Proverbs 24:20 Meaning and Explanation
“For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Evil people will have no lasting reward, and their light will be extinguished.
The Context of Proverbs 24:20
The verse assures the righteous that evil does not ultimately prosper.
What Does Proverbs 24:20 Mean?
The rewards that wicked people seem to enjoy are empty and temporary. They cannot buy peace, security, or a legacy that endures. In time, like a candle burned down, their influence, their life, and their impact vanish.
This is not vindictiveness but reality. A life built on deception and harm produces only emptiness at the end.
Proverbs 24:20 in the Original Language
candle (נר ner) — a lamp or light; metaphorically, a person's life, influence, or legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 24:20
What does Proverbs 24:20 mean?
Evil people will have no lasting reward, and their light will be extinguished.
What is the context of Proverbs 24:20?
The verse assures the righteous that evil does not ultimately prosper.