Proverbs 21:7

7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.

Proverbs 21:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:7

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them
Or cut them, so Ben Melech: dissect or "saw" F19 them; cut them to the heart; that is, when the sins they have been guilty of, in robbing God of his due, or doing injury to men in their properties, cheating them or stealing from them, are set home on their consciences, they are in the utmost agonies and distress; it is as if a saw was drawn to and fro over them, and will be their case for ever without true repentance: this is the worm that never dies, and the fire that is never quenched; this is everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and is very just and righteous; because they refuse to do judgment;
to do that which is just between man and man, to let everyone enjoy his own property: as it is true of private robbers, so of men in public offices, whose business it is to defend men in the quiet possession of property; which, if they refuse to do, as it is a refusal to do judgment, it is in effect a robbery of them; and will be charged on their consciences at one time or another.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 (Mrwgy) "dissecabit eos", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "serrabit eos", Aben Ezra & Kimchi in Mercer. Michaelis; "gravem ipsis uterum trahit", Schultens.

Proverbs 21:7 In-Context

5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty [hasteth] only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.
9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.