(The Lord speaking is red text)
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
Their feet run to evil, they rush to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.
For their feet{H7272} run{H7323} to evil{H7451}, and make haste{H4116} to shed{H8210} blood{H1818}.
Proverbs 1:16 is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, which is attributed to King Solomon and other wise sages of ancient Israel. This verse is embedded within a larger passage (Proverbs 1:8-19) where a father figure is warning his son against the enticement of sinners who seek to lead others into wickedness.
The verse itself, "For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood," vividly depicts the moral decay and the readiness of these evildoers to commit violent and sinful acts. It highlights the urgency and eagerness with which they pursue wrongdoing, particularly the grave sin of murder. The historical context of this verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern societal concerns with lawlessness and the importance of choosing the path of wisdom and righteousness over the allure of quick but ill-gotten gains.
The themes presented in this verse include the seductive nature of wickedness, the swift descent into immoral behavior, and the consequences of aligning oneself with those who disregard the sanctity of life. The verse serves as a stark warning against the perils of succumbing to peer pressure and the importance of moral discernment. It emphasizes the need to cultivate wisdom and heed the counsel of parents and elders, who offer guidance on how to live a life that is honorable and in accordance with divine principles. In essence, Proverbs 1:16 is a call to recognize the dangers of associating with the unrighteous and to choose instead the path of virtue and ethical living.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)