Ezekiel 18:23

23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?" [This is] the declaration of the Lord God . "Instead, don't I [take pleasure] when he turns from his ways and lives?

Ezekiel 18:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 18:23

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith
the Lord God
Perish by sword, famine, or pestilence, or go into captivity; this, though the Lord's will and work, yet is his strange work; mercy is his delight. This is to be understood not absolutely; for the Lord does take pleasure in these things, as they fulfil his word, secure the honour of his truth and holiness, and glorify his justice, and especially when they are the means of reclaiming men from the evil of their ways; but comparatively, as follows: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
that is, it is more pleasing to God that a man should repent of his sins, and forsake his vicious course of life, and enjoy good things, than to go on in his sins, and bring ruin on himself, here and hereafter.

Ezekiel 18:23 In-Context

21 "Now if the wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will certainly live; he will not die.

22 None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. He will live because of the righteousness he has practiced.

23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?" [This is] the declaration of the Lord God . "Instead, don't I [take pleasure] when he turns from his ways and lives?

24 But when a righteous person turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations that the wicked do, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. He will die because of the treachery he has engaged in and the sin he has committed.

25 "But you say: The Lord's way isn't fair. Now listen, house of Israel: Is it My way that is unfair? Instead, isn't it your ways that are unfair?