Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 12:21 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. "
Proverbs 12:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
19 Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight.
23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
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Piety is a sure protection. If people are truly righteous, the righteous God has promised that no real evil will come to them. By his grace at work in them, he keeps them from the evil of sin. So even when they are tempted, they will not be defeated by the temptation. And even if they go through many troubles, those troubles will not turn into evil for them, though they may do so for others (Psa 91:10). God will overrule those troubles and make them work for their good.
Wickedness is just as sure to bring ruin. Those who live in contempt of God and of other people, and who are bent on doing harm, will be filled with harm. They will grow more corrupt, filled with all unrighteousness (Rom 1:29). Or, they will be made miserable by the trouble that comes back on them. Those who take delight in mischief will get plenty of it. Some read the whole verse this way: No evil will happen to the righteous, even if the wicked are filled with mischief and spite against them. The righteous are safe under heaven’s protection, even if hell itself breaks loose against them.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 12:1
"Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."
Proverbs 12:2
"A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans."
Proverbs 12:3
"A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved."
Proverbs 12:4
"A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones."
Proverbs 12:5
"The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful."
Proverbs 12:6
"The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them."
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