Proverbs 10:28

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about the power of hope:

Proverbs 10:28 (NASBStr)

The hope of the righteous is gladness,

But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

Proverbs 10:28 (ESV)

The hope of the righteous brings joy,

but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

In the above proverb Solomon picks up on a similar theme he previously stated that was recorded earlier in this same chapter:

Proverbs 10:24 (NASBStr)

What the wicked fears will come upon him,

But the desire of the righteous will be granted.

The psychology of hope is a powerful force in the human spirit.  It was actually used against Eve in the garden when she was enticed to eat the forbidden fruit.  By eating the fruit she "hoped" to become like God.   Her "expectation was to be something she could later have by faith in Christ; but was not supposed to be obtained by disobedience to God."  The expectation was not wrong, it was the way she went about to get it fulfilled.   So, that is the theme of this proverb.   The righteous can be glad because their hope will be fulfilled as they have faith in Christ.   He will not disappoint.   See these proverbs:

Proverbs 11:7 (ESV)

7 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish,

and the expectation of wealth perishes too.

Proverbs 23:18 (ESV)

18 Surely there is a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 24:14 (ESV)

14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;

if you find it, there will be a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Each of these proverbs tells us that the righteous can expect great things by their faith in Christ.  But the wicked are not so.   They can hope all they want, but like Eve of old, it is false hope.   Satan had tricked her into a hope that was empty, futile and vain.   When we place trust in God we have a hope that will not fade.   That is the comparison in the book of the Proverbs specifically and in the Bible as a whole.  God offers true and lasting results, something we can hope in and count on:

Romans 4:20-21 (ESV)

20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 

But those who practice folly, forsake the fear of The Lord and, by flesh, count on their wealth, fame, friendships, etc. will have nothing in the end.   Is your hope holy or hallow?