Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

Let us swallow them up {H1104} alive {H2416} as the grave {H7585}; and whole {H8549}, as those that go down {H3381} into the pit {H953}:

we'll swallow him alive, like Sh'ol, whole, like those who descend to the pit;

let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.

Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;

Proverbs 1:12 is a chilling declaration from the perspective of the "sinners" or "evil men" introduced in the preceding verses of the book of Proverbs. It vividly describes their murderous intent and insatiable greed, painting a picture of complete and utter destruction for their intended victims.

Context

This verse is part of a father's urgent warning to his son in the opening chapters of Proverbs, specifically against the enticing yet deadly invitations of violent and greedy individuals. It follows the direct admonition in Proverbs 1:10, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." The preceding verse (Proverbs 1:11) details their ambush mentality: "Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause." Verse 12 reveals the depth of their predatory desires—they want to consume their victims entirely.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Intent of Sinners: The language used ("swallow them up alive," "whole") reveals the extreme, predatory nature of their desire. They seek not just to rob, but to utterly annihilate their victims, leaving no trace. This imagery underscores the brutal reality of unchecked greed and violence.
  • Metaphor for Total Annihilation: The comparison to the grave and the pit highlights the finality and totality of their intended destruction. There is no escape once one is "swallowed up," emphasizing the complete consumption of the victim.
  • The Allure and Danger of Bad Company: The passage as a whole warns against the seductive appeal of quick, ill-gotten gains offered by such individuals, and the devastating consequences of yielding to their influence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grave" here is Sheol (שְׁאוֹל), which generally refers to the realm of the dead, the underworld, or the common abode of all departed spirits. It signifies a place of no return, emphasizing the complete disappearance of the victims. Similarly, "pit" (בּוֹר, bor) often refers to a literal pit, cistern, or dungeon, but in this context, it parallels Sheol as a symbol of destruction and entombment.

Related Scriptures

This passage serves as a stark contrast to the path of wisdom, which leads to life and security, as described throughout Proverbs. For instance, the wise are encouraged to "enter not into the path of the wicked" (Proverbs 4:14). The vivid imagery of being "swallowed up alive" also echoes the dramatic divine judgment in Numbers 16:30, where the earth opens up to swallow Korah and his company, signifying complete consumption and removal.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:12 offers timeless wisdom for modern life:

  • Discernment in Relationships: This verse is a powerful reminder to be highly discerning about the company we keep. The desires and intentions of those we associate with can profoundly influence our own path and even threaten our well-being.
  • Recognizing Evil's True Nature: It strips away any glamor from illicit gain, revealing the dark, murderous heart behind it. Sin, especially that driven by greed, is not merely about acquiring wealth but often involves the complete dehumanization and destruction of others.
  • The Call to Wisdom: The father's warning is an invitation to choose the path of wisdom, which protects from such predatory schemes, rather than succumbing to the allure of quick, ill-gotten gains. It emphasizes that true security comes from walking in righteousness, not from association with those who delight in destruction.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 124:3

    Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

  • Psalms 28:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, [if] thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

  • Lamentations 2:16

    All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

  • Romans 3:13

    Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

  • Numbers 16:30

    But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

  • Numbers 16:33

    They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

  • Numbers 26:10

    And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back