When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

PROVERBS 11:10KJV
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Proverbs 11:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:10 mean?

Proverbs 11:10 says that when good things happen to people who do what is right, the whole city celebrates, but when those who do evil are gone, people shout for joy. The verse highlights how the character of people in power or influence affects the mood and well-being of the wider community.

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly attributed to Solomon, meant to teach practical wisdom. Here, the writer points out that the actions and fate of the "righteous" and the "wicked" have a public impact. The verse assumes a setting where the community is closely affected by its leaders and citizens, and their moral character shapes the happiness or relief of everyone around them.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:10

  • "well" (טוֹבָה, tovah): This word means "goodness" or "well-being." The verse is not just about personal success, but a flourishing that benefits others and brings visible joy to the community.
  • "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to people who live justly and uprightly. Their positive influence is so strong that their prosperity brings joy to all.
  • "city" (קִרְיָה, qiryah): The term here points to the whole community, not just a few individuals, showing that the impact of righteousness or wickedness is widespread.
  • "rejoiceth" (עָלַץ, alatz): This verb means to exult or rejoice greatly, suggesting a deep, shared happiness, not just a quiet satisfaction.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word describes those who act unjustly or harmfully. Their downfall is met with open celebration, showing the relief people feel when harmful influences are removed.
  • "perish" (אָבַד, avad): This word means to be destroyed or to disappear, emphasizing the complete removal of the wicked from the community.
  • "shouting" (רִנָּה, rinah): This word means a ringing cry or joyful shout, highlighting the public and enthusiastic response when evil is gone.

Why Proverbs 11:10 matters

  • Proverbs 11:10 clarifies that the moral quality of individuals has a ripple effect on the entire community, not just on themselves or their families.
  • The verse emphasizes that people naturally respond with joy when justice and goodness prevail, and with relief when harmful influences are removed.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme that righteousness benefits not only the individual but also society as a whole, while wickedness brings trouble for everyone.

Where else these words appear

“rejoiceth” Hebrew H5970 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
  • Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
  • Psalms 25:2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

“well” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
  • Psalms 145:7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

“shouting” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.