Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:21, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
American Standard Version
[Though] hand [join] in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
World English Bible version
Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
Proverbs 11:21 Meaning & Commentary
God has set specific laws and principles on the earth, and we find these throughout The Bible. To name just some of them; give, and you shall receive; if you honor The Lord, He will honor you. These are not necessarily just promises; they are laws and principles. If we think about the law of gravity, someone may not believe it or like it, but if the law of gravity is put to the test, it will show itself, and the person putting it to the test will not like the result.
Our walk with God is the same way, and this is what Proverbs 11:21 explains. It is not as if God is waiting for someone to do evil just so that he can punish them. The punishment is a result of evil. We know that the whole world was found guilty before God: Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. God sent Jesus Christ into the world so that the world might be saved through Him: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God desires all to come to Jesus Christ and escape His wrath, but we need to receive it! Now, when we look at this whole scripture in the New Testament context, we are Sons of God through Jesus Christ, and therefore we qualify to be delivered: Galatians 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. We can consequently thank God, through Jesus Christ, for his gift of eternal life!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:21 to our lives?
If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, we know we have been delivered from eternal judgment and condemnation. This is terrific news, and we should thank God for this continually. Having accepted Jesus Christ as our lord and savior does not mean that everything on earth will be perfect, however. The Bible says that living on this earth will be difficult: John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
There is a dual meaning to Proverbs 11:21 – Firstly, God will deliver us from eternal condemnation and judgment, but secondly, whatever we go through on earth, God will be with us through it and bring us out the other side. This is where we need to walk in faith and trust God. There is a temptation to lean on our own understanding and try to work things out, but as we trust God with every detail of our lives, He will lead us on the path to victory: 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, there is a two-fold application; Faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, which causes us to be born again, and daily, and constant trust in God. There will always be circumstances and challenges which may test our faith. Still, The Bible tells us that these circumstances serve the purpose of testing and strengthening our faith while working endurance: James 1:3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Lastly, we need to take the gospel, which is good news, and share it with anyone we can so that they can be delivered from eternal punishment and walk in God’s delivering power on earth!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you that I am a child of God because of what Jesus Christ has done for me. I pray and ask that you would bring people across my path whom I can share this good news with. I thank you for walking with me through the tough seasons of life, and that every tough season causes my faith to be strengthened. I commit my life and every step I take to you now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
