◄ Proverbs 21:15 ►
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
Study Bible
Justice executed
The Hebrew word for "justice" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses the idea of judgment, law, and order. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was not merely a legal term but a divine mandate. The execution of justice was seen as a reflection of God's character, who is just and righteous. For the righteous, seeing justice executed is a confirmation of God's sovereignty and moral order in the world. It brings joy because it aligns with their desire for a world governed by God's principles.

is a joy
The Hebrew word for "joy" is "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), which conveys a sense of gladness and delight. In the biblical context, joy is often associated with the presence and favor of God. When justice is executed, it brings joy to the righteous because it signifies that God's will is being done on earth. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated satisfaction in seeing God's righteousness prevail.

to the righteous
The term "righteous" in Hebrew is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), referring to those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments. The righteous are characterized by their commitment to justice, mercy, and humility before God. In the biblical narrative, the righteous are often contrasted with the wicked, and their joy in seeing justice executed is rooted in their alignment with God's purposes and their hope for a world where righteousness reigns.

but a terror
The word "terror" in Hebrew is "מְחִתָּה" (mechittah), which implies fear, dread, or panic. For the workers of iniquity, the execution of justice is terrifying because it represents the exposure and punishment of their wrongdoing. This terror is not just a fear of earthly consequences but a recognition of divine judgment. In the biblical worldview, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and for the wicked, this fear becomes a terror when confronted with the reality of God's justice.

to the workers of iniquity
The phrase "workers of iniquity" translates the Hebrew "פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן" (po'alei aven), which describes those who actively engage in wrongdoing or wickedness. Iniquity, or "אָוֶן" (aven), refers to moral perversity and injustice. The workers of iniquity are those who oppose God's righteous standards and exploit others for their gain. In the biblical context, these individuals are often warned of the consequences of their actions, and the execution of justice serves as a divine warning and a call to repentance.

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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of justice bring joy to the righteous, and how can we experience this joy in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can the fear of justice serve as a deterrent for those who practice iniquity, and how can this understanding influence our interactions with others?

3. How can we, as believers, actively promote justice in our communities, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide your response in the future?

5. How does trusting in God's ultimate justice provide comfort and assurance, especially when human justice systems fall short?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37:28
This verse highlights God's love for justice and His protection of the faithful, contrasting with the fate of the wicked.

Isaiah 61:8
God declares His love for justice and His hatred for robbery and wrongdoing, promising to reward the faithful.

Romans 12:19
Paul advises believers to leave vengeance to God, emphasizing that divine justice will ultimately prevail.

Micah 6:8
This verse calls believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, aligning with the joy of justice for the righteous.

Matthew 5:6
Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising they will be filled, reflecting the joy found in justice.
Sermons
The Pleasure of Doing RightSamuel Barton, D. D.Proverbs 21:15
Lights and Shades of the Earthly SceneE. Johnson Proverbs 21:14-17
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Brings, Destruction, Dismay, Evil, Evildoers, Exercise, Iniquity, Joy, Judgment, Justice, Justly, Righteous, Ruin, Terror, Workers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 21:15

     5257   civil authorities
     5326   government
     5481   proverb

Library
Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Epistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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