Proverbs 1:16

KJV

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

For their feet {H7272} run {H7323} to evil {H7451}, and make haste {H4116} to shed {H8210} blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their feet run to evil, they rush to shed blood.

Berean Standard Bible

For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

American Standard Version

For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:16 serves as a stark and urgent warning, vividly portraying the proactive and eager nature of those committed to evil. It describes their swift and intentional pursuit of destructive ends, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, highlighting a profound disregard for life and justice. This proverb underscores the purposeful and unhesitating manner in which the wicked pursue their malicious objectives, emphasizing the inherent danger of their path.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:16 is nestled within the opening section of the Book of Proverbs, specifically within a father's urgent admonition to his son (Proverbs 1:8-19) to shun the path of sinners. The preceding verses introduce the insidious temptation from a predatory group that lies in wait, promising illicit gain through violence and ambush. Verse 16 functions as a vivid exposition of the character and actions of these wicked individuals, detailing their eagerness and readiness for destructive acts. This proverb sharply contrasts the "way of the wicked" with the "way of wisdom" that the father implores his son to embrace throughout the entire book. The broader narrative of Proverbs consistently presents a binary choice between these two paths, each leading to vastly different destinies, with the consequences of following the wicked explicitly outlined in [Proverbs 1:18-19](/proverbs/1-18-19 "Proverbs 1:18-19 - The Trap of the Wicked").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Originating from ancient Israel, the Book of Proverbs is deeply embedded in the wisdom traditions prevalent across the Near East. In this cultural setting, paternal instruction was a foundational method of moral, ethical, and practical education, preparing young men for responsible life within the community. The dangers depicted in this verse—banditry, ambush, and the shedding of blood for ill-gotten gain—were very real threats in ancient societies, where formal justice systems could be less developed and travel was often perilous. The emphasis on avoiding "bad company" reflects a profound understanding of the formative power of association in a communal society. The imagery of "feet" and "running" would have resonated strongly in a world where physical movement and direct action were commonplace, powerfully illustrating the tangible and immediate consequences of moral choices.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 1:16 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Eagerness for Evil**, demonstrating that wickedness is not a passive state but an active, enthusiastic, and often premeditated pursuit. The vivid imagery of "running" and "making haste" underscores a proactive desire for destructive ends. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Intentional Violence**, specifically the readiness to "shed blood," which is a common biblical idiom for murder or severe physical harm. This reveals a chilling disregard for human life and a perversion of justice, contrasting with God's valuing of human life as seen in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life"). Thirdly, while not explicitly stated within this verse, its placement within the broader warning against dangerous associations (as seen in [Proverbs 1:10-15](/proverbs/1-10-15 "Proverbs 1:10-15 - Warning Against Sinners")) implicitly underscores the **Corrupting Influence of Association**. Joining such individuals inevitably leads to participation in their swift descent into wickedness and its dire, often violent, outcomes, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feet (Hebrew, _regel'_):** This term refers to the physical appendage used for walking, but here it functions metonymically to represent the entire person's chosen course of action or their very steps. In this context, "their feet run" signifies the deliberate, intentional, and active movement of the wicked towards their destructive goals, indicating that their whole being is oriented towards evil.
* **run (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** A primitive root denoting rapid movement, often with purpose or urgency. When coupled with "to evil," it implies an eager, proactive, and even zealous pursuit of wrongdoing. It suggests a deliberate and unhesitating motion towards their destructive goals, rather than an accidental stumble into sin. This word emphasizes the speed and eagerness with which they engage in harmful acts.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This broad term encompasses badness, wickedness, moral depravity, and the resulting harm, calamity, or mischief. In this verse, it refers to the malevolent nature of the wicked's intentions and the destructive outcomes of their actions. Their "running to evil" means they are actively seeking to inflict harm, cause distress, and engage in morally corrupt behavior.
* **make haste (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This word reinforces the idea of speed and urgency, meaning to hurry, be prompt, or even be carried headlong. When used in conjunction with "to shed blood," it emphasizes the swiftness and readiness with which the wicked commit violent acts. There is no hesitation or deliberation; rather, an immediate inclination to fulfill their harmful intentions.
* **shed (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** A primitive root meaning to spill forth, pour out, or cast. In the context of "shed blood," it directly refers to the act of taking life, indicating violent and often fatal action. It highlights the deliberate and decisive nature of their destructive acts.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term refers to the vital fluid, that which when shed causes death. In biblical idiom, "shedding blood" is a direct reference to murder or severe physical violence. The use of this word here underscores the ultimate, fatal outcome of the wicked's eager pursuit of evil, highlighting the grave consequences and the complete disregard for human life. Figuratively, it denotes bloodshed and guilt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For their feet run to evil":** This clause vividly portrays the active and intentional nature of the wicked's pursuit of wrongdoing. The "feet" represent the person's entire being and their chosen course of action, indicating that their very steps are directed towards harmful and morally corrupt ends. The verb "run" conveys speed, eagerness, and a lack of hesitation, suggesting that they are not merely tempted by evil but are actively and quickly moving towards it. "Evil" here encompasses not just moral depravity but also the resulting harm and calamity they inflict.
* **"and make haste to shed blood":** This second clause intensifies the first, specifying the ultimate and most grievous form of evil they pursue: violence and murder. "Make haste" reiterates the urgency and readiness, implying a lack of remorse or restraint. "To shed blood" is a chillingly direct idiom for taking a life or committing severe physical violence. This phrase reveals the destructive culmination of their evil desires, showing that their promptness in wrongdoing leads directly to fatal consequences for others.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:16 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and make haste to shed blood") reinforces and intensifies the meaning of the first ("For their feet run to evil"). Both phrases describe the eager and swift movement towards wickedness, with the second clause specifying the ultimate, violent outcome of their actions. **Metonymy** is also present in the phrase "their feet run," where "feet" stand in for the entire person or their deliberate actions, emphasizing the physical and intentional nature of their pursuit of evil. Furthermore, the verse uses vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear and disturbing picture of individuals eagerly rushing towards destructive acts, culminating in the horrific act of shedding blood. This creates a strong visual and emotional impact, underscoring the severity of the warning and the dire consequences of such a path.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:16 profoundly articulates the theological truth that sin is not merely a passive state but an active, often zealous, pursuit. It reveals the heart of the wicked as one that is not only inclined towards evil but passionately committed to its execution, culminating in violence and the disregard for human life. This verse aligns with the broader biblical understanding of the depravity of the unregenerate heart, which, left to its own devices, gravitates towards rebellion against God and harm to others. It highlights the stark contrast between the path of wisdom, which leads to life and righteousness, and the path of folly, which inevitably leads to destruction and bloodshed. The Lord’s abhorrence of violence and the shedding of innocent blood is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, underscoring the gravity of the actions described here.

* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path")
* [Isaiah 59:7](/isaiah/59-7 "Isaiah 59:7 - The Wicked's Swiftness to Evil")
* [Romans 3:15-17](/romans/3-15-17 "Romans 3:15-17 - The Universal Depravity of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:16 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers across all generations, calling us to profound discernment regarding our associations and the choices we make. It teaches us that evil is often pursued with a chilling eagerness and leads to tangible, destructive outcomes, particularly violence and injustice. Therefore, it is critically important to be highly selective about who we allow to influence our lives, understanding that "bad company corrupts good character" ([1_corinthians/15-33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - The Danger of Bad Company")). Just as the wicked are eager to run to evil, believers are called to proactively direct their steps towards righteousness, peace, and good works. This requires a conscious guarding of our hearts and minds, ensuring that our desires and actions align with God's will, rather than being drawn into the swift currents of sin and destruction. We are encouraged to choose the path of wisdom, which leads to life and flourishing, over the path of folly, which inevitably leads to ruin and spiritual death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "running to evil" or making "haste to shed blood" through my words, actions, or even my thoughts, perhaps through gossip, anger, or neglect?**
* **How discerning am I about the company I keep, and what steps can I take to ensure my associations lead me towards righteousness and spiritual growth rather than away from it?**
* **What practical steps can I take to proactively "run to good" and "make haste to build up" rather than tear down, reflecting God's heart for justice, compassion, and peace in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "their feet run to evil" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase uses **metonymy**, where "feet" represent the entire person and their actions. It means that the wicked are not merely passive recipients of temptation but are actively and eagerly pursuing evil. Their very steps are directed towards wrongdoing, indicating a proactive and purposeful commitment to immoral and destructive behavior. It suggests a swift and unhesitating movement towards sin, rather than a reluctant or accidental stumble, highlighting their deliberate intent to cause harm.

**Is "shed blood" only about physical murder, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While "shed blood" most literally refers to physical murder, in a broader biblical context, it can also encompass any act of severe violence, injustice, or oppression that leads to the destruction or harm of others, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It speaks to a complete disregard for human life and dignity. The phrase highlights the ultimate, destructive outcome of the wicked's eager pursuit of evil, emphasizing the gravity of their intentions and the harm they inflict, which ultimately leads to guilt and condemnation, as seen in the divine decree against murder in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:16, a stark warning against the eager pursuit of evil and violence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between the way of the world and the way of the Savior. While the wicked's feet run to shed innocent blood, Jesus' feet ran to bring life, healing, and the good news of salvation, culminating in His own innocent blood being shed—not to inflict harm, but to redeem it. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the beautiful feet of those who bring good news ([Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Feet of the Messenger of Good News")), a prophecy profoundly fulfilled in Christ, whose life was a constant movement towards righteousness and reconciliation. Unlike those who make haste to destroy, Jesus "made haste" to fulfill His Father's will, even to the point of the cross, where His blood was poured out as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - The Necessity of Blood for Atonement")). This shedding of blood was not for evil gain, but for eternal life, demonstrating God's perfect justice and boundless love. Thus, Proverbs 1:16 not only warns against the destructive path of the wicked but also implicitly points to the redemptive path of Christ, whose self-sacrificial act stands in stark opposition to the world's violence, offering the only true escape from the consequences of sin and the power of evil ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")).

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 59:7

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

Proverbs 6:18

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Romans 3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)