Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 14:32

ESV The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.
NIV When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
NASB The wicked is thrust down by his own wrongdoing, But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.
CSB The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.
NLT The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
KJV The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
NKJV The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death.

What does Proverbs 14:32 mean?

Here, Solomon observes a vast difference between the destiny of the wicked and the destiny of the righteous. When a wicked person encounters severe trouble because of his immoral lifestyle, he is helpless; he finds no comfort or suitable help (Proverbs 11:21; 12:13; 13:21). Furthermore, when God judges him, the wicked person has no defense. At the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11–15), all the wicked "defendants" will find no hiding place.

In contrast, the righteous experience trials with the Lord alongside them; He helps and comforts them (Matthew 28:20; John 16:33). Psalm 23 explains that the Lord is with the righteous even when they walk through dangers and discouragements (Psalm 23:4). Hebrews 13:5 promises that the Lord will never leave or forsake His people.

The ultimate benefit of pursuing God, and His truth, is eternal salvation. The "righteous," here, are those who honor and obey God (Proverbs 1:1–9; 1 Peter 2:24; John 10:28). Even in physical death, those who honor God find themselves protected and blessed. The apostle Paul testifies in Philippians 1:21 that for a believer death is gain, and in 2 Corinthians 5:8 he explains that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
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