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.


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 My soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the Lord.
18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way
20 Do not be among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat;
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.