Proverbs 10:29

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Proverbs 10:29 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

King James Version KJV

The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

American Standard Version ASV

The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The way of the Lord is a strong tower for the upright man, but destruction to the workers of evil.

Free Bible Version FBV

The way of the Lord protects those who do right, but he destroys those who do evil.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The way of the Lord is strength to the vpright man: but feare shall be for the workers of iniquitie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The way of Jehovah [is] strength to the perfect, And ruin to workers of iniquity.

World English Bible WEB

The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The strength of the upright is the way of the Lord: and fear to them that work evil.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh protects [MET] those who live righteously, but he destroys those who do what is evil.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:29

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 10:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB מָע֣וֹז לַ֭/תֹּם דֶּ֣רֶךְ יְהוָ֑ה וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן

מָע֣וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 security N-ms

לַ֭/תֹּם tôm H8537 integrity Prep | N-ms

דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה mᵉchittâh H4288 terror Conj | N-fs

לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי pâʻal H6466 to work Prep | V-Qal

אָֽוֶן ʼâven H205 evil N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:29

מָע֣וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 "security" N-ms

A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.

Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.

לַ֭/תֹּם tôm H8537 "integrity" Prep | N-ms

This word means being complete or having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is innocent and morally pure. In the Bible, it describes people who are full of integrity and live with simplicity. It is often translated as 'integrity' or 'upright'.

Definition: 1) integrity, completeness 1a) completeness, fulness 1b) innocence, simplicity 1c) integrity

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550 (תֻּמִּים). See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 26:11; Psalms 7:9.

דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וּ֝/מְחִתָּ֗ה mᵉchittâh H4288 "terror" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means terror or ruin, causing consternation or destruction. It is used to describe something that inspires fear or dread, and is translated as 'destruction' or 'terror' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) destruction, ruin, terror, a breaking 1a) terror, dismay, object of terror 1b) ruin

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: destruction, dismaying, ruin, terror. See also: Psalms 89:41; Proverbs 14:28; Proverbs 10:14.

לְ/פֹ֣עֲלֵי pâʻal H6466 "to work" Prep | V-Qal

To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.

Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.

אָֽוֶן ʼâven H205 "evil" N-ms

This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.

Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.

Study Notes — Proverbs 10:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 10:29 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:29
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:29
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:29
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:29
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29
Sermons on Proverbs 10:29

Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son

27The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short. 28The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.

29The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

30The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land. 31The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 21:15	Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
2	Romans 2:8–9	But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;
3	Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
4	Psalms 36:12	There the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down and unable to rise.
5	Psalms 37:20	But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away.
6	Zechariah 10:12	I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD.
7	Psalms 92:7	that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.
8	Psalms 84:7	They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion.
9	Isaiah 40:31	But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
10	Job 31:3	Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?

Proverbs 10:29 Summary

This verse tells us that when we follow God's way and do what is right, He is our safe place and our protection, as also seen in Psalm 91:4. On the other hand, when we choose to do wrong, we can expect trouble and hardship, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8. It's a reminder that our choices have consequences, and that God is always with us when we trust and obey Him. By following God's way, we can experience His peace and joy, even in difficult times, as promised in Philippians 4:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to walk in the way of the Lord?

Walking in the way of the Lord means following His commands and teachings, as seen in Psalm 119:1, and trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Who are the upright mentioned in this verse?

The upright are those who have put their faith in God and are seeking to live a righteous life, as described in Psalm 37:37, and are therefore able to find refuge in Him.

What kind of destruction awaits those who do evil?

The destruction that awaits those who do evil is not just physical or temporal, but also spiritual, as warned in Matthew 25:46, and can lead to eternal separation from God, as described in Revelation 20:15.

How can I be sure I am walking in the way of the Lord?

You can be sure you are walking in the way of the Lord by studying His Word, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15, and by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the teachings of this verse to my daily life, and how can I trust in God's refuge and provision?
How do I know if I am walking in the way of the Lord, and what are some signs that I may be straying from the path?
What are some areas of my life where I may be doing evil, and how can I repent and turn back to God?
How can I find comfort and refuge in God when faced with challenges and uncertainties, and what does this verse teach me about His character?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:29

The way of the Lord [is] strength to the upright,.... Who are upright in heart and life; who have the uprightness or righteousness of Christ imputed to them, and right spirits renewed in them; in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:29

The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29

The way of the Lord; either, 1. The way or course of God’ s providence in the government of the world. Or rather, 2. The way of God’ s precepts, as God’ s way or ways are most commonly understood in Scripture, or walking in God’ s ways; for this is opposed to working iniquity in the next clause. Is strength; gives strength, i.e. either courage and confidence, or support and protection from that destruction here following. Destruction, or terror, or consternation, as the word properly signifies, and many render it. The design of this verse is to show that piety is the only true policy.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29

Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.Ver. 29. The way of the Lord is strength.] "The joy of the Lord," that joy of hope, spoken of in the preceding verse, "is their strength." The peace of God within them, and the power of God without them, bears up their spirits under whatsoever pressures; such can boldly say, It is well with me for the present, and it will be better hereafter. But destruction.] Such as they shall never be able either to avoid or to abide.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29

(29) The way of the Lord—i.e., in which He has directed men to walk. (Comp. Psalms 25:12; Matthew 22:16; Acts 9:2.) It is a strong protection to the righteous, for no harm can happen to them while they follow it (1 Peter 3:13); but it is destruction (not, there is destruction) to the workers of iniquity, because the fact of their having rejected the teaching of God will be their condemnation. (Comp. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29

Verse 29. The way of the Lord is strength] In the path of obedience the upright man ever finds his strength renewed; the more he labours the stronger he grows. The same sentiment as that in Isaiah 40:31.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:29

29. shall be] These words should not be introduced. “The way of the Lord” is the subject of both clauses of the verse: it is at once a “stronghold” and a “destruction,” or “ruin” (see Proverbs 10:15, note: the Heb. word is the same) to the two opposite classes of men. So R.V.: The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. “The way of the Lord” may mean either His way of dealing with men (comp. Psalms 18:30, [Heb. 31]), or the way which He has prescribed for men to walk in (Psalms 27:11). In the latter case, it may be the destruction of those who do not keep it, because to have known and not kept it is their condemnation. Comp. John 3:19. See also Hosea 14:9.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:29

Omit “shall be.” The meaning is: “The Way of Yahweh,” i. e., the Divine Order of the world, has its two sides. It is “strength to the upright, destruction to the workers of iniquity.”

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:29

29. Way of the Lord — The divine order, or providence. Is strength — A bulwark, or defence, or fortress, to the upright; ìúí, lattom, to the perfect.

Sermons on Proverbs 10:29

	Sermon	Description
	Do You Want an Answer? by Elisabeth Elliot	Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of seeking honest solutions to our problems by turning to the Word of God rather than seeking mere audience for our grievances and excuse
	To Elisha Camp by Charles Finney	In his sermon 'To Elisha Camp', Charles Finney addresses the legal troubles faced by Elisha Camp, emphasizing the importance of integrity and justice in both personal and professio
	From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus	Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th
	The Eyes of God See It All by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the joy and assurance that comes from knowing God is sovereign and sees all injustices in the world. He reassures the righteous that God holds all power an
	Letter - to Elisha Camp by Charles Finney	In his letter to Elisha Camp, Charles Finney addresses legal challenges faced by Camp, providing insights into the court proceedings and the objections raised against him. Finney r
	Studies in Romans-02 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the apostle Paul teaches about the judgment of God. He emphasizes that God's judgment is based on truth and not on incomplete or circumstantial evidence. Those who
	Lake Geneva Bible Conference 1984-03 Romans 2:1-16 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God and how it will be without respect of persons. He emphasizes that God's judgment will be according to the law and truth, a