The soul of the wicked man craves evil;The term "soul" in this context refers to the innermost being or the essence of a person. In biblical terms, the soul is often seen as the seat of emotions and desires. The wicked man's craving for evil indicates a deep-seated inclination towards sin and wrongdoing. This aligns with the biblical understanding of human nature post-Fall, as seen in
Genesis 6:5, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The craving for evil suggests a deliberate and persistent pursuit of sin, highlighting the moral corruption that can dominate a person's life. This phrase underscores the idea that wickedness is not merely a series of actions but a condition of the heart.
his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
In ancient Israelite society, the concept of "neighbor" extended beyond immediate proximity to include fellow members of the community. The lack of favor indicates a failure to show kindness, mercy, or justice, which are central tenets of the Law, as seen inLeviticus 19:18, which commands love for one's neighbor. This phrase suggests a relational breakdown, where the wicked man's self-centered desires prevent him from acting with compassion or fairness. The absence of favor reflects a broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin, which not only affects the individual but also disrupts community harmony. This can be contrasted with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and grace towards others, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where true neighborliness is defined by mercy and compassion.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The WickedThis term refers to individuals who are morally wrong or guilty of sin. In the context of Proverbs, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's wisdom and righteousness.
2.
The NeighborRepresents those who are in close proximity or relationship with the wicked. In biblical terms, a neighbor is anyone with whom one interacts, not just those living nearby.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the righteous and the wicked.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of the Proverbs, where community living and relationships were central to daily life.
5.
The SoulIn Hebrew, the word "nephesh" is used, which can mean life, self, or person. It indicates the inner being or essence of a person.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Nature of WickednessThe wicked are characterized by an inherent desire for evil, which is a reflection of their inner nature. This craving is not just a matter of actions but of the heart's orientation.
Impact on RelationshipsThe wicked's inability to show favor to their neighbor highlights the relational damage caused by sin. It serves as a warning about the destructive nature of wickedness on community and relationships.
The Call to RighteousnessBelievers are called to examine their own hearts and ensure they are aligned with God's righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls of wickedness.
The Importance of Loving NeighborsIn contrast to the wicked, Christians are called to love and show favor to their neighbors, reflecting God's love and grace.
Guarding the HeartProverbs 4:23 advises to guard the heart, as it is the wellspring of life. This is crucial in preventing the cravings for evil that characterize the wicked.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:10?
2.How does Proverbs 21:10 describe the desires of a wicked person’s soul?
3.What actions can we take to avoid the wickedness described in Proverbs 21:10?
4.How does Proverbs 21:10 connect with Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion?
5.In what ways can we guard our hearts against the wickedness in Proverbs 21:10?
6.How can Proverbs 21:10 guide us in choosing our friends and influences wisely?
7.How does Proverbs 21:10 reflect the nature of human wickedness?
8.What does Proverbs 21:10 reveal about the desires of the wicked?
9.How does Proverbs 21:10 challenge our understanding of good and evil?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.Is speeding considered sinful?
12.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.
13.Proverbs 11:21 asserts the wicked will not go unpunished--what evidence shows consistent justice in history, given many evil rulers died peacefully?
14.How does Proverbs 12:21, declaring no harm befalls the righteous, hold up when many faithful people throughout biblical and modern times have endured great suffering and tragedy?What Does Proverbs 21:10 Mean
The soul- Scripture views the “soul” as the seat of a person’s thoughts, motives, and will.Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” What resides deep within inevitably surfaces. Jesus echoes this truth: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). The verse in view starts by spotlighting that inner core.
of the wicked man- A “wicked man” is not merely someone who stumbles; he is one whose heart is set against God.Psalm 10:4 observes, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.”
-Proverbs 6:12-14 paints the portrait further: the wicked “devises evil” and “continually sows discord.” The verse under study zooms in on this entrenched condition, contrasting it later with how the righteous relate to others (cf.Proverbs 21:12).
craves evil- The verb pictures a habitual appetite.Genesis 6:5 reports, “Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.”
-Micah 2:1 adds, “Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds!”
- Paul describes the same craving inRomans 1:32: they “not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.” Such longing is more than occasional temptation; it is a settled desire rooted in rebellion.
his neighbor- God’s design is that we love the people next door, across the street, and across the aisle. Jesus made it clear: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). The Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:29-37) shows that neighborly love extends to anyone in need.
- In the wicked, however, those relational ties are severed. The verse signals a direct clash between God’s command and the sinner’s practice.
finds no favor in his eyes- Favor speaks of kindness, mercy, and goodwill. Where the righteous extend grace, the wicked extend harm.Proverbs 12:10 notes, “The tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.”
-1 John 3:15 warns, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer.” Hatred, not help, is what the neighbor meets.
-Romans 13:10 sums it up: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor.” By contrast, the wicked man’s gaze carries no benefit, no blessing—only selfish intent.
summaryProverbs 21:10 exposes the inner engine of evil. The wicked man’s very soul hungers for wrongdoing, and that hunger shapes every relationship, withholding kindness even from the one standing nearest. The verse is both diagnosis and warning: without a new heart, the craving for sin rules and neighbor-love withers. Only when God transforms the soul does desire shift from evil to good, and favor once withheld becomes grace freely given.
(10)
His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.--The wicked must have whatever he has set his heart upon, however much trouble and sorrow he may cause to his neighbour thereby.
Verse 10. -
The soul of the wicked desireth veil. A wicked man cannot rest without planning and wishing for some new evil thing. Nothing is safe from his malignant activity (comp.
Proverbs 4:16;
Proverbs 10:23).
His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes (
Isaiah 13:18;
Isaiah 26:10). He does not look with pity on friend or neighbour, if they stand in the way of the gratification of his desires; he will sacrifice any one, however closely connected, so that he may work his will. Nothing makes a man more atrociously selfish and hard-hearted than vice (see
Proverbs 12:10, and the note there). The LXX. takes the sentence in a passive sense, "The soul of the ungodly shall not be pitied by any one." They who have no pity for others shall meet with no pity themselves; while, on the other hand, the Lord says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (
Matthew 5:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The soulנֶ֣פֶשׁ(ne·p̄eš)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionof the wickedרָ֭שָׁע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personcravesאִוְּתָה־(’iw·wə·ṯāh-)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 183:To incline, desireevil;רָ֑ע(rā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilhis neighborרֵעֵֽהוּ׃(rê·‘ê·hū)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453:Friend, companion, fellowfinds no favorיֻחַ֖ן(yu·ḥan)Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2603:To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implorein his eyes.בְּעֵינָ֣יו(bə·‘ê·nāw)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain
Links
Proverbs 21:10 NIVProverbs 21:10 NLTProverbs 21:10 ESVProverbs 21:10 NASBProverbs 21:10 KJV
Proverbs 21:10 BibleApps.comProverbs 21:10 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 21:10 Chinese BibleProverbs 21:10 French BibleProverbs 21:10 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil (Prov. Pro Pr) 
