Proverbs 1:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

NIV: Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

NASB: Such are the ways of everyone who makes unjust gain; It takes away the life of its possessors.

CSB: Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.

NLT: Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

KJV: So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

NKJV: So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

Those who have read the myth of King Midas will recognize the point of this proverb. King Midas wished for nothing more than gold. His greed was immense, even though he already had everything he could want. By chance, he was given the ability to have one wish granted; he wished that everything he touched would turn into gold. This scheme quickly turned into a curse when his clothes, food, and drink all became cold, hard metal. Even his daughter turned into a gold statue. Midas suffered greatly for his selfish wish, and ruined his royal life. Midas' greed was for unjust gain. He wanted what he did not deserve, did not earn, and didn't really need. He made a stupid, thoughtless choice based on insatiable greed. This act would eventually take away his "life," just as Solomon tells us here.

Those who try to get ahead through sin and evil will find that they've lost everything. This includes what they thought they were gaining, and everything they had beforehand (Mark 8:36–38).

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 1:41:49 PM