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What does Proverbs 21:10 mean?

The wicked crave evil; they don’t show mercy to anyone. Proverbs 21:10 - Modern Text Bible

(Some people are so set on doing wrong that they have no compassion at all.)

Some people are so driven by their own harmful desires that they not only want bad things, but they also have no sympathy for anyone who suffers because of their actions. The core idea here is that a person with a truly evil heart doesn’t just make mistakes—they actively crave what hurts others. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is rasha, which means someone who is guilty, hostile, or morally wrong. This isn’t about someone who slips up now and then; it’s about a person who is set on causing harm.

This verse pushes back against the idea that everyone is basically good deep down or that wrongdoing is always accidental. It claims there are people who genuinely want to do harm and don’t care who gets hurt. In a world where we often excuse bad behavior as a misunderstanding or a product of circumstance, this is a jarring reminder that some intentions are simply destructive.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to enjoy causing pain or never feel bad for what they do, this verse names that reality. It’s a warning to recognize that not everyone is acting out of ignorance or weakness—sometimes, it’s a choice. If you find yourself dealing with someone who seems to have no empathy, it’s not your fault, and you’re not imagining it. This wisdom helps you see the difference between someone who messes up and someone who truly doesn’t care about right or wrong.