Proverbs 1:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse" —

NIV: cast lots with us; we will all share the loot"—

NASB: Throw in your lot with us; We will all have one money bag,'

CSB: Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share the loot" —

NLT: Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.'

KJV: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

NKJV: Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”—

This verse ends with the typical promise of sin: "Throw in with us and we will all share in the plunder." Of course, in the real world, this isn't just unlikely, it's impossible. Sin never leads to all of the glorious outcomes it promises. There is no legitimate get rich quick scheme. Nobody engaged in sin and evil is going to fairly share with other sinners. Yet, this kind of approach continues to sell to the easily manipulated community. This, of course, means each one of us, which is the reason Proverbs brings this warning so early and so strongly.

Obviously, the book of Proverbs, along with the rest of the Bible, realizes that sin does sometimes result in temporary benefits (Psalm 73:3; Hebrews 11:25). More often than not, though, it leads to ruin and suffering (Galatians 6:8). And, of course, rejection of God will ultimately lead to eternal damnation (Mark 8:36; John 12:48).

Even though Solomon's example seems extreme, he uses it to explain many of the ways in which temptation can attack us. When understood this way, the enticement to sin is quite real. The purpose of the example is to help us recognize and reject those "sales tactics:" peer pressure, ends justifying the means, personal gain, and glory.

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.