Such is the fate of all who are greedyThis phrase highlights the inevitable outcome for those who pursue wealth through greed. In biblical context, greed is often condemned as it leads individuals away from righteousness and towards sin (
1 Timothy 6:10). The Hebrew culture emphasized community and sharing, contrasting with the self-centered nature of greed. The fate mentioned here is a warning, echoing the wisdom literature's theme that actions have consequences. Greed is portrayed as a destructive force, aligning with Jesus' teachings in
Luke 12:15, where He warns against covetousness.
whose unjust gain
Unjust gain refers to wealth acquired through dishonest or immoral means. The Bible consistently denounces such practices, as seen in passages likeMicah 2:1-2, where those who covet and seize property are condemned. In ancient Israel, economic justice was a significant concern, with laws designed to protect the vulnerable (Leviticus 19:13). This phrase serves as a reminder that God values integrity and justice over material wealth. The pursuit of unjust gain is contrary to the character of God, who is just and righteous.
takes the lives of its possessors
This phrase suggests that the consequences of greed and unjust gain are not merely spiritual but can be physical and existential. The idea that such pursuits can lead to one's downfall is a common theme in wisdom literature, as seen inProverbs 11:19, which contrasts righteousness with the pursuit of evil. Historically, the pursuit of wealth at the expense of others often led to social unrest and personal ruin. This warning is prophetic in nature, illustrating the self-destructive path of sin. It also serves as a type of Christ, who, in contrast, offers life through selflessness and sacrifice (John 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally 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 Greedy- This refers to individuals who are driven by an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions, often at the expense of justice and righteousness.
3.
Unjust Gain- This term describes wealth or possessions acquired through dishonest or unethical means, such as theft, fraud, or exploitation.
4.
The Possessors- Those who hold or acquire wealth through unjust means, ultimately leading to their own destruction.
5.
The Path of Wisdom- The broader context of
Proverbs 1 contrasts the path of wisdom with the path of folly, urging readers to choose wisdom and righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Destructive Nature of GreedGreed for unjust gain ultimately leads to self-destruction. It is a path that promises much but delivers ruin.
The Illusion of SecurityWealth gained through unjust means may seem to offer security, but it is fleeting and ultimately harmful.
The Call to RighteousnessBelievers are called to pursue righteousness and integrity, trusting God to provide for their needs.
The Importance of ContentmentCultivating contentment in what God has provided guards against the temptation of greed.
The Consequences of SinSin, including greed, has real consequences that affect not only the individual but also those around them.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:19?
2.How does Proverbs 1:19 warn against the pursuit of unjust gain?
3.What consequences are highlighted for those who seek "ill-gotten gain"?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 1:19 to modern financial decisions?
5.What other scriptures warn against greed and its consequences?
6.How can we cultivate contentment to avoid the pitfalls described in Proverbs 1:19?
7.What does Proverbs 1:19 reveal about the consequences of greed?
8.How does Proverbs 1:19 relate to modern materialism?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What riddles are found in the Bible?
12.If Job 20:19-20 suggests a direct correlation between greed and swift downfall, why do some wealthy exploiters seem to thrive indefinitely without facing apparent divine retribution?
13.Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?
14.In Job 15:20-24, where is the historical or archaeological basis for the notion that the wicked perpetually face this kind of torment?What Does Proverbs 1:19 Mean
Such is the fate- Solomon opens with a sober declaration: “Such is the fate” (Proverbs 1:19). The word “fate” places an unavoidable outcome in view.
- Scripture repeatedly teaches that choices have consequences (Galatians 6:7–8,Hebrews 2:2).
- The line reminds us that God’s moral order is fixed; no one outmaneuvers His justice (Psalm 73:18–19).
of all who are greedy- Greed is not a minor flaw but a heart posture that sets itself against God’s provision (Luke 12:15).
- “All” makes the warning universal—social status, background, or intellect do not exempt anyone.
- In Proverbs, greed depicts a restless craving that refuses to trust the Lord (Proverbs 15:27).
- Cross reference Paul’s warning that the love of money pierces people “with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9–10).
whose unjust gain- “Unjust” highlights methods that violate righteousness—cheating, oppression, deceit (Micah 2:1–2;James 5:4).
