Proverbs 21:10

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:10 (KJV)

Context

Proverbs is wisdom literature, attributed to King Solomon. It offers practical guidance for life, relationships, and moral choices. Proverbs 21 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. This verse focuses on the inner character of the wicked person.

Meaning

The first line, “The soul of the wicked desireth evil,” shows that wickedness is not only outward action. It comes from the deepest part of a person, the soul. The wicked person’s appetite is for evil, and this craving controls them. The second line, “his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes,” reveals the result. Because their desire is fixed on evil, they cannot see the needs or worth of the people around them. They refuse to show kindness, mercy, or consideration. The Hebrew parallelism links the craving for evil with a lack of compassion toward others.

Biblical connections

This verse teaches that sin corrupts the core of a person’s being. It affects both desires and relationships. The righteous, in contrast, are called to love their neighbour as themselves. This truth appears throughout Scripture, such as in Leviticus 19:18, where God commands love for one’s neighbour. The wicked person’s lack of favour stands in direct opposition to that command. True righteousness involves both right desires and right treatment of others.

Application

This verse prompts self-examination. Do we crave what is evil or what is good? Our inner desires shape our outward actions and how we treat others. We must guard our hearts against selfish cravings and practice kindness even when it is inconvenient. Actively seek the good of those around us, even when it costs us. Let us ask God to give us a heart that desires His will and loves our neighbour as ourselves.

Reflection

Unchecked desire for evil hardens the heart and makes us indifferent to others. But God can transform our desires. As we seek wisdom from His Word and rely on the Holy Spirit, He changes our hearts to reflect His character. We can learn to show favour and compassion, just as Christ had mercy on sinners.