Proverbs 11:10 - When It Goes Well With the Righteous

When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting. -- Proverbs 11:10, World English.

A city generally has laws and ordinances based on some sense of righteousness, justice. When the people are obeying those laws and ordinances, things usually go well with the city. Overall, when lawbreakers are put away, the law-abiding people will rejoice. The principles can only be imperfectly applied to this present time, since today evil is rampant, so that Paul refers to the present age as "evil" (bad). -- Galatians 1:4.

However, Peter tells us that "righteousness" will dwell in the age to come. (2 Peter 3:13) At that time, the principle of Proverbs 11:10 will be perfectly applied. Eventually, all the wicked will perish, so that it will then be that should one look for an evil person, he will not be found, but the meek will inherit the earth, and delight in prosperity. -- Psalm 37:9,10.

Nevertheless, the child of God in this age has one who rules over him in righteousness. God has appointed Jesus as “head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22) The child of God, in obedience to King Jesus, should certainly imitate Jesus by displaying the principles of righteousness in his or her life, even though this can only be done imperfectly, due the sinful flesh. And yet the righteousness seen by many of the world may be appreciated by them, and to some extent, may bring rejoicing to those who come into contact with such a consecrated child of God.