Proverbs 23:18

18 {Surely} there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:18

For surely there is an end
Both of the prosperity of the wicked, which is but for a short time; and of the afflictions of the righteous, which are but as it were for a moment; and therefore there is no reason to envy the one, nor to be fretful under the other; the end to a good man will be peace and prosperity for ever: there is a "reward" ^F2, as some render it here, for the righteous, though not of debt, but of grace; upon which account they have ground to expect much here and hereafter; and thine expectation shall not be cut off;
or "hope" ^F3; as an hypocrite's is; for the hope of a saint is well founded upon the person and righteousness of Christ, and is an anchor sure and steadfast; his expectation of grace, and every needful supply of it, while in this life, and of eternal glory and happiness in the world to come, shall not perish; but he shall enjoy what he is hoping, expecting, and waiting for.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (tyrxa) "merces", Pagninnus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; so Ben Melech.
F3 (Ktwqt) "spes tua", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 23:18 In-Context

16 And my {insides} will rejoice when your lips speak what is upright.

17 May your heart not envy the sinners, but [live] in fear of Yahweh {all day}.

18 {Surely} there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

19 You, my child, hear and be wise, and direct your heart on the road

20 Do not be among drinkers of wine, among gluttonous eaters of {their meat}.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "For if"