Proverbs 21:15
New International Version
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

New Living Translation
Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.

English Standard Version
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.

King James Bible
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

New King James Version
It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

New American Standard Bible
The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But terror to those who practice injustice.

NASB 1995
The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

NASB 1977
The execution of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity.

Legacy Standard Bible
To do justice is pleasure for the righteous, But is ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Amplified Bible
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous (the upright, the one in right standing with God), But to the evildoers it is disaster.

Christian Standard Bible
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to evildoers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to those who practice iniquity.

American Standard Version
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Contemporary English Version
When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified.

English Revised Version
It is joy to the righteous to do judgment; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When justice is done, a righteous person is delighted, but troublemakers are terrified.

Good News Translation
When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are brought to despair.

International Standard Version
Administering justice brings joy to the righteous, but terror to those who practice iniquity.

Majority Standard Bible
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.

NET Bible
Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil.

New Heart English Bible
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to evildoers.

Webster's Bible Translation
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

World English Bible
It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To do justice [is] joy to the righteous, "" But ruin to workers of iniquity.

Young's Literal Translation
To do justice is joy to the righteous, But ruin to workers of iniquity.

Smith's Literal Translation
Joy to the just one to do judgment: and destruction to those working iniquity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is joy to the just to do judgment: and dread to them that work iniquity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is gladness for the just to do judgment; and it is dread for those who work iniquity.

New American Bible
When justice is done it is a joy for the just, downfall for evildoers.

New Revised Standard Version
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is joy to the righteous to do justice, but destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The joy of the righteous works justice, and ruin to evildoers.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
To do justly is joy to the righteous, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is the joy of the righteous to do judgement: but a holy man is abominable with evil-doers.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
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. 16The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.…

Cross References
Isaiah 61:8
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion.

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.

Psalm 11:7
For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face.

Isaiah 30:18
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.”

James 1:20
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.


Treasury of Scripture

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

joy

Job 29:12-17
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him…

Psalm 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Psalm 112:1
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

destruction

Proverbs 21:12
The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Proverbs 5:20
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Jump to Previous
Destruction Dismay Evil Evildoers Exercise Good Iniquity Joy Judgment Justice Justly Right Righteous Ruin Terror Workers
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Destruction Dismay Evil Evildoers Exercise Good Iniquity Joy Judgment Justice Justly Right Righteous Ruin Terror Workers
Proverbs 21
1. The king's heart in the hand of the Lord














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.

Persons / Places / Events
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.
Teaching Points
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 ...


Hebrew
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)
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