What the wicked man dreads will overtake himThis phrase highlights the principle of divine justice and retribution. In biblical context, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The concept of fear and dread is often associated with the consequences of sin, as seen in
Job 15:21, where the wicked are described as living in constant fear. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, believed in a moral universe where actions had consequences. The wicked's dread is often tied to their awareness of impending judgment, as seen in the story of Cain (
Genesis 4:13-14), who feared retribution for his sin. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where
Galatians 6:7 states, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
but the desire of the righteous will be granted
In contrast to the fate of the wicked, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will and seek His kingdom. The desires of the righteous are aligned with God's purposes, as seen inPsalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This promise reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience and faithfulness lead to blessings. Theologically, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus inMatthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." The righteous are assured that their godly desires, which often include peace, justice, and eternal life, will be fulfilled. This assurance is ultimately realized in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fulfillment of God's promises to the righteous.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WickedIn the context of Proverbs, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and wisdom. They are characterized by their sinful actions and lack of reverence for God.
2.
The RighteousThe righteous are those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek His wisdom. They are characterized by their faithfulness, integrity, and trust in God.
3.
SolomonTraditionally, Solomon is considered the author of Proverbs. He was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, which he received from God.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
5.
The Fear of the LordA recurring theme in Proverbs, representing a deep respect and reverence for God, which is the foundation of wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of WickednessThe wicked live in fear of the consequences of their actions. Their dread is a result of their separation from God and His protection.
The Reward of RighteousnessThe righteous can trust that their desires, aligned with God's will, will be fulfilled. This is a promise of God's faithfulness to those who seek Him.
The Importance of Aligning Desires with God's WillTrue fulfillment comes when our desires are in harmony with God's purposes. This requires a heart that seeks after God's wisdom and righteousness.
Living in the Fear of the LordA life lived in reverence for God leads to wisdom and understanding, which guides us away from the path of the wicked and towards the blessings of the righteous.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:24?
2.How does Proverbs 10:24 encourage us to align our desires with God's will?
3.What does Proverbs 10:24 reveal about the consequences of wickedness versus righteousness?
4.How can we apply the promise of Proverbs 10:24 in daily prayer life?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the fulfillment of righteous desires like Proverbs 10:24?
6.How does Proverbs 10:24 challenge us to examine our fears and desires?
7.What does Proverbs 10:24 reveal about the nature of fear and desire in human life?
8.How does Proverbs 10:24 align with the broader themes of justice and righteousness in Proverbs?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 10:24 challenge the modern understanding of divine justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.What does 'lamp of the wicked' mean in Proverbs?
12.If ignoring the law makes one’s prayers detestable (Proverbs 28:9), how do we account for apparent answered prayers among those who openly violate biblical commands?
13.What does Proverbs 12:10 say about caring for animals?
14.Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.What Does Proverbs 10:24 Mean
Setting in Proverbs-Proverbs 10 begins the classic two-line contrasts that run through chapters 10–15, showing side-by-side pictures of wickedness and righteousness.
- This verse sits in a stream of statements where God assures us that He actively governs outcomes (Proverbs 10:22, 10:25).
“What the wicked man dreads”- The wicked live with inner fear—fear of exposure, judgment, loss, death (Job 15:20–24;Psalm 112:10).
- Because they suppress truth (Romans 1:18), dread becomes a constant companion.
- Scripture shows that sin never delivers the security it promises; instead it multiplies anxiety (Isaiah 57:20–21).
“will overtake him”- The very calamities the ungodly try to evade eventually catch them (Numbers 32:23;Galatians 6:7–8).
- God’s justice operates both now and eternally: immediate consequences (Proverbs 5:22) and final judgment (Revelation 20:12).
- This overturns the illusion that evil “gets away with it.”
“but the desire”- In Hebrew parallelism, “desire” mirrors “dread,” yet carries hope rather than fear (Psalm 37:4).
- Righteous desire aligns with God’s revealed will, not selfish craving (Matthew 6:33;1 John 5:14).
“of the righteous”- Righteousness here is practical, lived-out faith that trusts God and obeys His commands (Genesis 15:6;James 2:22).
- Such people walk in integrity, generosity, and reverence (Proverbs 10:2–3, 9).
“will be granted”- God personally brings righteous longings to fruition (Psalm 145:18–19;John 15:7).
- This granting may be immediate, progressive, or culminate in eternity, but it is certain because it rests on His covenant faithfulness (2 Corinthians 1:20).
- The promise encourages patient endurance when fulfillment seems delayed (Habakkuk 2:3).
Living the contrast today- Trust the Lord to deal with wrongs rather than harboring revenge; He will see that wicked dread is fulfilled (Romans 12:19).
- Cultivate desires shaped by Scripture; God delights to answer them.
- Replace anxiety with confidence by remembering the sure outcome God declares in this proverb.
summaryProverbs 10:24 delivers a simple, sweeping truth: fear rules the wicked and ends in the very harm they fear, while godly desires rooted in righteousness receive God’s sure “yes.” The verse presses us to abandon sin’s false security, cling to Christ’s righteousness, and rest in the Father’s promise that every holy longing will, in His timing, be graciously granted.
(24)
The fear of the wicked--i.e., that of which he is afraid. (Comp.
Isaiah 66:4;
Hebrews 10:27.)
The desire of the righteous shall be granted.--For they submit their will to the will of God, and pray for what He sees best for them, which accordingly He grants; moreover, the Holy Spirit also aids them, making intercession for them "according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27).
Verse 24. - This verse is connected in thought with the preceding. The wicked, though he lightly carries on his evil practices, is troubled with the thought of the retribution which awaits him, and
that which he fears shall come upon him (
Proverbs 1:26;
Job 3:25;
Isaiah 66:4); Septuagint, "The wicked is involved in destruction." The desire of the righteous. The righteous will desire only that which is in agreement with God's will, and this God grants, if not in this world, certainly in the life to come. The LXX. has, "The desire of the just is acceptable."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
What the wickedרָ֭שָׁע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad persondreadsמְגוֹרַ֣ת(mə·ḡō·w·raṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4034:Fear, terrorwill overtake him,תְבוֹאֶ֑נּוּ(ṯə·ḇō·w·’en·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gobut the desireוְתַאֲוַ֖ת(wə·ṯa·’ă·waṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8378:A longing, a delightof the righteousצַדִּיקִ֣ים(ṣad·dî·qîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662:Just, righteouswill be granted.יִתֵּֽן׃(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set
Links
Proverbs 10:24 NIVProverbs 10:24 NLTProverbs 10:24 ESVProverbs 10:24 NASBProverbs 10:24 KJV
Proverbs 10:24 BibleApps.comProverbs 10:24 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 10:24 Chinese BibleProverbs 10:24 French BibleProverbs 10:24 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked fear will overtake them (Prov. Pro Pr) 
