Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Original Language Analysis
בְּאֹֽרַח
In the way
H734
בְּאֹֽרַח
In the way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
צְדָקָ֥ה
of righteousness
H6666
צְדָקָ֥ה
of righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
2 of 7
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
חַיִּ֑ים
is life
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
is life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ
H1870
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
3 John 1:11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.Romans 5:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.Proverbs 11:19As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.Proverbs 8:35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.Proverbs 10:16The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.1 John 2:29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.Deuteronomy 30:15See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;Ezekiel 18:9Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
Historical Context
The way of life versus death was covenant choice given to Israel (Deuteronomy 30:19). Individual paths of righteousness or wickedness determined one's participation in covenant blessings or curses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your daily choices reflect walking in the way of life versus death?
- What righteousness do you pursue: your own or Christ's imputed righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Righteousness leads to life, its pathway avoids death. This ultimate contrast shows all choices are fundamentally spiritual, leading toward or away from God. The righteousness that saves is Christ's imputed righteousness, while the righteousness here refers to sanctified living that flows from regeneration.