Proverbs 14:19 Meaning and Explanation
“The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Evil bows before good; the wicked stand humbled at the gates of the righteous.
The Context of Proverbs 14:19
Proverbs teaches that moral order is real and consequential.
What Does Proverbs 14:19 Mean?
This verse asserts a moral order in which good has weight and authority. The evil do not ultimately prosper unopposed; they find themselves bowing before the good. This may happen through circumstances, through community response, through divine ordering, or through time's revelation of truth. Evil cannot maintain a posture of dominance against genuine goodness.
The wicked stand at the gates of the righteous like supplicants before those of higher status. The image suggests that ultimately, right standing and righteousness carry authority that evil cannot match. The verse affirms confidence that good does not lose to evil, though it may appear otherwise in the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:19
What does Proverbs 14:19 mean?
Evil bows before good; the wicked stand humbled at the gates of the righteous.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:19?
Proverbs teaches that moral order is real and consequential.