Proverbs 11:23 net — The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

NET Bible

"The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath."

— Proverbs 11:23, NET Bible

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Proverbs 11:23 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 11 — Context

20

The LORD abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who are blameless in their ways are his delight.

21

Be assured that the evil person will not be unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous have escaped harm.

22

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who rejects discretion.

23

The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24

One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy, but another withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.

25

A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.

26

People will curse the one who withholds grain, but they will praise the one who sells it.

Proverbs 11:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 11:23 say?
Proverbs 11:23 in the NET Bible reads: “The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.”
Where is Proverbs 11:23 in the Bible?
Proverbs 11:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 23.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 11:23.
What translation should I read Proverbs 11:23 in?
Proverbs 11:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 11:23?
Proverbs 11:23 reads (NET): “The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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