Proverbs 1:19
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אָ֭רְחוֹת
So are the ways
H734
אָ֭רְחוֹת
So are the ways
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 9
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
of every one that is greedy
H1214
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
of every one that is greedy
Strong's:
H1214
Word #:
4 of 9
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
the life
H5315
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
the life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Habakkuk 2:9Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!Ecclesiastes 5:13There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Historical Context
Summarizes the extended warning against joining thieves (vv.10-19). Ancient Israel lacked prisons; justice for robbery was often swift and violent. Criminal gain was quite literally life-threatening.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas does pursuit of gain tempt you toward unethical means?
- How does this verse's warning shape your understanding of 'profitable' opportunities that compromise integrity?
Analysis & Commentary
The conclusion: greedy gain (betsa - unjust profit, covetousness) takes the life of its possessors. The Hebrew wordplay suggests those who grasp at gain are themselves grasped by death. Greed doesn't merely risk life but actively destroys it - ill-gotten wealth becomes the instrument of the wicked's demise. This principle warns that covetousness is suicidal, contradicting the lie that wealth obtained by any means brings security. Jesus echoes this warning against greed (Luke 12:15).