- Gain is not condemned in itself; it is the unrighteous way of securing it that brings trouble (Proverbs 10:2).
- God measures prosperity by integrity, not accumulation (Proverbs 16:8).
takes the lives- The verse moves from motive to outcome: greed becomes a predator that “takes the lives.”
- Physical death can result from violent schemes (Proverbs 1:11–12), but spiritual death is certain for unrepentant greed (Ephesians 5:5).
- Jesus warns that a soul can be “required” suddenly when a greedy heart presumes on tomorrow (Luke 12:20).
of its possessors- The irony is striking: what people try to possess ends up possessing—and destroying—them.
- Sin promises control yet enslaves (John 8:34).
- “Possessors” echoes Jesus’ question, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
- The verse closes by turning our eyes to the true Owner of all things (Psalm 24:1), encouraging contentment in Him (Hebrews 13:5).
summaryProverbs 1:19 is a loving but firm warning: greed brings inevitable, often lethal, consequences. Any gain acquired outside God’s righteous boundaries turns on the one who clutches it. Real security and life are found not in grasping for more but in trusting the Lord, walking uprightly, and receiving His provision with gratitude.
(19)
So are the ways. . .--The conclusion of the discourse. The same phrase occurs in
Job 8:13.
Which taketh away. . .--That is, covetousness takes away the life of him who has this vice in his heart, who is, according to the Hebrew idiom, the "owner" of it. (Comp. similar expressions inProverbs 22:24;Proverbs 23:2, where an "angry" man and a man "given to appetite" are literally anownerof anger and appetite.)
Verse 19. -
So am the ways of every one that is greedy of gain. The epiphonema
or moral of the preceding address.
So arethe ways, or such is the lot (as Delitzsch), or such are the paths (as Zockler),
i.e. so deceitful, so ruinous, are the ways.
כֵּן (
chen,) is here used as a qualitative adverb.
Ways;
אָרְחות (
ar'khoth), the plural of
לֺארַח (
orakh), a poet. word, equivalent in the first instance to "way,"
i.
q.דֶרֶך (
derekh), and metaphorically applied to any one's ways, his manner of life and its result, and hence lot, as in
Job 8:12, and hence the expression coven the three preceding verses.
That is greedy of gain (
בֹצֵעַ בָּצַע,
botsea batsa); literally,
concupiscentis concupiscentium lucri;
i.e. eagerly longing after gain; he who greedily desires riches (
avari, Vulgate).
Gain;
batsa in pause, from
בֶּצַע. (
betsa), which takes its meaning from the verb
בָּצַע (
batsa), "to out in pieces, to break," and hence means properly that which is cut or broken off and taken by any one for himself, and so
unjust gain - anything whatever fraudulently acquired, as in
Proverbs 28:16, where it is translated "covetousness" (Authorized Version); cf.
Isaiah 33:15;
Proverbs 15:27. The idea of greed and covetousness enters largely into the word. Which
taketh away the life of the owners thereof. The pronoun "which" does not occur in the original. The nominative to "taketh away" (
יִקָּת,
yikkath) is "gain;" the "unjust gain." (
betsa) takes away the life of its owners,
i.e. of those who are under its power.
Owners thereof (
בְּעָלָיו,
b'alayo) does not necessarily imply that they are in actual possession of the unjust gain, but rather refers to the influence which the lust for gain exercises over them. The expression in this second hemistich does not mean that the rapacious take the life of their comrades who possess the gain, as Rabbi Salomon; nor as the Vulgate, "the ways of the avaricious man take away the lives of those who possess them." For the phrase, "taketh away the life," as importing a violent taking away, cf.
Psalm 31:13;
1 Kings 19:10. The sentiment of the verse is well expressed in
1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Such [is]כֵּ֗ן(kên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusthe fateאָ֭רְחוֹת(’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 734:A well-trodden road, a caravanof allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywho are greedy,בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ(bō·ṣê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1214:To cut off, break off, gain by violencewhose unjust gainבָּ֑צַע(bā·ṣa‘)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1215:Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profittakesיִקָּֽח׃(yiq·qāḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takethe livesנֶ֖פֶשׁ(ne·p̄eš)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionof its possessors.בְּעָלָ֣יו(bə·‘ā·lāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, owner
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:19 So are the ways of everyone who (Prov. Pro Pr) 
