Proverbs 1:14

KJV

Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast {H5307} in thy lot {H1486} among {H8432} us; let us all have one {H259} purse {H3599}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Throw in your lot with us; we'll share a common purse"-

Berean Standard Bible

Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”—

American Standard Version

Thou shalt cast thy lot among us; We will all have one purse:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:14 presents a stark invitation from a gang of sinners to a naive youth, urging him to join their predatory enterprise. The verse encapsulates the deceptive allure of quick, illicit wealth and false camaraderie, as the wicked propose a shared venture of robbery and violence where all participants will equally partake in the spoils, symbolized by a common "purse." This enticement serves as a critical warning within the father's broader counsel against the path of the unrighteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the father's initial warning to his son against the enticements of sinners, which begins in [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Listen to Parental Instruction"). Following a general admonition to avoid consenting to their ways in [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - Do Not Consent to Sinners"), verses [Proverbs 1:11-13](/proverbs/1-11 "Proverbs 1:11-13 - The Sinners' Invitation") vividly describe 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](/proverbs/1-14 "Proverbs 1:14 - The Invitation to Share Spoils") directly builds upon this, extending the invitation to a shared enterprise and communal distribution of ill-gotten gains, making the temptation more concrete and appealing. The subsequent verses, such as [Proverbs 1:15-19](/proverbs/1-15 "Proverbs 1:15-19 - The Consequences of Following Sinners"), then detail the swift and inevitable 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 societies, banditry and robbery were prevalent dangers, especially along trade routes or in areas with weak central authority. The concept of "casting lots" was a common practice used for various purposes, including dividing land, determining guilt or innocence, or distributing spoils of war, as seen in passages like [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of Land by Lot") or [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Casts Lots for Inheritance"). Here, it's co-opted by the wicked to signify a binding agreement to share in the proceeds of their criminal activity, lending a veneer of fairness or order to their illicit scheme. The "purse" (or money bag) was a common item for carrying currency and valuables, making the promise of "one purse" a tangible and enticing offer of shared, abundant wealth, appealing to the desire for material prosperity common in all eras.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom"). Firstly, it highlights the **Allure of Easy Wealth**, contrasting the patient, diligent path to prosperity advocated throughout the book with the deceptive promise of quick riches obtained through violence and dishonesty. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Peer Pressure and Corrupting Influence**, as the invitation "Cast in thy lot among us" is a direct appeal to join a group, offering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, even if that purpose is destructive. This echoes the broader warning in [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise") that "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Association**, foreshadowing the inevitable ruin that awaits those who choose to align themselves with the wicked, a truth explicitly stated later in the chapter in [Proverbs 1:18-19](/proverbs/1-18 "Proverbs 1:18-19 - The Sinners' Own Trap"). Ultimately, the father's warning serves to cultivate **Discernment and Wisdom** in his son, enabling him to distinguish between paths that lead to life and those that lead to death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** 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. Figuratively, it denotes a portion, destiny, or share determined by lot. In this context, "cast in thy lot" means to join in and share equally in the outcome or spoils of their criminal enterprise, implying a binding commitment and participation in their collective fate.
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** A numeral meaning "united" or "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 part of the enticing offer to the naive.
* **purse (Hebrew, _kîyç'_):** This word refers to a bag, specifically a money bag or a pouch for weights. In this verse, "one purse" is 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast in thy lot among us":** This is a direct, enticing invitation from the wicked to the young man. "Casting one's lot" signifies joining a group or enterprise and agreeing to share in its fortunes, whether good or bad. Here, it's an invitation to become a full participant in their scheme of violence and robbery, implying a commitment to their way of life and a share in their illicit gains. It's a call to abandon individual moral discernment for group solidarity in wrongdoing.
* **"let us all have one purse":** This clause clarifies the nature of the shared "lot." The "one purse" symbolizes the communal pooling of the spoils obtained through their criminal acts. It's a promise of equal distribution of wealth, designed to appeal to greed and the desire for material gain without effort. It suggests a brotherhood of thieves, where all contribute to the crime and all benefit equally from its proceeds, reinforcing the deceptive allure of shared prosperity and unity in sin.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. The most prominent is **Direct Invitation**, as the verse presents a clear, persuasive call from the sinners ("Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse"). This direct address makes the temptation immediate and personal for the reader. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "one purse," where the physical object (the purse) stands for the abstract concept of shared wealth, ill-gotten gains, or communal spoils. This makes the promise of riches tangible and appealing. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the "fellowship" and "shared wealth" offered by the wicked are ultimately destructive, leading not to prosperity but to ruin, a truth revealed later in the chapter. The language is **Concise and Urgent**, typical of proverbial wisdom, delivering a powerful warning in a few impactful words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:14 highlights the perennial temptation to seek material gain through unrighteous means and the deceptive appeal of false community. Theologically, it underscores the biblical principle that true prosperity and security are found in wisdom and righteousness, not in illicit gain or association with the wicked. The promise of "one purse" is a counterfeit of true fellowship and shared inheritance found in God's covenant people. The Lord consistently warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of justice and integrity, emphasizing that such pursuits lead to spiritual and often physical destruction. This verse serves as a foundational warning against the path of the ungodly, which is characterized by greed, violence, and a disregard for divine law.

