---
title: "Proverbs 21:15"
description: "For the righteous, doing justice is a joy; only 'workers of iniquity' find it a terror. Abolitionists argue that discomfort with establishing full justice for the unborn should prompt self-examination — the righteous delight to see justice done."
type: "scripture"
book: "Proverbs"
chapter: 21
verses: "15"
translation: "NASB"
refutes: "Pro-life incrementalism"
affirms_abolition: true
themes:
  - "joy of justice"
  - "righteous vs wicked"
  - "self-examination"
source_url: "https://www.abhortion.org/scripture/proverbs-21-15.html"
---

# Proverbs 21:15

Book of Proverbs · Chapter 21

## The text

> The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.
> — Proverbs 21:15, NASB

**The claim this verse counters:** "Calling for the full exercise of justice is harsh or extreme."

## The argument

For the righteous, doing justice is a joy; only 'workers of iniquity' find it a terror. Abolitionists argue that discomfort with establishing full justice for the unborn should prompt self-examination — the righteous delight to see justice done.

## Context & notes

The speaker draws the pointed application that a distaste for doing justice may indicate whose side one is on. Follows the 'evil men do not understand justice' theme (Prov 28:5).

## Themes

- joy of justice
- righteous vs wicked
- self-examination

## Discussion questions

1. The righteous find doing justice a joy. What does it mean if establishing justice for the unborn feels only like a threat?
2. How do we keep zeal for justice from curdling into self-righteousness?

## Source transcript

Drawn from Does the Pro-Life Movement Hate Justice? (T. Russell Hunter, 'Justice Alone') — 'When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Proverbs 21:15.'.

## Related

**Related scriptures:**

- [Isaiah 61:8](isaiah-61-8.md)
- [Psalm 33:5](psalm-33-5.md)
- [Job 34:12](job-34-12.md)

**Related arguments:**

- [God commands 'justice, and only justice' — not partial or deferred justice](../arguments/arg-justice-only.md)

## Attribution

Verse text is quoted from the NASB. Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org