For their feet run to evilThis phrase highlights the natural inclination of the wicked towards wrongdoing. In biblical context, "feet" often symbolize one's path or way of life. The imagery of running suggests eagerness and haste, indicating a deliberate choice to pursue evil. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the sinful nature of humanity, as seen in
Genesis 6:5, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The phrase also echoes the warning in
Isaiah 59:7, where it is said that their feet rush into sin. This reflects a lifestyle that is contrary to the wisdom and righteousness that Proverbs advocates.
and they are swift to shed blood
This part of the verse underscores the violent tendencies of those who reject wisdom. The swiftness to shed blood indicates a readiness to commit acts of violence without hesitation. Historically, this can be seen in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where blood feuds and violent retribution were common. The shedding of blood is a grave sin, as life is sacred and created in the image of God (Genesis 9:6). This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the sanctity of life and condemns anger and hatred as akin to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). The swift movement towards violence is a stark contrast to the peace and reconciliation that Christ embodies and calls His followers to pursue.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally regarded as 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 Wicked- This verse refers to those who are quick to engage in evil actions and violence. They are characterized by their eagerness to commit wrongdoing.
3.
The Path of Evil- Symbolically represents the choices and actions that lead away from righteousness and towards sin and destruction.
Teaching Points
The Nature of SinSin is not passive; it actively seeks to manifest in our actions. We must be vigilant in recognizing and resisting the temptation to engage in evil.
The Consequences of EvilEngaging in evil actions leads to destruction and harm, not only to others but also to ourselves. We must consider the long-term consequences of our choices.
The Call to RighteousnessAs followers of Christ, we are called to pursue righteousness and peace, avoiding the path of the wicked. This requires intentionality and reliance on God's wisdom.
Guarding Our Hearts and ActionsWe must guard our hearts and be mindful of our actions, ensuring they align with God's will and not the ways of the world.
The Importance of WisdomProverbs emphasizes the importance of wisdom in guiding our decisions and actions. Seeking God's wisdom helps us discern the right path.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:16?
2.How can we avoid the "run to evil" described in Proverbs 1:16?
3.What does Proverbs 1:16 teach about the nature of sinful actions?
4.How does Proverbs 1:16 connect with Romans 3:15 on human sinfulness?
5.What practical steps can prevent us from "hastening to shed blood"?
6.How can Proverbs 1:16 guide our choices in daily life situations?
7.What does Proverbs 1:16 reveal about human nature and sinfulness?
8.How does Proverbs 1:16 relate to the concept of free will?
9.Why does Proverbs 1:16 emphasize the swiftness of evil actions?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.How do you separate good from evil in life?
12.Is God capable of hatred?
13.Isaiah 63:7-9 speaks of God's lovingkindness and mercy; how can this be harmonized with the violent imagery earlier in the chapter?
14.Is it 'pierced' or 'like a lion' in Psalm 22:16?What Does Proverbs 1:16 Mean
Their feet run to evil- The phrase pictures a deliberate, eager movement toward wrongdoing. “Feet” in Scripture often symbolize one’s path or choices (Psalm 1:1;Proverbs 4:26–27).
- “Run” shows enthusiasm, not hesitation. It is the opposite of the slow, thoughtful walk of righteousness (Psalm 119:59).
- Solomon warns his son (and us) to recognize companions whose default direction is sin (Proverbs 1:10–15). Their momentum can pull us along if we linger near them (Proverbs 13:20).
-Isaiah 59:7 repeats the imagery almost word-for-word, underscoring that when people race toward evil, judgment follows (Isaiah 59:8–9).
- Jesus later contrasts two roads—one broad and rushed toward destruction, one narrow and purposeful toward life (Matthew 7:13–14).Proverbs 1:16 sketches the broad road in miniature.
And they are swift to shed blood- “Swift” intensifies the warning: these sinners are not merely willing but eager to harm. Violence marks hearts already committed to evil (Genesis 6:11;Proverbs 4:17).
- “Shed blood” stands for any act that despises the sanctity of life, from murder to hostile schemes (Proverbs 6:16–18).
- Paul cites this verse when cataloging humanity’s sinfulness (Romans 3:15), showing it describes the universal condition of the unredeemed.
- Walking with such people invites participation in their guilt and its consequences (Proverbs 1:18–19). Wisdom steers clear long before deeds turn deadly (Proverbs 4:14–15;1 Corinthians 15:33).
- The verse implicitly calls believers to the opposite posture—slow to anger, quick to hear, and protectors of life (James 1:19;Psalm 34:14).
summaryProverbs 1:16 paints a vivid two-part picture of sinners who eagerly pursue evil and rush into violence. It warns against joining those whose direction and speed are set toward wickedness. God’s wisdom opens our eyes to their path, urges separation from it, and points us to the careful, life-honoring walk that pleases Him.
(16)
For their feet. . .--The first reason against taking part with them: the horrible nature of the crime they are committing.
Verse 16. -
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. This is the first dissuasive urged to enforce the warning against evil companionship, as showing the extremes to which entering upon the ways of the wicked lead ultimately. At once the youth who listens will be hurried along impetuously to the two crimes of robbery and murder, which God has expressly forbidden in the eighth and sixth commandments respectively of the moral code.
Evil (
רַע,
ra) is "wickedness,"
τὸ κακόν, generally, but here more specifically highway robbery, latrocinism (Cornelius a Lapide), as appears from vers. 11-13, where also murder, the laying in wait for blood, is proposed. The Rabbis Salomon and Salazar understand the evil to refer to the evil or destruction which sinners bring upon themselves, and the shedding of blood to the fact that they lay themselves open to have their own blond shed by judicial process (see also Holden). The former explanation seems preferable to this, as putting a higher law than that of self-preservation before youth. The fear of judges who can condemn to death is notbing comparatively to the fear of him "who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." This verse is wanting in the Vatican LXX., and Arabic, and hence Hitzig has concluded that it is an interpolation made from
Isaiah 59:7, but upon insufficient evidence, as it is found in the Alexandrian LXX., Chaldea Paraphrase, Vulgate, and Syriac Versions, all which follow the Hebrew text. The latter part of the verse is quoted by St. Paul in
Romans 3:15.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctiontheir feetרַ֭גְלֵיהֶם(raḡ·lê·hem)Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudendarunיָר֑וּצוּ(yā·rū·ṣū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323:To runto evil,לָרַ֣ע(lā·ra‘)Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, eviland they are swiftוִֽ֝ימַהֲר֗וּ(wî·ma·hă·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4116:To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptlyto shedלִשְׁפָּךְ־(liš·pāḵ-)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8210:To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl outblood.דָּֽם׃(dām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil (Prov. Pro Pr) 
