Proverbs 13:9 Meaning: Lamp of the Righteous vs Wicked

Introduction

Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:9, here’s different Bible translations:

King James Version

The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

American Standard Version

World English Bible version

Proverbs 13:9 Meaning & Commentary

The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 13:9 (ESV)

If we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are the light of the world: Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We are called to display our light, which is really God in us and upon us. As Christians, we are representatives of Jesus, who is the great light: John 8:12 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” However, Jesus works in and through His Church, the body of Christ. So, as we are in the world, we need to represent Him. This is why it is so important how we represent Christ to others.

How can we be God’s light in the world yet walk in darkness? Light overpowers darkness – if we go into a dark room and turn on a light, darkness goes. In the same way, wherever we go, we should “shine forth” God’s light and His joy, and this will cause darkness to be overpowered and God’s presence and light to enter in: John 1:5 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Just as with Jesus, when He entered the world – darkness could “overcome” the light – so it is in our lives; darkness may try, but it simply cannot “overcome” the world. Hence, we can rejoice and celebrate because light has the victory over darkness!

Application

How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:9 to our lives?

We need first to understand who we are in Christ, and then we need to practically walk that out in our lives: Ephesians 5:7-9 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). The truth is that in Christ, we are the light in The Lord. However, we then have a responsibility to walk as children of light.

Although God has called us to be light, we can still choose to walk in darkness if we want to! This is why Paul was writing this to the Church at Ephesians – he said that although we are light, we need to walk as children of light. A look at the beginning of the book of Ephesians confirms that he is writing this to Christians: Ephesians 1:1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.

Practically speaking, we maintain, grow, and shine our light by spending more time with God – growing in Him and giving out to others. The world is dark around us, and many people – whether they say it or not, are looking for light, hope, or something or someone to cling to! We are that light, an answer to their hopelessness and despair! God not only dwells inside us, but He has given us His Word to guide us through life: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  So, let’s take the time to connect with Him – eat His Word, and then go out into all the world and be the light of God to others!

Prayer

Mighty God, I thank You for your Word, which is a lamp to my feet. Not only that, but I thank You that you dwell inside of me by Your Holy Spirit. I choose today to be the light wherever I am.

Thank You for making me the light of the world. Please bring people across my path today and every day so I can shine forth Your goodness and joy and be a blessing to many others. I pray and ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!