Proverbs 10:28

"The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes." Proverbs 10:28 This verse continues the them of chapter 10, with the contrast of the righteous vs the wicked. In later chapters the theme shifts to the contrast of the upright vs the wicked, two different principles that we will address when we get there. Here we are faced with the need to define 4 main points within this proverb to solidify an understanding its message.

1. What does the hope of the righteous pertain to?
2. Define gladness
3. What are the expectations of the wicked? How are they different than hope?
4. How do those expectations perish?

First question: the hope of the righteous is gladness, is what the proverb tells us. However, that is not the answer to the question at hand. The mention of hope implies a better future, a better tomorrow, however you wish to think about it. For the Israelites during the time of Solomon life was actually fairly well. However, soon to follow his corruption and fall would be a dark time for the land of Israel as we repeat the disobedience, enslavement, repentance, deliverance phase of history. Therefore, to have hope for a better tomorrow would lead us to believe the author is referencing eternal life. A life that cannot be tarnished by the world, and therefore is something that can be relied upon continually. Thus providing a matter or belief to have hope in. Second: Gladness, the knowledge that one day it will come to pass and will be enjoyed. This definition was the interpretation of Dr. Matthew Henry, and when this view is tied together with the hope of eternal life, you have the source of hope and the ability to have faith in it for your belief that it will come to pass. Interesting, that you cannot have one without the other. Joy, or gladness, requires a reason for its existence, and hope requires a belief that what you believe will one day occur. Continued on Part 2: