TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 1:10–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here Solomon gives another general rule to young people, in order to their finding out, and keeping in, the paths of wisdom, and that is to take heed of the snare of bad company. David's psalms begin with this caution, and so do Solomon's proverbs; for nothing is more destructive, both to a lively devotion and to a regular conversation (Pro 1:10): "My son, whom I love, and have a tender concern for, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." This is good advice for parents to give their children when they send them abroad into the world; it is the same that St. Peter gave to his new converts, (Act 2:40), Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Observe, 1. How industrious wicked people are to seduce others into the paths of the destroyer: they will entice. Sinners love company in sin; the angels that fell were tempters almost as soon as they were sinners. They do not threaten or argue, but entice with flattery and fair speech; with a bait they draw the unwary young man to the hook. But they mistake if they think that by bringing others to partake with them in their guilt, and to be bound, as it were, in the bond with them, they shall have the less to pay themselves; for they will have so much the more to answer for. 2. How cautious young people should be that they be not seduced by them: "Consent thou not; and then, though they entice thee, they cannot force thee. Do not say as they say, nor do as they do or would have thee to do; have no fellowship with them." To enforce this caution,
I.He represents the fallacious reasonings which sinners use in their enticements, and the arts of wheedling which they have for the beguiling of unstable souls. He specifies highwaymen, who do what they can to draw others into their gang, Pro 1:11-14. See here what they would have the young man to do: "Come with us (Pro 1:11); let us have thy company." At first they pretend to ask no more; but the courtship rises higher (Pro 1:14): "Cast in thy lot among us; come in partner with us, join thy force to ours, and let us resolve to live and die together: thou shalt fare as we fare; and let us all have one purse, that what we get together we may spend merrily together," for that is it they aim it [at?]. Two unreasonable insatiable lusts they propose to themselves the gratification of, and therewith entice their pray into the snare: - 1. Their cruelty. They thirst after blood, and hate those that are innocent and never gave them any provocation, because by their honesty and industry they shame and condemn them: "Let us therefore lay wait for their blood, and lurk privily for them; they are conscious to themselves of no crime and consequently apprehensive of no danger, but travel unarmed; therefore we shall make the more easy prey of them. And, O how sweet it will be to swallow them up alive!" Pro 1:12. These bloody men would do this as greedily as the hungry lion devours the lamb. If it be objected, "The remains of the murdered will betray the murderers;" they answer, "No danger of that; we will swallow them whole as those that are buried." Who could imagine that human nature should degenerate so far that it should ever be a pleasure to one man to destroy another! 2. Their covetousness. They hope to get a good booty by it (Pro 1:13): "We shall find all precious substance by following this trade. What though we venture our necks by it? we shall fill our houses with spoil." See here, (1.) The idea they have of worldly wealth. They call it precious substance; whereas it is neither substance nor precious; it is a shadow; it is vanity, especially that which is got by robbery, Psa 62:10. It is as that which is not, which will give a man no solid satisfaction. It is cheap, it is common, yet, in their account, it is precious, and therefore they will hazard their lives, and perhaps their souls, in pursuit of it. It is the ruining mistake of thousands that they over-value the wealth of this world and look on it as precious substance. (2.) The abundance of it which they promise themselves: We shall fill our houses with it. Those who trade with sin promise themselves mighty bargains, and that it will turn to a vast account (All this will I give thee, says the tempter); but they only dream that they eat; the housefuls dwindle into scarcely a handful, like the grass on the house-tops.
II.He shows the perniciousness of these ways, as a reason why we should dread them (Pro 1:15):
"My son, walk not thou in the way with them; do not associate with them; get, and keep, as far off from them as thou canst; refrain thy foot from their path; do not take example by them, not do as they do." Such is the corruption of our nature that our foot is very prone to step into the path of sin, so that we must use necessary violence upon ourselves to refrain our foot from it, and check ourselves if at any time we take the least step towards it. Consider,
1.How pernicious their way is in its own nature (Pro 1:16): Their feet run to evil, to that which is displeasing to God and hurtful to mankind, for they make haste to shed blood. Note, The way of sin is down-hill; men not only cannot stop themselves, but, the longer they continue in it, the faster they run, and make haste in it, as if they were afraid they should not do mischief enough and were resolved to lose no time. They said they would proceed leisurely (Let us lay wait for blood, Pro 1:11), but thou wilt find they are all in haste, so much has Satan filled their hearts.
