21:7

The first line of this proverb identifies the sin of wicked people as their violent treatment of others. The result of their violence will be their own destruction. The second line gives the cause of their violent conduct and of its consequences.

7a The violence of the wicked will sweep them away

7b because they refuse to do what is just.

21:7a

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away: In this clause, violence is personified. The violent deeds that wicked people do to others are described as someone or something that drags the wicked people away. This figure of speech means that the wicked will be severely punished or destroyed as a result of the harm that they do to others. For example:

The violence of the wicked will destroy them (New King James Version)

In many languages, it will be necessary to express this relationship in other ways. For example:

The wicked are doomed by their own violence (Good News Translation)
-or-
As a result of the cruel/harmful things that the wicked do to others, they themselves will experience punishment/destruction.

violence of the wicked: This phrase indicates that wicked people treat others in a way that is harsh, cruel, or oppressive.

will sweep them away: In Hebrew, this verb implies that the wicked are taken away ⌊to be punished or destroyed⌋ . The verse does not specify whether they are punished by the LORD or other people. If possible, translate in a way that allows either meaning. See the Good News Translation and the other example quoted above.

21:7b

because they refuse to do what is just: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as what is just is literally “justice.” It may refer to legal decisions that are “just.” It may also refer to any action that is “right,” “fair,” or just in reference to another person. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

for they refuse to do what is right (New International Version)
-or-
because they refuse to act with justice (New American Standard Bible)

In some languages, it may be appropriate to use more than one term in order to include both aspects of meaning. For example:

what is right and just

General Comment on 21:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to put the cause before the consequence. For example:

Wicked people refuse to do what is right. They are cruel to others. As a result, they themselves will be destroyed.

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