Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:32, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
American Standard Version
The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.
World English Bible version
The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
Proverbs 14:32 Meaning & Commentary
The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death. – Proverbs 14:32 (ESV)
We are all faced with choices every day of our life. We can either choose to live in righteousness or wickedness. Even as believers in Jesus Christ, who has The Holy Spirit living inside us, we still have the capacity and the ability to choose to do wrong if we wish. God has given human beings the power of free will and choice!
We see many examples of this throughout The Word of God, such as in Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! God may and does desire us to live our lives close to Him and in fellowship with Him. However, He will not violate our own will. This is why the Bible often warns us of the “perils” and the “rewards” of living life in a certain way.
We see in Proverbs 14:32 – This verse says that the wicked will be “overthrown.” There is no eternal, lasting reward in a life of wickedness. Even if wickedness “succeeds” in the short term, it has no lasting reward. If we succeed in building money, wealth, or success in this life, there is no lasting reward! However, when we live a life of righteousness, we have a sure reward in this life and the life to come: Proverbs 11:18 – The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
The reason that the righteous finds refuge in his death is that to die in Christ is to be with The Lord: Philippians 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul the Apostle understood this concept and could confidently say that he would “gain” eternal life and a sure reward in his death.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 14:32 to our lives?
We are called to live our lives in a way that pleases God and is “worthy” of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:27 – Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
We are called to be representatives/ambassadors of Jesus Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. So, we have a calling to walk in holiness and draw close to God, as well as to walk in a way that represents Christ to others.
The Bible implores us to walk “properly,” which means there is a proper and an improper way to walk as believers: Romans 13:13 – Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. We are primarily transformed through spending time with The Lord and then extending what The Lord has done in our lives to others. As we “behold” The Lord, we are changed and transformed, and begin to walk in righteousness and will want nothing to do with wickedness: 2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
We are not called to “try” our best to avoid wickedness – instead, we are called to walk with The Lord and set our minds on things above: Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
When we do this – we will live a life of righteousness, and our path will get brighter and brighter until we eventually go home to be with The Lord: Proverbs 4:18 – But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your word, which is a lamp unto my feet and trains me in righteousness. Help me to draw near to You, and as I do – I thank You for Your transforming power in my life.
I ask that You cleanse me, wash me, and purify me in the blood of Jesus, Thank You for your great love. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
