This proverb illustrates the final course of world history. “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Corinthians 6:2; see also Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:27; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:4ff.).
Yet even before the end comes, the truth of this proverb will often be demonstrated. Think of Joseph’s brothers, who eventually did have to bow before him. Shimei, who had cursed king David, eventually fell at the king’s feet (2 Samuel 19:18). Even a church can experience this. Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia that their enemies would fall at their feet and admit that they are his loved ones (Revelation 3:8–9).
God can make the righteousness of his children “shine like the light,” even in this age. But then we should follow the counsel of Psalm 37:1–40 and wait patiently for his time (Psalm 37:7, Psalm 33:1–22).
19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.