So they will eat the fruit of their own wayThis phrase emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, a common biblical theme. In the context of Proverbs, it highlights the consequences of rejecting wisdom and choosing a path of folly. The "fruit" symbolizes the outcomes or results of one's actions. In ancient Israel, agriculture was a central part of life, and the metaphor of eating the fruit of one's labor would have been easily understood. This concept is echoed in
Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." The idea is that individuals are responsible for their choices and will experience the natural consequences of their actions, whether good or bad.
and be filled with their own devices
The term "devices" refers to plans or schemes, often with a negative connotation of cunning or deceit. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wisdom literature often warned against relying on one's own understanding or cleverness apart from divine guidance. This phrase suggests that those who reject God's wisdom will ultimately be overwhelmed by the outcomes of their own misguided plans. It serves as a warning against self-reliance and pride, which are frequently condemned in Scripture. This is reminiscent ofRomans 1:28-32, where Paul describes how God gives people over to their depraved minds when they choose to reject Him. The filling with their own devices implies a saturation or overwhelming presence of the consequences of their choices, underscoring the seriousness of turning away from divine wisdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The SimpleIn the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to those who are naive or lack discernment, often easily led astray by folly.
3.
The FoolA recurring character in Proverbs, the fool is someone who despises wisdom and instruction, choosing instead to follow their own misguided path.
4.
WisdomPersonified as a woman calling out in the streets, wisdom represents God's truth and guidance, offering life to those who heed her call.
5.
The ScofferAnother character in Proverbs, the scoffer is someone who mocks and ridicules wisdom, often leading others astray with their cynicism.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Reaping What You SowOur actions have consequences. Just as planting seeds leads to a harvest, our choices lead to outcomes that reflect those choices.
The Danger of Self-RelianceRelying solely on our own understanding and desires can lead to destructive outcomes. We must seek God's wisdom and guidance.
The Call to Seek WisdomProverbs encourages us to pursue wisdom diligently. By aligning our lives with God's truth, we can avoid the pitfalls of folly.
The Importance of Heeding WarningsIgnoring the warnings of wisdom leads to negative consequences. We must be attentive to God's instruction and correction.
The Role of Personal ResponsibilityWe are accountable for our actions. Understanding this helps us make choices that honor God and lead to life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:31?
2.How can we avoid "eating the fruit of their own way" in life?
3.What does Proverbs 1:31 teach about the consequences of rejecting wisdom?
4.How does Proverbs 1:31 connect with Galatians 6:7 about reaping what we sow?
5.In what ways can we seek God's wisdom daily to prevent folly?
6.How can Proverbs 1:31 guide us in making godly decisions today?
7.What does Proverbs 1:31 mean by "eat the fruit of their own way"?
8.How does Proverbs 1:31 relate to personal responsibility and consequences?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What defines a biblical proverb?
12.How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?
13.What is the Bible's view on the law of attraction?
14.What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by "fools despise wisdom"?What Does Proverbs 1:31 Mean
So they will eatThe verse opens with the certainty of consequence. Wisdom has been calling (Proverbs 1:20-30), yet those addressed keep turning away. Scripture never presents neutrality; choices bring harvests.Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.”Job 4:8 observes that “those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same,” andHosea 10:13 laments, “You have eaten the fruit of lies.” God allows people to taste what they insist on choosing, not out of cruelty but justice.
the fruit of their own wayFruit is the natural product of a tree; our actions grow outcomes just as surely.
•Proverbs 14:14: “The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his own ways.”
•Isaiah 3:10-11 contrasts the righteous who “eat the fruit of their deeds” with the wicked who receive “the reward of their hands.”
• Jesus echoes this inMatthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
When we insist on our own path apart from God’s wisdom, the “fruit” may look pleasant at first, but it ripens into bitterness.
and be filledTo be filled means to be saturated, overwhelmed. There comes a tipping point when God stops restraining and allows fullness.Psalm 81:12 frames it: “So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.”Romans 1:24-32 repeats the pattern three times: God “gave them over” to the very sins they craved.Jeremiah 2:19 warns that backsliding will “correct you” as consequences pile up. The picture is not a light snack of rebellion but a feast—one that eventually nauseates.
with their own devices“Devices” are self-made schemes, plans, or strategies—ideas proudly crafted without divine counsel.
•Proverbs 5:22 shows the sinner “held fast by the cords of his sin.”
•Psalm 7:15-16 describes a man who digs a pit and falls into it; “his violence falls on his own head.”
•Proverbs 26:27 adds that whoever rolls a stone, it rolls back on him.
•James 1:14-15 explains the inner mechanism: desire conceives sin, sin matures into death.
God’s justice lets the schemer become ensnared in the very web he spun.
summaryProverbs 1:31 teaches the inviolable law of moral harvest. Rejecting God’s wisdom is not merely theoretical; it sets in motion a chain of consequences that God allows to run its course. People who spurn Him will eventually consume the bitter results of their choices and be stuffed with the products of their own plans. Far from arbitrary punishment, this is the righteous outworking of God’s created order—one that urges every reader to heed wisdom before the feast of folly is served.
Verse 31. -
Therefore they shall eat, etc. A further enlargement of the declaration of Wisdom, showing that their calamity is the result of their own ways. The futures are resumed in the original from ver. 28. The word "therefore" does not occur, but it is met with in the LXX.,
τοιγαροῦν; in the Vulgate,
igitur; and in the Syriac,
ideo. The truth here expressed is accordant with the tenor of the teaching of the Scripture (comp.
Proverbs 14:14;
Proverbs 22:8;
Job 4:8;
Isaiah 3:10;
Galatians 6:7, 8), and with our daily experience of God's moral government of the world (see Butler, 'Analogy,' part 1, ch. 2,
ad fin.). This sentiment of retributive punishment also found expression in Terence, "Tute hoc intristi, tibi omne est edendum" ('Phorm.,' 2. 1. 4). When we are punished, the blameworthiness lies not with God, but with us sinners (Wardlaw).
They shall be filled; rather,
satiated, or
surfeited;
saturabuntur (Vulgate). The verb
שָׁבַע (
shava) means not only "to fill," but "to be satiated or cloyed" (cf.
Proverbs 14:14;
Proverbs 25:16;
Psalm 88:3;
Psalm 123:4). Michaelis remarks on this word, "Ad nauseam implebuntur et comedent, ita ut consiliorum suorum vehementer tandem, sed nimis sero, ipsos poeniteat" (Michaelis, 'Notre Uberiores in Prov.'), "They shall be filled and eat
ad nauseam, so that at length, but too late, they shall vehemently repent them of their own counsels."
Counsels (
מועֵצות,
moetsoth);
i.e. ungodly counsels, or evil devices. The word only occurs in the plural.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So they {will} eatוְֽ֭יֹאכְלוּ(wə·yō·ḵə·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 398:To eatthe fruitמִפְּרִ֣י(mip·pə·rî)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6529:Fruitof their own way,דַרְכָּ֑ם(ḏar·kām)Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionand be filledיִשְׂבָּֽעוּ׃(yiś·bā·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7646:To be sated, satisfied or surfeitedwith their own devices.וּֽמִמֹּעֲצֹ֖תֵיהֶ֣ם(ū·mim·mō·‘ă·ṣō·ṯê·hem)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4156:Counsel, plan, principle, device
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit (Prov. Pro Pr) 
