The wicked man earns an empty wageThis phrase highlights the futility of the wicked man's efforts. In biblical context, "wicked" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. The "empty wage" suggests that any gain achieved through unrighteous means is ultimately worthless and unsatisfying. This concept is echoed in
Ecclesiastes 5:10, where it is stated that wealth does not bring satisfaction. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern cultures often equated material success with divine favor, but the Bible consistently teaches that true prosperity is spiritual and eternal, not merely material.
but he who sows righteousness
"Sowing righteousness" is an agricultural metaphor common in biblical literature, symbolizing the act of living according to God's commandments and principles. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sowing was a critical activity that required patience and faith, as the results were not immediate. This phrase suggests that living righteously involves deliberate and consistent actions that align with God's will. The imagery of sowing is also found inHosea 10:12, where the people are encouraged to sow righteousness to reap the fruit of unfailing love.
reaps a true reward
The "true reward" contrasts with the "empty wage" of the wicked. This reward is genuine and lasting, reflecting the biblical principle that God honors those who live righteously. In the New Testament,Galatians 6:7-9 reinforces this idea, stating that a person reaps what they sow, and those who sow to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. The concept of a true reward also points to the eternal perspective of the Bible, where the ultimate reward is not found in earthly wealth or success, but in spiritual fulfillment and eternal life with God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Wicked ManRepresents individuals who engage in unrighteous or immoral behavior, seeking gain through deceitful or unjust means.
2.
The Righteous SowerSymbolizes those who live according to God's principles, sowing seeds of righteousness through their actions and decisions.
3.
The Concept of RewardThe verse contrasts the temporary and ultimately unsatisfying gains of the wicked with the lasting and fulfilling rewards of the righteous.
4.
Agricultural ImageryThe use of sowing and reaping reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where farming was a common livelihood and a metaphor for spiritual truths.
5.
The Principle of Divine JusticeThis event or concept underscores the biblical theme that God ultimately rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Wicked GainsThe gains of the wicked are ultimately empty and unsatisfying, lacking eternal value.
The Lasting Reward of RighteousnessTrue rewards come from living a life of righteousness, aligning with God's will and principles.
The Importance of Intentional LivingJust as a farmer intentionally sows seeds, believers must intentionally sow righteousness in their daily lives.
Trust in God's JusticeBelievers can trust that God sees their righteous actions and will reward them in His perfect timing.
The Call to Reflect Christ's CharacterSowing righteousness involves reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions and decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:18?
2.How does Proverbs 11:18 define the outcome of wicked versus righteous actions?
3.What does "sow righteousness" mean in practical, everyday life?
4.How can we discern "deceptive wages" in our personal and professional lives?
5.Which New Testament teachings align with Proverbs 11:18's message on righteousness?
6.How can you actively pursue "a true reward" in your daily decisions?
7.What does Proverbs 11:18 mean by "deceptive wages" and "righteous reward"?
8.How does Proverbs 11:18 relate to the concept of divine justice?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 11:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11?
11.Proverbs 11:18 suggests the wicked earn deceptive wages—why do some unethical individuals thrive, seemingly contradicting this verse?
12.What consequences do the wicked face according to scripture?
13.What is their reward?
14.What is their reward?What Does Proverbs 11:18 Mean
The wicked man earns an empty wageThe first half of the proverb shows that any profit gained through sin is ultimately hollow.
•Proverbs 10:2 says, “Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing”, underscoring that dishonest gain evaporates.
•Jeremiah 17:11 pictures the same emptiness: “He who makes riches unjustly… in the end he will be proven a fool”.
• Jesus poses the sobering question, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
However dazzling wicked earnings may look, Scripture insists they are a mirage—money without meaning, success without security, applause without permanence.
But he who sows righteousnessThe image shifts from wages to seed. Righteous living is portrayed as sowing—an intentional, patient investment.
•Hosea 10:12 urges, “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap the fruit of loving devotion”.
• Paul applies the same agricultural picture: “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
•Galatians 6:7–8 warns and assures at once: our moral planting determines our harvest.
Planting righteousness involves daily choices:
– speaking truth rather than deceit
– acting with integrity instead of manipulation
– showing compassion, not indifference
– honoring God openly, not hiding faith for convenience
Reaps a true rewardUnlike the empty paycheck of evil, righteousness produces a harvest that is both real and lasting.
• “There is great reward in keeping them” (Psalm 19:11) refers to God’s commands.
• Jesus directs us to store up treasures “in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys” (Matthew 6:20).
• Paul looks ahead to “the crown of righteousness” laid up for all who love Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
God’s rewards can arrive:
– Internally: peace of conscience, joy of fellowship with the Lord (Isaiah 32:17).
– Externally: trustworthy reputation, healthy relationships, tangible blessings God sees fit to give (Proverbs 3:9–10).
– Eternally: commendation from Christ and everlasting life shared with Him (John 12:26).
summaryProverbs 11:18 contrasts two harvests. Wickedness pays in counterfeit currency—impressive now, worthless later. Righteousness, patiently planted, yields dividends that are genuine, satisfying, and eternal. The verse invites us to choose the field we sow in, confident that God’s promised reward is never an empty envelope.
(18)
Worketh a deceitful work--i.e., which ends in nothing, deceiving his hopes. (Comp.
Proverbs 11:7.)
But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.--Rather,he that soweth righteousness(worketh)a sure reward for himself.(For "righteousness," see above onProverbs 10:2.)
Verse 18. -
A deceitful work; work that brings no reward or profit, belying hope, like "fundus mendax" of Horace, 'Od.,' 3:1, 30. The Septuagint has, "unrighteous works," which seems a jejune rendering, and does not bring out the contrast of the
sure reward in the second member (comp.
Proverbs 10:2, 16).
To him that soweth righteousness (
Hosea 10:12;
Galatians 6:8, 9). To "sow righteousness" is to act righteously, to live in such a way that the result is holiness. The "reward," in a Jew's eyes, would be a long life in which to enjoy the fruits of his good conduct. We Christians have a better hope, which is, perhaps, adumbrated by this analogy: as the seed sown in the field does not produce its fruit till the time of harvest, so righteousness meets with its full recompense only in the great harvest at the end of all things. The Revised Version renders,
The wicked earnnth deceitful wages:
but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. This makes a good antithesis. The Septuagint renders the last clause, "but the seed of the righteous is a true reward (
μισθὸςἀληθείας)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The wicked manרָשָׁ֗ע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personearnsעֹשֶׂ֥ה(‘ō·śeh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makean emptyשָׁ֑קֶר(šā·qer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267:Deception, disappointment, falsehoodwage,פְעֻלַּת־(p̄ə·‘ul·laṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6468:A work, recompensebut he who sowsוְזֹרֵ֥עַ(wə·zō·rê·a‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2232:To sow, to disseminate, plant, fructifyrighteousnessצְ֝דָקָ֗ה(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectively[reaps] a trueאֱמֶֽת׃(’ĕ·meṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571:Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthinessreward.שֶׂ֣כֶר(śe·ḵer)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7938:Hire, wages
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages but one (Prov. Pro Pr) 
