Bible Strands
Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text originates from the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom instruction directed to a general audience seeking moral and practical guidance. It appears between teachings on financial ransom (13:8) and the consequences of arrogance (13:10).
The words — The Hebrew יִשְׂמָ֑ח (yis.Mach) literally means "it rejoices" or "shines brightly," while יִדְעָֽךְ (yid.'Akh) means "it is extinguished" or "goes out." These verbs establish the direct contrast between the enduring vitality of the righteous and the sudden termination of the wicked.
The thread — The extinguished lamp motif reappears in Proverbs 20:20 regarding the punishment for cursing parents, and in Proverbs 24:20 where the wicked man's lamp is similarly put out in darkness. The text supplies these references without extending the imagery to dawn or progressive illumination.
Why it lands — The verse demands a clear-eyed assessment of moral trajectories, noting that righteous conduct sustains visibility and influence while wickedness inevitably collapses. It asks the reader to recognize that ethical choices produce irreversible, observable outcomes rather than temporary advantages.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 24:20 For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
- Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
- Proverbs 20:20 Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
- Psalms 97:11 Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart.
- Psalms 112:4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
- Job 18:5 Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow.
- Matthew 25:8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
- 1 Kings 11:36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.
- Job 21:17 How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction?
- Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.