Proverbs 1:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

NIV: let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

NASB: Let’s swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, like those who go down to the pit;

CSB: Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit.

NLT: Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave ; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.

KJV: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

NKJV: Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

This verse carries the theme of verse 11 to another level. Solomon is still using an exaggerated scenario, for a reason. The "obvious" response here is meant to show how we ought to respond to foolishness and sin. This is meant to be applied anywhere we are tempted, not only in cases of obvious evil.

Verse 11 brought up the dangers of peer pressure—the "group mentality." Not only is the group mentality still in play here in verse 12, but now a new incentive is given. Here, the excuse changes to suggest that "The people we're doing this to have it coming." This is another reason human beings have used to excuse evil actions: the claim that two wrongs make a right. This even applies in seemingly positive ways. It's the reason we applaud Robin Hood for stealing: because he is stealing from the rich and greedy. Here in this verse, the tempting "sinner" is stating that the people being ambushed are going down to the pit anyway, so we might as well teach them a lesson. And yet, these were the same people described in verse 11 as "the innocent," showing how sin will twist anything in order to justify itself.

Proverbs 1:8–19 is a warning against foolishness and the allure of sinful behavior. Solomon begins this warning by appealing to his children to honor their parents' teaching. As any parent knows, it’s often best to outline a negative behavior before stating the consequences of that behavior. The example used seems extreme, but it is meant to point towards an obvious conclusion.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.