We will find all manner of precious goods;This phrase reflects the allure of material wealth and the temptation to pursue it through unrighteous means. In biblical context, the pursuit of wealth is often cautioned against when it leads to sin or distracts from spiritual priorities (
1 Timothy 6:9-10). The phrase suggests a promise of abundance, reminiscent of the deceitful promises made by those who entice others into wrongdoing. Historically, the ancient Near East was a region where trade and wealth accumulation were significant, and the temptation to gain riches through unjust means was prevalent. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true treasure is found in wisdom and righteousness (
Proverbs 8:10-11).
we will fill our houses with plunder.
The imagery of filling houses with plunder indicates the result of engaging in theft or violence to acquire wealth. This reflects a cultural context where raiding and looting were common practices among ancient tribes and nations. The Bible consistently condemns such actions, emphasizing that ill-gotten gains lead to destruction (Proverbs 15:27). The concept of "plunder" also connects to the broader biblical narrative of sin leading to captivity and loss, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah when they turned away from God. This phrase serves as a warning against the fleeting and destructive nature of wealth obtained through sinful means, contrasting with the eternal security found in following God's wisdom (Matthew 6:19-21).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The EnticersIn the context of
Proverbs 1, these are the individuals who tempt others to join them in sinful activities, promising wealth and gain through dishonest means.
3.
The Son/YouthThe primary audience of Proverbs, often addressed as "my son," representing young people or those in need of guidance and wisdom.
4.
The Path of WisdomA metaphorical journey that represents living according to God's principles and avoiding the pitfalls of sin.
5.
The Path of FollyThe opposite of the path of wisdom, characterized by sinful behavior and the pursuit of ill-gotten gain.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Allure of WealthThe promise of "precious goods" and "plunder" is a common temptation, but it often leads to moral and spiritual ruin. Believers must be wary of the seductive nature of ill-gotten wealth.
The Importance of DiscernmentProverbs 1:13 highlights the need for discernment in choosing companions and paths in life. Christians are called to seek wisdom and avoid the influence of those who entice them to sin.
The Consequences of Sinful ChoicesThe pursuit of dishonest gain can lead to destructive consequences, not only for the individual but also for their family and community. Understanding this helps believers make choices that honor God.
The Value of Godly WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God and leads to a life of integrity and righteousness. Believers should prioritize seeking God's wisdom over worldly wealth.
Contentment in ChristInstead of seeking fulfillment in material possessions, Christians are encouraged to find contentment in their relationship with Christ, who provides for their needs.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:13?
2.How can we resist the temptation of "plunder" mentioned in Proverbs 1:13?
3.What does Proverbs 1:13 reveal about the nature of greed?
4.How does Proverbs 1:13 connect with the commandment against coveting?
5.In what ways can we seek godly contentment instead of "precious wealth"?
6.How can Proverbs 1:13 guide our financial decisions and priorities today?
7.What does Proverbs 1:13 reveal about the nature of greed and materialism?
8.How does Proverbs 1:13 challenge our understanding of wealth and morality?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 1:13 warn against the pursuit of ill-gotten gains?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?
12.Throughout Proverbs 8, wisdom is personified. Does this depiction align or conflict with other biblical references to God's attributes (e.g., John 1:1-3)?
13.How did only 400 men escape on camels if David and his men fought so extensively (1 Samuel 30:17)?
14.When is it appropriate to love or hate?What Does Proverbs 1:13 Mean
Context withinProverbs 1-Proverbs 1:10–19 presents the voice of a father warning his son against joining sinners who entice him to violence and theft.
- Verse 13 sits in the middle of their persuasive pitch, following v.12 (“let us swallow them alive like Sheol”) and preceding v.14 (“throw in your lot among us”).
- The flow shows a crescendo: intimidation, greed, then communal complicity. Similar warnings appear inExodus 23:2 (“You shall not follow the crowd in doing wrong”) andPsalm 1:1 (avoiding the path of sinners).
The claim: “We will find all manner of precious goods”- The sinners dangle immediate, tangible wealth.
• “Precious goods” echoesProverbs 3:15, where wisdom—not loot—is called more precious than rubies.
•Isaiah 33:1 shows that those who plunder will themselves be plundered, underscoring the false security of ill-gotten gain.
- The lure is variety (“all manner”), suggesting no lack of satisfaction; yetEcclesiastes 5:10 reminds that whoever loves wealth is never satisfied.
- By making the gain sound effortless, they deny the biblical pattern that wealth normally comes through diligent work (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11).
The promise: “we will fill our houses with plunder”- “Fill our houses” pictures abundance and permanence, butProverbs 15:6 counters: “The house of the righteous has great treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.”
