Proverbs 28:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁגֶּ֤ה
to go astray
H7686
מַשְׁגֶּ֤ה
to go astray
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
1 of 10
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
יְשָׁרִ֨ים׀
Whoso causeth the righteous
H3477
יְשָׁרִ֨ים׀
Whoso causeth the righteous
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
2 of 10
straight (literally or figuratively)
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
H1870
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִפּ֑וֹל
he shall fall
H5307
יִפּ֑וֹל
he shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
7 of 10
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים
but the upright
H8549
וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים
but the upright
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
8 of 10
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
Cross References
Proverbs 26:27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:Proverbs 15:6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel faced constant pressure from pagan neighbors to compromise covenant faithfulness. False prophets and corrupt leaders often led people astray. The New Testament warns similarly of those who 'cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine' (Romans 16:17), and Jesus's severe words about offending 'little ones' (Matthew 18:6).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever been tempted to draw others into compromise or sin? What stopped you?
- How can you protect yourself from those who would lead you away from righteousness?
- What 'good things' has God given to sustain you when facing moral pressure or temptation?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way—The causative verb form indicates active deception or temptation. Leading the yashar (upright, righteous) into an evil way (derek ra) brings severe consequences: he shall fall himself into his own pit.
This poetic justice reflects the principle of measure-for-measure judgment. The trap (shachah, pit) prepared for others becomes the deceiver's own downfall—seen in Haman's execution on his own gallows (Esther 7:10) and Psalm 7:15: 'He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.' Meanwhile, the upright shall have good things in possession (tov yinchalu, inherit good), demonstrating God's protective justice.