Proverbs 1:32
Proverbs 1:32 in Multiple Translations
For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.
For the turning back of the simple from teaching will be the cause of their death, and the peace of the foolish will be their destruction.
Stupid people are killed by their rebellion; foolish people are destroyed by their lack of concern.
For ease slaieth the foolish, and the prosperitie of fooles destroyeth them.
For the turning of the simple slayeth them, And the security of the foolish destroyeth them.
For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
The turning away of little ones shall kill them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Those who turn away from me are stupid/foolish; they will die because of doing that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:32
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 1:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
מְשׁוּבַ֣ת
פְּתָיִ֣ם
תַּֽהַרְגֵ֑/ם
וְ/שַׁלְוַ֖ת
כְּסִילִ֣ים
תְּאַבְּדֵֽ/ם
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מְשׁוּבַ֣ת
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
faithlessness
N-fs
פְּתָיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-mp
תַּֽהַרְגֵ֑/ם
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
וְ/שַׁלְוַ֖ת
shalvâh
H7962
ease
Conj | N-fs
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
תְּאַבְּדֵֽ/ם
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:32
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מְשׁוּבַ֣ת
mᵉshûwbâh
H4878
"faithlessness"
N-fs
This word describes turning away from God, or faithlessness. It is used to convey the idea of apostasy or backsliding. In the Bible, it is often used to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
Definition: turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: backsliding, turning away. See also: Proverbs 1:32; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 2:19.
פְּתָיִ֣ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
תַּֽהַרְגֵ֑/ם
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/שַׁלְוַ֖ת
shalvâh
H7962
"ease"
Conj | N-fs
This word describes a state of quietness and ease, like having abundance and prosperity. It can also mean having a false sense of security, but in the Bible, it often refers to the peace and tranquility that comes from God.
Definition: quietness, ease, prosperity Aramaic equivalent: she.le.vah (שְׁלֵוָה "ease" H7963)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: abundance, peace(-ably), prosperity, quietness. See also: Psalms 122:7; Ezekiel 16:49; Proverbs 1:32.
כְּסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
תְּאַבְּדֵֽ/ם
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:32
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:32
Context — Wisdom Calls Aloud
30They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof.
31So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:19 | Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 3 | John 3:36 | Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” |
| 4 | Luke 16:19–25 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:25 | See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? |
| 6 | James 5:5 | You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 7 | Hebrews 12:8 | If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. |
| 8 | Luke 12:16–21 | Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 48:11–12 | Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged. Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him wanderers, who will pour him out. They will empty his vessels and shatter his jars. |
| 10 | Psalms 69:22 | May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap. |
Proverbs 1:32 Summary
This verse means that people who are naive and lacking in spiritual discernment, or who are self-satisfied and complacent, will ultimately face negative consequences. This is because they are not seeking God's counsel or wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:30. Instead, they are following their own ways and desires, which will lead to destruction. However, as seen in Proverbs 1:33, those who listen to God's counsel and seek wisdom will dwell in safety and security, and this is also promised in Psalms 1:1-3, which describes the blessedness of those who delight in God's law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the waywardness of the simple to slay them?
The Bible teaches that those who are naive and lacking in spiritual discernment will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, as seen in Proverbs 1:32, and this is a result of rejecting God's counsel, as stated in Proverbs 1:30.
How does complacency destroy fools?
Complacency, or a sense of self-satisfaction, can lead to a lack of vigilance and a failure to seek wisdom, ultimately resulting in destruction, as warned in Proverbs 1:32, and also seen in the example of the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.
Is it possible for someone to change from being simple or a fool to being wise?
Yes, it is possible for someone to change and become wise, as the Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and to listen to counsel, as seen in Proverbs 1:33 and Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
What is the alternative to the waywardness of the simple and the complacency of fools?
The alternative is to listen to God's counsel and to seek wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 1:33, which promises safety and security from the fear of evil, and as also seen in Psalms 1:1-3, which describes the blessedness of those who delight in God's law.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be acting in a wayward or complacent manner, and how can I seek God's counsel to change?
