The inner world of human beings—their deepest, hidden ambitions and expectations—serves as a mirror to their true nature and ultimately shapes their destiny. Righteous individuals possess a natural inclination and an internal drive to pursue wisdom and God's Commandments [אמרי דעת]. Out of the vast array of human desires, they practice strict self-control, choosing only to do good and leaving negative pursuits behind [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Even when natural human urges arise, such as an attraction to beauty, they channel these feelings strictly into permitted and appropriate avenues, refusing to covet what belongs to others [אלשיך]. This pursuit of goodness is directed toward both themselves and those around them [עמנואל הרומי], aiming for the absolute spiritual reward reserved for those who revere God [רלב״ג, עמנואל הרומי]. This deep longing remains strong even when they are not entirely certain they will achieve their goals. Yet, because their intentions are pure, God steps in to fulfill the wishes of their hearts [מלבי״ם].
In stark contrast, the inner world of the wicked operates on a different kind of anticipation. Rather than a humble longing, they hold a confident expectation, feeling certain that their selfish desires are already within reach [מלבי״ם]. However, this anticipation ultimately culminates in extreme, boundary-crossing anger and wrath [אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם]. Commentators understand this connection between the expectations of the wicked and ultimate wrath in two primary ways.
The first approach focuses on their malicious intentions. According to this view, the wicked actively direct their hopes toward anger, disaster, and the suffering of others [שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי]. They constantly seek out reasons to be furious [מצודת דוד]. Driven by jealousy, they wish for misfortune to strike their neighbors [מלבי״ם], or even hope for another person's death so they can seize their position or their spouse [אלשיך].
The second approach shifts the focus from their intentions to the final outcome of their actions. Although the wicked imagine and expect great success in this world, their reality is ultimately replaced by wrath [אמרי דעת]. Their hopes betray them, leaving them in a state of bitter frustration and disappointment [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, their corrupt actions draw out God's anger and the fury of those around them [עמנואל הרומי]. Ultimately, by choosing the path of evil, they effectively pave the way to their own ruin, acting as if they had been hoping for their own punishment and destruction all along [רש״י, רלב״ג].