- The word “plunder” exposes the truth: the wealth belongs to someone else. Compare withHabakkuk 2:9–10 where building a house by unjust gain brings shame on one’s household.
- Their promise flips the intent ofDeuteronomy 6:10–12, where God—not crime—provides houses filled with good things.
The hidden cost of unjust gain-Proverbs 1:18–19 reveals that the plotters “lie in wait for their own blood.” Violence boomerangs. SeePsalm 7:15–16.
- Wealth gotten by fraud dwindles (Proverbs 13:11); even if one keeps it temporarily, judgment will strip it away (James 5:1–5).
- The spiritual price includes seared consciences (1 Timothy 4:2) and exclusion from God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
Wisdom’s warning against covetousness- The craving for “precious goods” violates the tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17).
- Jesus echoes this inLuke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on guard against all covetousness; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
- True riches are found in Christ (Ephesians 1:18) and in generosity, not grasping (Acts 20:35).
Relevance for today- Modern enticements—get-rich-quick schemes, corporate fraud, online piracy—mirror the invitation of v.13.
- Peer pressure remains potent;1 Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad company corrupts good morals.
- Choosing integrity may seem costly now, yetProverbs 28:6 affirms that a poor man who walks in integrity is better than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
summaryProverbs 1:13 captures the seductive promise of unjust gain: effortless wealth, houses brimming with stolen treasure, and group approval. Scripture exposes the lie—such riches destroy the taker, invite God’s judgment, and cannot satisfy the soul. Real treasure comes from honest labor, generosity, and reverent obedience, leading to lasting peace and blessing.
Verse 13. -
We shall find all precious substance. This verse carries on the proposal of the sinners one step further, and puts forward a third enticement, viz. that of' the profit of crime, or the prospect of immediate riches, before youth to join in crime. A short cut to wealth, and to the acquirement of that which costs others long years of steady application and carefulness, is a strong inducement (Wardlaw).
We shall find;
נִמְצָא (
nim'tza), from
מָצָא (
matza), properly "to reach to," and "to find," in the sense of "to come upon;" cf. Latin
invenio. Substance (
הון,
hon);
i.e. substance in the sense of riches. The radical meaning of
הוּן (
hun), from which it is derived, is the same as in the Arabic word, "to be light, easy, to be in easy circumstances, and so to be rich" (Gesenius). In its abstract sense,
hon, "substance," means ease, comfort, and concretely riches which bring about that result (see also Fleischer, as quoted by Delitzsch); cf. the LXX.
κτῆσις,
i.e. collectively, possessions, property. The Piscatoris Version, for "precious substance," reads
divitias, "riches."
Precious;
יָקָר (
yakar), properly " heavy," is found with
הון (
hon), "substance," in
Proverbs 12:27 and Proverbs 24:4. The collocation of the ideas of lightness and heavineess in these two words is striking, but we need not necessarily suppose that any oxymoron is intended, as Schnltens. Such combinations occur in other languages, and reside more in the radical meanings of the words than in the mind or intention of the writer or speaker.
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
i.e. they promise not only finding, but full possession (Gejerus, Muffet).
Spoil;
שָׁלָל (
shalal), from
שָׁלַל (
shalal), same as the Arabic verb "to draw," and hence "to strip off' (Gesenius); and equivalent to the Greek
σκῦλα (LXX.), the arms stripped off a slain enemy, spoils, and the Latin
spolia (Vulgate).
Shalal is used generally, as here, for "prey," "booty" (
Genesis 49:27;
Exodus 15:9). Our gains, say the robbers, will not only be valuable, but numerous and plentiful.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
We {will} findנִמְצָ֑א(nim·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentall mannerכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyof preciousיָקָ֣ר(yā·qār)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3368:Precious, rare, splendid, weightygoods;ה֣וֹן(hō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952:Wealth, sufficiencywe {will} fillנְמַלֵּ֖א(nə·mal·lê)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 4390:To fill, be full ofour housesבָתֵּ֣ינוּ(ḇāt·tê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1004:A housewith plunder.שָׁלָֽל׃(šā·lāl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998:A prey, spoil, plunder, booty
Links
Proverbs 1:13 NIVProverbs 1:13 NLTProverbs 1:13 ESVProverbs 1:13 NASBProverbs 1:13 KJV
Proverbs 1:13 BibleApps.comProverbs 1:13 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 1:13 Chinese BibleProverbs 1:13 French BibleProverbs 1:13 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:13 We'll find all valuable wealth (Prov. Pro Pr) 