- How can I balance being confident in my faith with being vigilant and humble, so as to avoid complacency?
- What are some ways in which I can seek wisdom and discernment in my daily life, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 1:32 to my relationships and decisions?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on others, to help them avoid the pitfalls of waywardness and complacency, and to seek wisdom instead?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them,.... Or be the cause of their being slain; even their turning away from Christ, their aversion to him; their turning their backs on him, and a deaf
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
Turning away, to wit, from God, and from his counsels and reproofs; so this is opposed to hearkening unto God, . Or, as it is rendered in the margin, and by divers others, the ease or rest, the peace or tranquillity, as it seems to be explained in the next clause. Shall destroy them; it commonly proves the occasion of their ruin, by making them presumptuous, and secure, and worldly, and proud, and forgetful of God and of their own eternal happiness, whereby they provoke God’ s wrath, and bring upon themselves swift and certain destruction. Thus he meets with the common objection against the fear of God, taken from the present impunity and prosperity of ungodly men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
Proverbs 1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.Ver. 32. For the turning away.] Whereas it might be objected that meanwhile wicked men live at ease and prosper; it is granted, but withal asserted, that these fatted oxen are but fitted for the slaughter. The sunshine of prosperity ripens the sin of the wicked apace. Bernard calls it misericordiam omni indignatione crudeliorem, a mercy that he had no mind to. What good is there in having a fine suit with the plague in it? As soon may a man miscarry upon the soft sands as upon the hard rocks.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
(32) The turning away of the simple . . .—i.e., from God. (Comp. Jeremiah 2:19.) Prosperity of fools—i.e., the security, apathy of dull, stupid people (khesîlîm), who cannot believe that God will fulfil His threatenings. (Comp. Psalms 73 throughout.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
Verse 32. For the turning away of the simple] This difficult place seems to refer to such a case as we term turning king's evidence; where an accomplice saves his own life by impeaching the rest of his gang. This is called his turning or repentance, משובה meshubah; and he was the most likely to turn, because he was of the פתים pethayim, seduced or deceived persons. And this evidence was given against them when they were in their prosperity, שלוה shalvah, their security, enjoying the fruits of their depredations; and being thus in a state of fancied security, they were the more easily taken and brought to justice.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:32
32. turning away] Lit. turning. The word, however, is commonly used of turning away from God and from good. So here: “I called you to turn to me (Proverbs 1:23), and instead, you have turned from me.” Backsliding (R.V.), is less suitable, as denoting a turning away from a position already taken up, whereas “the simple” are regarded as on neutral ground, and not yet having turned in one direction or the other. prosperity] Rather, carelessness (R.V. marg.), the fruit of prosperity. securitas, Maurer. Comp. Ezekiel 16:49, where the same word is rendered, prosperous ease, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:32
Turning - Wisdom had called the simple to “turn,” and they had turned, but it was “away” from her. For “prosperity” read carelessness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:32
32. For the turning away — From wisdom; their departure from right and virtue, their defection, (cf. Proverbs 1:23,) shall be their ruin, and even their very prosperity or success.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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Deferred Obedience 1 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not deferring obedience to God's will, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglecting the lost and the vulnerable. It addresses societa |
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Faith, Hope, and Love by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying on the "beam" and keeping our focus on Jesus. He compares this to a pilot flying through fog, who relies on a clock |
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The Struggle Is Real by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the reality of the struggle to obey God's wisdom in his sermon 'The Struggle Is Real.' He discusses how wisdom, as outlined in Proverbs, is essential for m |
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Religious Indifference by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the danger of religious indifference, using the example of Gallio who cared for none of the spiritual matters presented to him. She emphasizes the im |
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 3 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God in a way that truly reflects the power and glory of Yahweh. He criticizes the current state of pr |
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Antichrist Armageddon Mark of the Beast by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the coming economic collapse and how it will lead to a time when Christians can no longer afford internet or other frivolous things. He empha |