Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
לַ֭תֹּם
to the upright
H8537
לַ֭תֹּם
to the upright
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
2 of 7
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּ֝מְחִתָּ֗ה
but destruction
H4288
וּ֝מְחִתָּ֗ה
but destruction
Strong's:
H4288
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation
Cross References
Proverbs 21:15It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Psalms 36:12There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.Psalms 92:7When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:Psalms 84:7They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.Psalms 37:20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.Zechariah 10:12And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Historical Context
Reflects covenant theology where God's commands were life to the obedient but curse to the disobedient. The same law brought blessing or curse depending on response.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you experiencing God's ways as strength or as destruction in your life?
- What determines whether divine truth strengthens or destroys you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The way of YHWH is strength to the upright, but destruction shall be to workers of iniquity. God's way provides strength and refuge to the faithful while bringing ruin to the wicked. This verse presents the same reality - God's ways - producing opposite effects on different people based on their moral orientation. What strengthens the righteous destroys the wicked. This principle explains how the same gospel saves some and hardens others (2 Cor 2:15-16).