Proverbs 16:4 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God created everything, including the wicked, for His purposes.
The Context of Proverbs 16:4
A statement about divine sovereignty and the ultimate purpose of creation.
What Does Proverbs 16:4 Mean?
This verse makes a bold claim about God's sovereignty and creative purpose. Everything—all things—exist 'for himself,' meaning for God's purposes and glory. The phrase 'yea, even the wicked for the day of evil' extends this to the seemingly problematic case of evildoers. Rather than suggesting evil originates with God, it acknowledges that even the existence of those who do wickedness occurs within God's purposes.
The 'day of evil' likely refers to days of judgment when wickedness receives its due. The point is that God's sovereignty encompasses the entire moral order—the existence of both the righteous and the wicked, and ultimately the judgment that falls on wrongdoing. Nothing escapes God's ultimate authority or purpose, including the consequences that come to those who choose evil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 16:4
What does Proverbs 16:4 mean?
God created everything, including the wicked, for His purposes.
What is the context of Proverbs 16:4?
A statement about divine sovereignty and the ultimate purpose of creation.