Proverbs 11:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:23 mean?

Proverbs 11:23 says that people who live rightly want what is good, while those who do wrong can only expect trouble or anger as a result. The verse draws a sharp contrast between the hopes of the righteous and the outcomes awaiting the wicked.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom. The verse highlights the natural consequences of a person’s character: those who seek what is right are drawn toward good things, but those who act wickedly are headed for negative consequences, described here as “wrath.”

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:23

• "Desire" (תַּאֲוָה, ta’avah) means a deep longing or wish. In this verse, it shows that the righteous not only do good but genuinely want what is good.
• "Expectation" (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah) refers to hope or what someone looks forward to. For the wicked, this word suggests that even their hopes are headed toward wrath, not blessing.
• "Wrath" (עֶבְרָה, evrah) often means anger or outburst. Here, it points to the negative consequences or judgment that the wicked can expect, not just from others but as a result of their own actions.

Why Proverbs 11:23 matters

• Proverbs 11:23 clears up any idea that good and bad people end up with the same results in life; it insists there is a real difference in what each group can expect.
• The verse emphasizes that it is not just actions, but desires and expectations, that separate the righteous from the wicked.
• In the wider context of Proverbs 11, this verse fits with a series of contrasts showing how character shapes destiny, encouraging readers to consider what they truly want and where those desires lead.