Proverbs 1:19
Proverbs 1:19 in Multiple Translations
Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
Such is the fate of everyone who goes in search of profit; it takes away the life of its owners.
This is what happens to you if you try to become rich through crime—it kills you!
Such are the wayes of euery one that is greedy of gaine: he would take away the life of the owners thereof.
So [are] the paths of every gainer of dishonest gain, The life of its owners it taketh.
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; who taketh away the life of its owners.
So the wage of every covetous man destroy the souls of the possessors.
That is what happens to people who eagerly try to get things by violently attacking others. They will only destroy themselves!
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֵּ֗ן
אָ֭רְחוֹת
כָּל
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
בָּ֑צַע
אֶת
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
בְּעָלָ֣י/ו
יִקָּֽח
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אָ֭רְחוֹת
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
bâtsaʻ
H1214
to cut off
V-Qal
בָּ֑צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
בְּעָלָ֣י/ו
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp | Suff
יִקָּֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:19
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אָ֭רְחוֹת
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cp
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
bâtsaʻ
H1214
"to cut off"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to cut off or stop, and can also describe being greedy or covetous, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : to cut off 1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) to stop 1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cut off, sever 1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish 1b3) to violently make gain of
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be) covet(-ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily), get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded. See also: Job 6:9; Jeremiah 8:10; Psalms 10:3.
בָּ֑צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּעָלָ֣י/ו
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
יִקָּֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:19
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:19
Context — The Enticement of Sin
17How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!
18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.
19Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.
20Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; 21in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:27 | He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live. |
| 2 | 2 Peter 2:3 | In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. |
| 3 | James 5:1–4 | Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:9 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:3–4 | Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 22:17–19 | “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. |
| 7 | Micah 2:1–3 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. |
| 8 | Acts 8:19–20 | “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 5:13 | There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, |
| 10 | 2 Kings 5:20–27 | Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. |
Proverbs 1:19 Summary
This verse warns us about the dangers of being greedy and wanting more and more, especially if we get it in ways that are not fair or honest. When we prioritize wealth and material possessions above all else, it can ultimately lead to our own harm, as seen in Proverbs 1:19. The Bible teaches us to trust in God and be content with what we have, as noted in Philippians 4:11-12 and Hebrews 13:5. By focusing on what truly matters, we can avoid the pitfalls of greed and find true fulfillment and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by 'greedy' in Proverbs 1:19?
The Bible means having an excessive love for money and material possessions, which can lead to harm, as seen in Proverbs 1:19, and is also warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:24.
How does 'unjust gain' affect the lives of those who have it?
According to Proverbs 1:19, unjust gain can ultimately take the lives of its possessors, emphasizing the destructive nature of ill-gotten wealth, a concept also highlighted in Job 27:16-17 and Proverbs 28:8.
Is it possible to have wealth without being greedy?
Yes, the Bible teaches that it is possible to have wealth without being greedy, as seen in the examples of Abraham and Job, who were wealthy but also righteous and generous, as noted in Genesis 13:2 and Job 31:1-40.
What is the ultimate fate of those who prioritize wealth above all else?
The ultimate fate of those who prioritize wealth above all else is destruction, as warned in Proverbs 1:19, and also emphasized in Psalms 49:6-7 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which greed can secretly be at work in my own heart, and how can I recognize its subtle influence?
- How does the pursuit of wealth and material possessions align with or contradict my values and priorities as a follower of God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for what I already have, rather than constantly desiring more?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my pursuit of wealth and success is not at the expense of my relationship with God or my integrity?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:19
So [are] the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain,.... That is set upon getting riches in an unlawful way, by robberies and murder; his ways will end in the loss of his own blood and life, and in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:19
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
So, as is expressed both in the foregoing and following words, are the ways; the actions and courses, which are so in the tendency and event of them. That is greedy of pain; that seeks gain by unrighteous and wicked practices. Which; either which greediness; or rather, which gain, by comparing the last words. Taketh away the lives of the owners thereof; brings sudden and violent death upon those who had made themselves masters and possessors of such gain.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
Proverbs 1:19 So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.Ver. 19. Which taketh away the life.] The greater wealth, the greater spoil awaits a man: as a tree with thick and large boughs, every man desires to lop him. Trithemius writeth that the Templars, at the request of Philip, King of France, were put down and extinct, upon the pretext of heresy; but indeed, because they were rich, and Philip sore longed after their possessions. Cyprus for its great wealth became a spoil to the Roman’ s auri sacra fames, &c. Dεινοςκαιπαντολμοςτηςφιλοχρηματιαςερως. Covetousness is daring and desperate: it rides without reins, as Balaam did after the wages of wickedness, "the mammon of iniquity." Sixtus Rufus, Virgil, Isidor.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
(19) So are the ways . . .—The conclusion of the discourse. The same phrase occurs in Job 8:13. Which taketh away . . .—That is, covetousness takes away the life of him who has this vice in his heart, who is, according to the Hebrew idiom, the “owner” of it. (Comp. similar expressions in Proverbs 22:24; Proverbs 23:2, where an “angry” man and a man “given to appetite” are literally an owner of anger and appetite.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
Verse 19. Which taketh away the life] A covetous man is in effect, and in the sight of God, a murderer; he wishes to get all the gain that can accrue to any or all who are in the same business that he follows-no matter to him how many families starve in consequence. This is the very case with him who sets up shop after shop in different parts of the same town or neighbourhood, in which he carries on the same business, and endeavours to undersell others in the same trade, that he may get all into his own hand.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:19
19. which taketh away] Rather, It (greed of gain) taketh away the life of them that have it. It is the destruction of those who are possessed by it. The same Heb. phrase, owner or lord of, is rendered him that hath it, in Proverbs 16:22, Comp. Proverbs 22:24, an angry man, A.V.; him that is given to anger, R.V. lit. a lord, or owner, of anger, and Proverbs 23:2, a man given to appetite, lit. an owner of appetite.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:19
Not robbery only, but all forms of covetousness are destructive of true life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:19
19. So are the ways — Such is the natural course and end of every one that is greedy of gain — Literally, a plunderer of plunder, (comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads, |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |
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Building Up Yourselves by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reviving the gift of God within oneself. He encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and highlight |
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The Rapture of the Wicked by John Weaver | In this sermon, the preacher addresses questions asked before he left and aims to provide answers through various passages from the Bible. The title of the message is "Our Hearts C |
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Putting an End to the Prosperity Message by Miki Hardy | This sermon addresses the issue of false teachings and doctrines infiltrating the church, particularly focusing on the deceit of the doctrine of prosperity. The speaker emphasizes |
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The Gospel Our Trust #5 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of steady growth in one's faith rather than relying on initial emotional experiences. He mentions a person who boasted about h |
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The Folly of Looking Back in Fleeing Out of Sodom by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the folly of looking back when fleeing out of Sodom, drawing parallels between the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world to the judgment |