2.How pernicious the consequences of it will be. They are plainly told that this wicked way will certainly end in their own destruction, and yet they persist in it. Herein,
(1.)They are like the silly bird, that sees the net spread to take her, and yet it is in vain; she is decoyed into it by the bait, and will not take the warning which her own eyes gave her, Pro 1:17. But we think ourselves of more value than many sparrows, and therefore should have more wit, and act with more caution. God has made us wiser than the fowls of heaven (Job 35:11), and shall we then be as stupid as they?
(2.)They are worse than the birds, and have not the sense which we sometimes perceive them to have; for the fowler knows it is in vain to lay his snare in the sight of the bird, and therefore he has arts to conceal it. But the sinner sees ruin at the end of his way; the murderer, the thief, see the jail and the gallows before them, nay, they may see hell before them; their watchmen tell them they shall surely die, but it is to no purpose; they rush into sin, and rush on in it, like the horse into the battle. For really the stone they roll will turn upon themselves, Pro 1:18, Pro 1:19. They lay wait, and lurk privily, for the blood and lives of others, but it will prove, contrary to their intention, to be for their own blood, their own lives; they will come, at length, to a shameful end; and, if they escape the sword of the magistrate, yet there is a divine Nemesis that pursues them. Vengeance suffers them not to live. Their greediness of gain hurries them upon those practices which will not suffer them to live out half their days, but will cut off the number of their months in the midst. They have little reason to be proud of their property in that which takes away the life of the owners and then passes to other masters; and what is a man profited, though he gain the world, if he lose his life? For then he can enjoy the world no longer; much less if he lose his soul, and that be drowned in destruction and perdition, as multitudes are by the love of money.
Now, though Solomon specifies only the temptation to rob on the highway, yet he intends hereby to warn us against all other evils which sinners entice men to. Such are the ways of the drunkards and unclean; they are indulging themselves in those pleasures which tend to their ruin both here and for ever; and therefore consent not to them.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Cast in your lot with us," etc. A purse is a sack of money. It is evident about robbers that, to gather more accomplices in crime, they promise them a share of the booty they have taken. But also the persecutors of our Redeemer, whoever they could, they joined to themselves. But those whom they saw following him, they expelled from the synagogue, depriving them of their communion.
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Summary
Proverbs 1:14 presents a stark and deceptive invitation from a group of wicked individuals to a naive youth, urging him to abandon the path of wisdom and join their predatory scheme. This verse encapsulates the alluring promise of quick, illicit wealth and a false sense of camaraderie, as the sinners propose a shared venture of robbery and violence, guaranteeing that all participants will equally partake in the spoils, symbolized by a common "purse." This enticing offer serves as a critical warning within the father's broader counsel, highlighting the seductive nature of unrighteous gain and the dangers of compromising one's integrity for material prosperity.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal component of the father's initial, urgent warning to his son against the insidious enticements of sinners, a discourse that commences in Proverbs 1:8. Following a general admonition to resist consenting to their wicked ways in Proverbs 1:10, the preceding verses, Proverbs 1:11-13, graphically detail the specific, violent proposal: "Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause... We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil." Proverbs 1:14 directly builds upon this, extending the invitation to a communal enterprise and shared distribution of ill-gotten gains, thereby making the temptation more concrete, appealing, and seemingly equitable. The subsequent verses, particularly Proverbs 1:15-19, then vividly delineate the swift and inescapable destruction that awaits those who choose this path, emphasizing that their "feet run to evil" and their greed ultimately "taketh away the life of the owners thereof."
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as in many pre-modern societies, banditry, highway robbery, and opportunistic theft were persistent dangers, particularly along vital trade routes or in regions where central authority was weak. The concept of "casting lots" was a deeply ingrained and widely accepted practice, employed for diverse purposes such as dividing inherited land (e.g., Numbers 26:55), determining guilt or innocence, or distributing spoils of war (e.g., Joshua 18:10). Here, it is cynically co-opted by the wicked to signify a binding agreement to share proportionally in the proceeds of their criminal activity, lending a deceptive veneer of fairness, order, or even divine sanction to their illicit scheme. The "purse" (or money bag) was a ubiquitous item for carrying currency and valuables, making the promise of "one purse" a tangible and highly enticing offer of shared, abundant wealth, skillfully appealing to the universal human desire for material prosperity and security.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the pedagogical purpose of the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it starkly illuminates the Allure of Easy Wealth, directly contrasting the patient, diligent, and righteous path to prosperity advocated throughout the book with the deceptive promise of quick riches obtained through violence and dishonesty. Secondly, it profoundly underscores the theme of Peer Pressure and Corrupting Influence, as the invitation "Cast in thy lot among us" is a direct, manipulative appeal to join a group, offering a potent sense of belonging, unity, and shared purpose, even if that purpose is inherently destructive. This echoes the broader warning articulated in Proverbs 13:20 that "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the critical theme of the Consequences of Association, foreshadowing the inevitable ruin and self-destruction that await those who choose to align themselves with the wicked, a truth explicitly and graphically stated later in the chapter in Proverbs 1:18-19. Ultimately, the father's urgent warning serves to cultivate Discernment and Wisdom in his son, equipping him to distinguish between paths that lead to life and flourishing, and those that lead to death and desolation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From an unused root meaning "to be rough (as stone)," this term properly refers to a pebble, which was used for casting lots in ancient times to make decisions or distribute shares. Figuratively, it denotes a portion, destiny, or share determined by such a process. In this context, "cast in thy lot" means to join in and agree to share equally in the outcome or spoils of their criminal enterprise, implying a binding commitment and full participation in their collective fate and its consequences.
A numeral derived from a root meaning "united," properly signifying "one." Here, it emphasizes the singularity and communal nature of the "purse." It signifies that the ill-gotten gains will not be individually hoarded but pooled together, creating a sense of shared ownership and collective benefit, which is a key component of the enticing offer to the naive and greedy.
This word refers to a bag, specifically a money bag or a pouch used for carrying weights or currency. In this verse, "one purse" functions as a metonymy for shared wealth or communal spoils. It represents the tangible outcome of their predatory actions—the collective accumulation of stolen goods and money, which they promise to divide among themselves, making the illicit gain seem tangible and accessible.
Verse Breakdown
"Cast in thy lot among us"
This is a direct, manipulative, and highly enticing invitation from the wicked to the young man. "Casting one's lot" signifies a full commitment to joining a group or enterprise and agreeing to share in its fortunes, whether good or bad. Here, it is an explicit invitation to become a full, active participant in their scheme of violence and robbery, implying a deep commitment to their way of life and a guaranteed share in their illicit gains. It is a seductive call to abandon individual moral discernment and integrity for the sake of group solidarity in wrongdoing.
