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Proverbs 16:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, including even wicked people for the day when they will face judgment.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is sovereign over all creation and has a purpose for everything, even allowing evil people to exist until the day they face his judgment.

📚 Historical Context

This proverb was written during Israel's monarchy when the people struggled to understand why evil seemed to prosper while the righteous suffered. The wisdom literature of this period sought to explain God's sovereign control over all aspects of life, including the apparent success of wicked people. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often questioned divine justice, and this verse affirms that even evil serves God's ultimate purposes.

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