Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:21, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
American Standard Version
There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
World English Bible version
No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
Proverbs 12:21 Meaning & Commentary
No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Proverbs 12:21 (ESV)
Those who walk with God are protected and shielded by God Himself:
Proverbs 2:7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
When you do a Hebrew study of Proverbs 12:21 – it means that a righteous person will not be completely overtaken or overwhelmed by wickedness, ill or evil.
The Bible does not promise that no evil will come to a righteous person. However – it does promise that God will deliver us out of those afflictions, and they will not consume us: Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Again, we see a promise from God in The Old Testament: Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
The promise is clear – as we go through life and challenges come to us – God will be with us, and he will see us through to the other side.
On the other hand, the wicked will face trouble, but they will face it alone – unless they choose to call on Jesus Christ. God will not force himself into people’s lives – He needs to be invited. The choice is ours, though – we can invite God into our lives and situations or choose to neglect Him!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:21 to our lives?
We must make a conscious choice to follow God and allow Him to direct the steps in our life:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
When we face challenges in life, we can be tempted to trust in ourselves and our own understanding and logic. However, The Bible tells us to lean on The Lord.
We are also encouraged to ask God for Wisdom:
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
If we read this passage of scripture in context, before The Bible tells us to ask for Wisdom, it speaks about going through trials and having our faith tested. This tells us that Wisdom is especially important when going through tests and trials. Of course, it is always important, but even more so when we are in the middle of a trial or testing period.
Another temptation to avoid is the “easy escape.” This is when we are tempted to go the easy route or circumvent God’s plan.
The Devil tried to tempt Jesus with this:
Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
Jesus was offered a “shortcut” as we too may be offered, but let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ and trust Him in everything. As we do, no evil or wickedness will utterly consume us!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for your Word, which gives me hope and strength. I choose today to place my hope and trust entirely in You. I ask that you give me Wisdom today and make your plans and purposes known to me.
As I humble myself and choose to turn away from all forms of wickedness, I thank You that you will lead me into victory in Christ Jesus. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
