Proverbs 28:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

NIV: Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

NASB: One who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.

CSB: The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

NLT: Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

KJV: Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

NKJV: Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.

History reveals the way sin spreads through temptation, eventually leading a culture to dire consequences (Proverbs 16:29; James 1:13–15). Convincing others to join in immorality seems like freedom at first, but it ends in negative results (Proverbs 24:21–22; 26:27).

The Bible is filled with examples of unrighteous people dragging society away from God and into sin. Potiphar's wicked wife tried unsuccessfully to seduce Joseph (Genesis 39:7–10). Queen Jezebel introduced Baal worship into Israel and successfully lured her husband and his nation away from the worship of Jehovah (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25). Wicked kings such as Manasseh (2 Kings 21:9–12) did the same. Absalom, David's son, triggered a bloody civil war against his father (2 Samuel 15:12–14).

The New Testament warns about false teachers who would lead believers away from truth. Paul warned the Galatian churches about such men. He writes in Galatians 1:7–8: "There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

This proverb speaks of judgment for the enticers but reward for those who resist (1 Corinthians 10:13). The word translated "blameless" here comes from a term implying someone with a clear reputation for morality (Genesis 6:9; Psalm 15:2; Proverbs 2:21; 11:20; 28:18). In such contexts, a person is "blameless" when they cannot be credibly accused by others: they are not perfectly sinless, but they are clearly obedient to God. Proverbs 1:10 is clear: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

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.