded that their actions are not hidden from God, and His justice will ultimately be served, reinforcing the call to repentance and righteousness.

1. The Righteous
Those who live according to God's laws and seek to uphold justice and righteousness in their lives.

2. Workers of Iniquity
Individuals who engage in sinful, unjust, or immoral behavior, opposing God's standards.

3. Justice
The fair and impartial treatment of individuals, ensuring that righteousness prevails and wrongs are righted.

4. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of justice.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which the Proverbs were written, where justice was a central theme in the community's life.The Joy of Justice for the Righteous
Justice brings joy to those who live righteously because it aligns with their values and God's will.

Righteous individuals find satisfaction in seeing fairness and truth prevail.

The Fear of Justice for the Wicked
For those who practice iniquity, justice is a source of fear because it exposes their wrongdoing and brings consequences.

This fear can serve as a deterrent, encouraging repentance and a turn towards righteousness.

The Role of Justice in Society
Justice is essential for maintaining order and peace within a community.

Believers are called to advocate for justice, reflecting God's character in their actions.

Personal Reflection on Justice
Examine personal attitudes towards justice and righteousness.

Consider how one's actions contribute to or detract from justice in their community.

Trusting in God's Ultimate Justice
While human justice systems can fail, believers can trust in God's perfect justice.

This trust provides peace and assurance, even in the face of injustice.(15) But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.--This may also mean, "It is a terror to the workers of iniquity (to do right)." They are afraid to trust such promises as Matthew 6:33. They think they will be ruined if they do not cheat their neighbours when they have an opportunity.

Verse 15. - It is joy to the just to do judgment. The righteous feel real pleasure in doing what is right; they have the answer of a good conscience, and the feeling that they are, as far as they can, making God's will their will, and this brings deep comfort and stable joy (see some contrary experiences, ver. 10 and Proverbs 10:23; Proverbs 15:21). But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The Authorized Version, by inserting "shall be," and making this clause a separate assertion, obscures the force of the original, which, as in Proverbs 10:29 (where see note), contrasts the effect of right-doing on the good and the evil. It is a joy to the former, "but destruction [or, 'terror'] to them that work iniquity." Et pavor operantibus iniquitatem, Vulgate. They cannot trust themselves to do rightly without fear; they cannot commit the result to God, as the righteous do; if ever they do act uprightly, it is against their inclination, and such action will, as they fear, bring them to ruin. Septuagint, "It is the joy of the righteous to do judgment; but a holy man is abominable (ἀκάθαρτος) among evil doers." So Wisd. 2:15, "He [the rightous] is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion... he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness (ἀκαθαρσιῶν)."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Justice
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

executed
עֲשׂ֣וֹת (‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

is a joy
שִׂמְחָ֣ה (śim·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

to the righteous,
לַ֭צַּדִּיק (laṣ·ṣad·dîq)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

but a terror
וּ֝מְחִתָּ֗ה (ū·mə·ḥit·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4288: A dissolution, a ruin, consternation

to the workers
לְפֹ֣עֲלֵי (lə·p̄ō·‘ă·lê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise

of iniquity.
אָֽוֶן׃ (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the righteous (Prov. Pro Pr)