Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 24:25

ESV but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
NIV But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.
NASB But for those who rebuke the wicked there will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.
CSB but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.
NLT But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them.
KJV But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
NKJV But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.

What does Proverbs 24:25 mean?

This concludes a wise teaching about impartial, fair judgment (Proverbs 24:23–24). The literal context seems to be those in the official position of a judge; however, the general concept applies to all people. God is fair, impartial, and just (Psalm 25:8) and so we should strive for truthful integrity in all things (Proverbs 18:5; Ephesians 4:15, 29; James 1:22; 5:12; 1 Peter 3:13–17). The prior verse noted that those known to protect evildoers will suffer with a bad reputation. Here the contrast is given, showing how those known for integrity are respected and blessed.

A judge who administers justice with fairness can enjoy the inner satisfaction of doing the right thing. Also, for the most part, such a leader receives the good will and praise of law-abiding citizens. Fair-minded people are usually held in high regard—even if they are hated by the wicked people they rightly rule against. In modern times, judges are either elected or appointed, but those who fulfil their responsibility impartially and with integrity receive the public's respect. Those known for bias or corruption will be despised.

Samuel was not only a prophet but also a "judge" in the era after Israel's entry into the Promised Land (Judges 2:11–16). The Lord had called the boy Samuel to succeed Eli, and Samuel responded obediently to the call. First Samuel 3:19–20 states: "Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD." Practicing righteous judgment does not go undetected.
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