Proverbs 11:18 (BSB)

The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

From Proverbs 11. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 11:18

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 11:18: Note, 1. Sinners put a most fatal cheat upon themselves: The wicked works a deceitful work, builds himself a house upon the sand, which will deceive him when the storm comes, promises himself that by his sin which he will never gain; nay, it is cutting his throat when it smiles upon him. Sin deceived me, and by it slew me. 2.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 11:18: The wicked worketh a deceitful work,.... Such a wicked man as before described; that neither enjoys the good things of life he has, nor suffers others to enjoy them; and all to accumulate riches, which are deceitful and perishing; and who abstains from meats, which God has created for use, under a pretence of religion, and so deceives his own soul; and indeed every sin...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 11:18: a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pro 10:2; Pro 23:5). sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9).
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 11:18: Pro 11:18 Man consists of body and soul. In regard to both, benevolence brings its reward, and hatred its punishment. The godless acquires deceptive gain; But he that soweth righteousness, a true reward. Jerome makes 18b an independent clause, for he translates it as if the word were written וּלזרע; the Syr. and Targ. also, as if אמתּו שׂכרו (his fidelity is his reward).