"let us all have one purse"
This clause precisely clarifies the nature of the shared "lot" and the primary allure of the invitation. The "one purse" symbolizes the communal pooling of the spoils obtained through their criminal acts. It functions as a concrete promise of equal distribution of wealth, meticulously designed to appeal to raw greed and the desire for immediate, effortless material gain. It suggests a brotherhood of thieves, where all contribute to the crime and all benefit equally from its proceeds, thereby reinforcing the deceptive allure of shared prosperity, unity, and security in sin.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is Direct Invitation, as the verse presents a clear, persuasive, and immediate call from the sinners ("Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse"). This direct address makes the temptation intensely personal and immediate for the reader, drawing them into the scenario. Metonymy is powerfully evident in the phrase "one purse," where the physical object (the money bag) stands for the abstract concept of shared wealth, ill-gotten gains, or communal spoils. This makes the promise of riches tangible, concrete, and highly appealing. There is also a strong element of Irony, as the "fellowship" and "shared wealth" ostensibly offered by the wicked are ultimately destructive and self-defeating, leading not to lasting prosperity but to ruin and death, a truth revealed with chilling clarity later in the chapter. The language is notably Concise and Urgent, characteristic of proverbial wisdom, delivering a powerful and memorable warning in a few impactful words.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 1:14 powerfully highlights the perennial temptation to seek material gain through unrighteous means and the deceptive appeal of false community. Theologically, it underscores the profound biblical principle that true prosperity, lasting security, and genuine flourishing are found exclusively in wisdom and righteousness, not in illicit gain or association with the wicked. The promise of "one purse" is a counterfeit of the true fellowship and shared inheritance found within God's covenant people. Throughout Scripture, the Lord consistently warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of justice, integrity, and godly character, emphasizing that such unrighteous pursuits inevitably lead to spiritual, and often physical, destruction. This verse serves as a foundational warning against the path of the ungodly, which is invariably characterized by insatiable greed, destructive violence, and a blatant disregard for divine law and the well-being of others.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 1:14 remains profoundly relevant and acutely applicable in a contemporary world that constantly presents myriad opportunities for quick, easy, and often illicit gain. The "one purse" can manifest today in countless forms: get-rich-quick schemes, dishonest business practices, illegal enterprises, online scams promising shared wealth for minimal effort, or even the subtle compromises of integrity for career advancement. The allure of belonging, of being "among us," speaks powerfully to the deep human desire for acceptance and the pervasive influence of peer pressure, even when that acceptance comes from those on a destructive path. This verse issues a timeless call for us to critically examine the sources of our desired prosperity and the company we keep. Are we, or those we influence, being enticed by promises of ease and abundance that compromise our integrity, align us with unrighteousness, or lead us away from God's path? True wisdom discerns that the temporary, fleeting gains offered by sin always come with a far greater, often irreparable, cost—spiritual decay, broken relationships, a defiled conscience, and ultimately, eternal ruin. We are challenged to cultivate a discerning heart that actively resists such temptations and instead steadfastly pursues the path of diligent, righteous living, trusting in God's faithful provision and the lasting, true blessings of integrity and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "casting in thy lot" mean in this context?
In ancient times, "casting lots" was a common method of making decisions, distributing shares, or determining outcomes, often by throwing marked stones or objects. In Proverbs 1:14, it is used metaphorically. It signifies a full and binding commitment to join the group of sinners, agreeing to participate actively in their criminal activities and to share equally in the spoils they acquire. It is an invitation to become a full and complicit partner in their illicit enterprise, sharing in both the immediate gains and the ultimate, inevitable consequences of their actions.
Why is "let us all have one purse" significant?
The phrase "let us all have one purse" is profoundly significant because it highlights the primary, tangible enticement offered by the wicked: shared, communal wealth derived from their illicit activities. The "purse" represents the collective spoils of their robbery and violence. By promising a "one purse," they are skillfully appealing to the universal human desire for immediate, effortless riches and security, suggesting a unified and equitable distribution of their ill-gotten gains. This promise of shared prosperity and unity in crime is meticulously designed to make their dangerous and destructive scheme appear attractive and beneficial, expertly masking the inherent destruction that awaits those who pursue such a path, as warned explicitly in Proverbs 1:19.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 1:14, with its vivid portrayal of the enticement to join a fellowship of sin for shared material gain, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in Christ. The "one purse" offered by the wicked is a fleeting, deceptive, and ultimately destructive treasure, leading only to ruin and death, as Proverbs 1:19 chillingly warns. In stark opposition, Jesus calls His followers to "cast in their lot" with Him, not for earthly spoils or fleeting riches, but for an eternal inheritance and a true, spiritual fellowship rooted in righteousness. He invites us to store up "treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20). While the world promises a shared purse of ill-gotten gain and false unity, Christ offers a shared life in the Spirit, a common bond as members of His very body (1 Corinthians 12:27), and an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4). The ultimate, true "one purse" for believers is the boundless, eternal riches of God's grace and the shared inheritance as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), a treasure infinitely surpassing any earthly gain and leading to abundant, eternal life, rather than the destruction promised by the world's hollow and deceptive allurements.