Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 11:8

ESV The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.
NIV The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
NASB The righteous is rescued from trouble, But the wicked takes his place.
CSB The righteous one is rescued from trouble; in his place, the wicked one goes in.
NLT The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
KJV The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
NKJV The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead.

What does Proverbs 11:8 mean?

Once again, Solomon contrasts the way righteous and wicked persons deal with life's troubles. This uses the typical style of a "proverb," which is a general case, common sense statement. Here, the typical pattern is that a moral life generally keeps a person out of trouble, while a sinful life often brings on terrible consequences. Obedience to God's commands, in particular (Proverbs 1:7), helps a godly person avoid danger. Those who ignore this wisdom move straight towards their own ruin.

The book of Esther illustrates this truth. Mordecai, a righteous Jew, was delivered from the gallows wicked Haman had constructed for him, but Haman was hanged there (Esther 9:24–25). A wicked lifestyle leads to trouble. By defiling the body with drugs and illicit sex, a person experiences poor health. By committing crime, a person courts trouble with the law, and is likely to end up behind bars. By violating God's command not to commit adultery, a person will encounter marital problems and may experience public disgrace. It is always wise to obey God and live under the smile of His approval.
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