Hopeless and Hopeful Dying
Homiletic Review
Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous has hope in his death.


I. THE HOPELESS. Whose? "The wicked" — the unconverted. What?

1. The condition in which he dies. "In his wickedness." He lived careless and indifferent, encased in false hope; or hardened and scoffing, fighting against God. So he dies. Driven away not from, but in his wickedness. Death makes no change of character. "Unjust still."

2. The compulsion under which he dies. "Driven away." Ejected from this life's engagements, enjoyments, and means of improvement. Torn away from possessions, pursuits, pleasures, and prospects here. "This night — thy soul — then whose," etc.? Death takes no bribes. Wishes and protests unheeded. "Driven... chased out," etc. (Job 18:18).

II. THE HOPEFUL. Whose, "the righteous" in moral position, principle, practice. What? — Hopeful of —

1. The Divine support in it.

(1)  Needed, because of body's pains, affections' ties, conscience failures.

(2)  Promised. "As day... strength." "When thou passest," etc.

(3)  Realised. "Yea, though I walk," etc.

2. Decisive victory over it. Prospective — Grave robbed. "Resurrection of life."

3. Heavenly glory after it.

(1)  Angelic convoy. "Lazarus carried by angels."

(2)  Immediate entrance. "Absent from body... at home," etc.

(3)  Then reunion of soul and body in heavenly glory. All must die. Which — yours? A sheriff's arrest, or a Saviour's arrival? (John 14:3).

(Homiletic Review.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

WEB: The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.




Hope in Death
Top of Page
Top of Page