Proverbs 23:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked have a final reckoning, but your hope in God will not be disappointed.
The Context of Proverbs 23:18
Assurance: the righteous have enduring hope despite the wicked's apparent success.
What Does Proverbs 23:18 Mean?
The end refers to the ultimate consequence for sinners—judgment and loss. In contrast, the righteous person who maintains reverence for God has an expectation (a future hope and purpose) that remains intact. This is the long view: sin may seem profitable briefly, but righteousness endures.
Your expectation is not cut off because it rests on God's character and promises, not on circumstances or the temporary success of the wicked. Holding to God, even in difficult seasons, keeps hope alive and intact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:18
What does Proverbs 23:18 mean?
The wicked have a final reckoning, but your hope in God will not be disappointed.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:18?
Assurance: the righteous have enduring hope despite the wicked's apparent success.