Desires and Expectations
Commonplace –
“The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath” (Proverbs 11:23).
In Proverbs 11:23, Solomon mentions desires and expectations, and essentially, the words have the same meaning. The Hebrew word for ‘desire’ is “ta’ăvâ“, which means the “longing of the heart” (“H378”). The Hebrew word for ‘expectations’ is “tiqvâ“, which means “hope” (“H8615”).
What is the hope of the righteous? The righteous long for a good outcome. What is the hope of the wicked? The wicked long for a bad outcome. The good hope the best for themselves and those around them. The wicked desire wrath, fury, and revenge.
What are you thinking when you think of the outcome of events?
Works Cited
“H8378 – ta’ăvâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8378/kjv/wlc/0-1/.
“H8615 – tiqvâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Mar, 2026. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8615/kjv/wlc/0-1/.
Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 11:23.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2026 Angela Hormberg
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