This verse is a single sentence, in which the second line is an explanation for the statement of the first line. The theme is similar to that of 1.19, that violence destroys those who practice it.

“The violence of the wicked will sweep them away”: “Violence” is behavior that harms, ruins, mistreats, or oppresses other people. Most English versions use the word “violence” here; in languages that express the sense using a verb of action, renderings such as “wicked people hurt others,” “. . . treat others harshly,” or “. . . are cruel to others” are possible. Scott translates “The plunder seized by wicked men will. . ..” The Hebrew verb translated “sweep them away” is literally “drag them away” (as in New International Version) like fish caught in a net. Versions that express this sense without using figurative language say something like “the violence of the wicked proves their ruin” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “the wicked are doomed by their own violence” (Good News Translation).

“Because they refuse to do what is just”: “Because” indicates the root cause of the behavior described in the first line and its outcome. Almost by definition, “the wicked” are people who “refuse to do what is just” (or “right,” New International Version, Good News Translation). The consequence of this state of mind is what was stated in the first line, namely that their own violent actions destroy them.

In some languages it is more natural to state the cause before its consequence, and so this verse may need to be restructured. One such restructuring is “Wicked people refuse to do what is good. They constantly hurt other people. And so their behavior will destroy them.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .