Proverbs 4:17
Proverbs 4:17 in Multiple Translations
For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.
The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink.
For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
For they eate the breade of wickednesse, and drinke the wine of violence.
For they have eaten bread of wickedness, And wine of violence they drink.
For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
They eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of iniquity.
What they eat and what they drink are things that they have obtained by acting wickedly and violently.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
לָ֭חֲמוּ
לֶ֣חֶם
רֶ֑שַׁע
וְ/יֵ֖ין
חֲמָסִ֣ים
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לָ֭חֲמוּ
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
wickedness
N-ms
וְ/יֵ֖ין
yayin
H3196
wine
Conj | N-ms
חֲמָסִ֣ים
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-mp
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 4:17
כִּ֣י
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.
לָ֭חֲמוּ
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
"wickedness"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
וְ/יֵ֖ין
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
חֲמָסִ֣ים
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-mp
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
יִשְׁתּֽוּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:17
Context — A Father’s Instruction
15Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.
16For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. 19But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 5:4–5 | 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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 2 | Psalms 14:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. |
| 3 | Micah 6:12 | For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:17 | Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:17 | “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!” |
| 6 | Micah 3:5 | This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: |
| 7 | Jeremiah 5:26–28 | For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 8 | Matthew 23:13 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. |
| 9 | Amos 8:4–6 | Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” |
| 10 | Job 24:5–6 | Indeed, like wild donkeys in the desert, the poor go to work foraging for food; the wasteland is food for their children. They gather fodder in the fields and glean the vineyards of the wicked. |
Proverbs 4:17 Summary
Proverbs 4:17 teaches us that people who choose to do wrong are like those who eat food that gives them strength to do more bad things, and they drink something that makes them want to hurt others. This is very different from what God wants for us, which is to walk in the light of His wisdom and love (Proverbs 4:18, 1 John 2:10). To follow God's path, we need to be careful about what we allow into our lives and make sure our actions are guided by love and kindness, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). By choosing righteousness, we can grow in wisdom and holiness, just like the light of dawn shining brighter and brighter until midday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'eat the bread of wickedness' in Proverbs 4:17?
This phrase means to nourish oneself with sinful or unjust actions, much like we need bread to sustain our physical bodies (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4).
How does drinking 'the wine of violence' relate to the overall theme of Proverbs 4?
Drinking the wine of violence signifies participating in or benefiting from acts of violence or cruelty, which is a stark contrast to the path of righteousness described in Proverbs 4:18, where the righteous are guided by the light of God's wisdom.
Is Proverbs 4:17 suggesting that all wicked people are violent?
While not all wickedness involves physical violence, Proverbs 4:17 highlights that the pursuit of wickedness can lead to harm and violence against others, emphasizing the importance of seeking righteousness and wisdom as described in Proverbs 4:18-19.
How can we apply the warning of Proverbs 4:17 to our daily lives?
We can apply this warning by being mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and the actions we take, ensuring they align with God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31) and to pursue peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I might be unknowingly 'eating the bread of wickedness' or 'drinking the wine of violence' in my own life?
- How can I distinguish between the path of righteousness and the way of the wicked in my daily decisions and interactions?
- In what ways can I seek to nourish myself with righteousness and wisdom, rather than wickedness and violence?
- What role does the light of God's wisdom play in guiding me away from the darkness of wickedness, and how can I cultivate a deeper understanding of this wisdom in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:17
For they eat the bread of wickedness,.... Either that is gotten by wicked and unlawful means, or wickedness itself is bread unto them; it is that to their minds as bread is to their bodies; they feed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:17
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
They eat the bread of wickedness: the sense is either, 1. Wickedness is as necessary and as pleasant to them as their bread; which suits well with the former verse. Or, 2. They live wholly upon what they get by wicked courses; which gives the reason of what he last said, why they could not sleep without prey. The wine of violence, i.e. gotten by violence. See on the former clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.Ver. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness.] As Tartarians feed upon dead carcasses of horses, asses, cats, dogs, yea, when they stink, and are full of maggots, and hold them as dainty as we do venison. As spiders feed upon aconite; as Mithridates, and the maid in Pliny, upon spiders; or as the Turkish galley slaves upon opium - they will eat near an ounce at a time, as if it were bread (the tithe whereof would kill him that is not accustomed to it), and can neither sleep nor live without it. Petcham’ s Valley of Vanity. A genus of poisonous plants, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. esp. the common European species Aconitum Napellus, called also Monk’ s-hood and Wolf’ s-bane. Also applied loosely or erroneously to other poisonous plants.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
(17) The bread of wickedness.—i.e., acquired by wickedness, as (Proverbs 10:2) “treasures of wickedness.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
Verse 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness] By privately stealing. And drink the wine of violence.] By highway robbery.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:17
17. This verse may be taken either (1) literally, they procure their bread and wine, get their living, by wickedness and violence, or (2) figuratively, wickedness and violence are to them as meat and drink. Comp. Job 15:16; Job 34:7; John 4:34.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:17
17. Eat… bread of wickedness — The same sentiment in another form. They have as strong an appetite for wickedness and violence as for food and intoxicating drink.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Vii. the Commercial Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the last Biblical sign of the times mentioned in James 5:1-8, focusing on the 'heaping up' of treasures in 'the last days,' which signifies an increas |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 51-60 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God having the ability to record and playback every scene of our lives. He compares this to the experience of watching old home |
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(Pdf Book) the Spirit of Truth by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of truth in the Church, arguing that the institution has become inauthentic and predictable due to a lack of genuine commitment to truth |
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The Hidden Secrets of Kabbalah-a Messianic Approach by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a mystical encounter in the garden of paradise involving four men: Ben-Azai, Ben-Zoma, An-Akhair, and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva warns the other |
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Chin-Chin Turns Gravel by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of acquiring wealth through fraudulent or deceitful means, emphasizing that the end result of ill-gotten gains is not bl |
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Celebrating Christ and Transforming Lives - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Dr. K. P. Ohannon discusses the importance of caring for the poor and the lost world, just as Jesus did when he was on earth. He highlights the harsh reality of mil |