* [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Ill-Gotten Wealth Dwindles") - "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
* [Proverbs 28:22](/proverbs/28-22 "Proverbs 28:22 - Hasty Wealth Brings Trouble") - "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man") - "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:14 remains profoundly relevant in a world constantly presenting opportunities for quick, easy, and often illicit gain. The "one purse" can manifest today as get-rich-quick schemes, dishonest business practices, illegal enterprises, or even online scams that promise shared wealth for minimal effort. The allure of belonging, of being "among us," speaks to the powerful influence of peer pressure and the human desire for acceptance, even when that acceptance comes from those on a destructive path. This verse calls us to critically examine the sources of our desired prosperity and the company we keep. Are we being enticed by promises of ease and abundance that compromise our integrity or align us with unrighteousness? True wisdom discerns that the temporary gains offered by sin always come with a far greater cost—spiritual decay, broken relationships, and ultimately, eternal ruin. We are challenged to cultivate a discerning heart that resists such temptations and instead pursues the path of diligent, righteous living, trusting in God's provision and the lasting blessings of integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "one purses" or quick-gain schemes in today's society might tempt me or those I know?**
* **How do I respond to peer pressure or the desire for belonging when it conflicts with my moral or spiritual convictions?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of pursuing wealth or success through dishonest or unrighteous means?**
* **How can I actively cultivate wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the deceptive invitations of the wicked?**

### FAQ
**What does "casting in thy lot" mean in this context?**

Answer: In ancient times, "casting lots" was a method of making decisions or distributing shares, often by throwing marked stones or objects. In [Proverbs 1:14](/proverbs/1-14 "Proverbs 1:14 - The Invitation to Share Spoils"), it's used metaphorically. It means to fully commit to and join the group of sinners, agreeing to participate in their criminal activities and to share equally in the spoils they acquire. It's an invitation to become a full partner in their enterprise, sharing in both the gains and the ultimate consequences.

**Why is "let us all have one purse" significant?**

Answer: The phrase "let us all have one purse" is highly significant because it highlights the primary 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 appealing to greed and the desire for immediate, effortless riches, suggesting a unified and equitable distribution of their ill-gotten gains. This promise of shared prosperity is designed to make their dangerous scheme appear attractive and beneficial, masking the inherent destruction that awaits those who pursue such a path, as warned in [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - The Fate of the Greedy").

### 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 fulfillment in Christ. The "one purse" offered by the wicked is a fleeting, destructive treasure, leading to ruin and death, as [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - Greed Destroys") warns. In stark opposition, Jesus calls His followers to "cast in their lot" with Him, not for earthly spoils, but for an eternal inheritance and a true, spiritual fellowship. 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](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). While the world promises a shared purse of ill-gotten gain, Christ offers a shared life in the Spirit, a common bond in His body ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")), and an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The ultimate "one purse" for believers is the boundless riches of God's grace and the shared inheritance as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), a treasure far surpassing any earthly gain and leading to eternal life, rather than the destruction promised by the world's false allurements.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.