◄ Proverbs 24:25 ►
but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.
Study Bible
But it will go well
The phrase "it will go well" suggests a promise of prosperity and favor. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "טוֹב" (tov), which means good, pleasant, or agreeable. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the blessings and favor of God upon His people. The implication is that those who act justly and uphold righteousness will experience a life that is aligned with God's goodness and favor. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings.

with those who convict the guilty
The act of convicting the guilty is a demonstration of justice and righteousness. The Hebrew word for "convict" is "מוֹכִיחִים" (mokhiḥim), which can also mean to reprove or correct. This suggests a role of moral and judicial responsibility. In ancient Israel, justice was a communal responsibility, and leaders were expected to uphold the law. Convicting the guilty is not merely a legal action but a moral duty that reflects God's own justice. This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining justice as a reflection of divine order.

and rich blessing
The term "rich blessing" in Hebrew is "בִּרְכַּת־טוֹב" (birkat-tov), which literally translates to "blessing of good." This indicates an abundance of favor and prosperity. In the biblical context, blessings are often tangible expressions of God's favor, such as prosperity, peace, and well-being. The use of "rich" emphasizes the fullness and completeness of the blessing, suggesting that those who uphold justice will not only receive favor but will be abundantly blessed in various aspects of life.

will come upon them
The phrase "will come upon them" indicates the certainty and inevitability of the blessing. The Hebrew verb "יָבוֹא" (yavo) means to come or to arrive, suggesting that the blessing is not only promised but assured. This reflects the biblical principle that God's promises are faithful and true. The imagery here is of blessings actively pursuing and overtaking those who live righteously, reinforcing the idea that God's favor is both intentional and generous towards those who uphold His standards of justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous Judge
This refers to those who uphold justice and truth, convicting the guilty according to God's standards.

2. The Guilty
Individuals who have committed wrongdoing and are subject to judgment.

3. The Community
The broader society that benefits from justice being upheld.

4. The Blessing
The divine favor and prosperity that come upon those who act justly.

5. The Context of Proverbs
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, offering practical guidance for righteous living.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Justice
Upholding justice is a key aspect of living a life that honors God. Convicting the guilty is not just a legal duty but a moral and spiritual one.

Divine Blessing for Righteousness
God promises blessings to those who act justly. This is not merely material prosperity but includes spiritual and communal well-being.

Courage in Conviction
It takes courage to stand for what is right, especially in a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong. Believers are called to be bold in their convictions.

Community Impact
Justice benefits the entire community. When the guilty are convicted, it deters further wrongdoing and promotes peace and order.

Balancing Justice and Mercy
While justice is crucial, it must be balanced with mercy. Believers should seek God's wisdom in applying both in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of blessing in Proverbs 24:25 encourage you to pursue justice in your own life?

2. In what ways can you contribute to upholding justice within your community or church?

3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament complement the call for justice in Proverbs 24:25?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to stand up for what was right. What challenges did you face, and how did you see God's blessing in that situation?

5. How can you balance the call to convict the guilty with the biblical mandate to show mercy and forgiveness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
This passage emphasizes the importance of appointing judges who will judge the people fairly, highlighting the necessity of justice in society.

Isaiah 1:17
Calls for learning to do good, seeking justice, and correcting oppression, aligning with the theme of convicting the guilty.

Micah 6:8
Encourages acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, which complements the promise of blessing for those who uphold justice.

Matthew 5:6
Jesus speaks of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness being blessed, paralleling the promise of blessing in Proverbs 24:25.

James 2:13
Discusses the relationship between mercy and judgment, reminding believers of the importance of justice tempered with mercy.
Sermons
The Delight of the Rebuker of EvilR. Wardlaw, D.D.Proverbs 24:25
The Duty of Rebuking the WickedJohn Waugh, D.D.Proverbs 24:25
The Ignobler and the Nobler SpiritE. Johnson Proverbs 24:17, 18, 29
Partiality and Equality in JudgmentE. Johnson Proverbs 24:23-25
Social ConductHomilistProverbs 24:23-26
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Blessing, Convict, Decide, Delight, Guilty, Justly, Pleasant, Rebuke, Reproving, Rich, Sharp, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:25

     6632   conviction

Proverbs 24:23-25

     5203   acquittal
     5361   justice, human
     6173   guilt, and God
     8471   respect, for human beings

Library
The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

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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