Proverbs 1:19

KJV

So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

So are the ways {H734} of every one that is greedy {H1214} of gain {H1215}; which taketh away {H3947} the life {H5315} of the owners {H1167} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

So are the ways of all greedy for gain -it takes the lives of those who get it.

Berean Standard Bible

Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.

American Standard Version

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:19 serves as a profound warning against the perilous nature of avarice, asserting that the lifestyle of those consumed by the relentless pursuit of unjust gain inevitably leads to self-destruction. It vividly portrays how such greed, far from enriching an individual, ultimately diminishes and even extinguishes their very life, encompassing not only physical existence but also their well-being, integrity, and spiritual vitality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:19 concludes a foundational introductory section within the book of Proverbs, specifically [Proverbs 1:10-19](/proverbs/1-10-19 "Proverbs 1:10-19 - Warning Against Sinners"). This opening chapter establishes the book's overarching purpose—to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding—and immediately presents a stark contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of folly. The preceding verses, such as [Proverbs 1:11-14](/proverbs/1-11-14 "Proverbs 1:11-14 - The Lure of Easy Gain"), vividly depict the enticing but ultimately destructive invitation of sinners to join them in schemes of violence and robbery for "easy gain." Verse 19 serves as the climactic summary judgment on this wicked enterprise, demonstrating with chilling clarity that the very "gain" they seek becomes the instrument of their undoing, foreshadowing the broader theme of divine retribution and the inherent consequences of unrighteousness found throughout the entire book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near Eastern world, including Israel, was intimately familiar with brigandage, robbery, and the pursuit of wealth through illicit means. Such activities often led to cycles of violence, vendetta, and societal instability. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently addresses these practical societal issues, contrasting the stability, blessing, and peace associated with righteous living, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:16](/proverbs/3-16 "Proverbs 3:16 - Wisdom's Blessings"), with the instability, ruin, and self-destruction brought by injustice and greed. The "owners" mentioned in the verse could initially be perceived as the victims of such schemes, but the proverb's profound twist reveals that the ultimate victim is the greedy person themselves. The emphasis on "life" (Hebrew _nephesh_) was holistic in ancient Israelite thought, encompassing physical existence, vitality, well-being, reputation, and one's very soul, rendering the warning profoundly comprehensive in its scope.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores the theme of **wisdom versus folly**, portraying greed as a quintessential example of foolishness that rejects the path of righteousness for immediate, ill-gotten gain, ultimately leading to ruin rather than prosperity. It highlights the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating that wicked actions carry inherent, often self-inflicted, penalties, a principle echoed in passages like [Proverbs 5:22](/proverbs/5-22 "Proverbs 5:22 - The Sinner Caught by His Own Iniquities"), where the wicked are snared by their own iniquities. The verse also implicitly touches upon the **nature of true prosperity**, contrasting the fleeting and destructive "gain" of the wicked with the lasting blessings that accompany integrity, diligence, and the fear of the Lord, as articulated in [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord"). Finally, it reinforces the **moral order of the universe**, where actions have predictable outcomes, and deviation from God's wisdom inevitably leads to ruin and the forfeiture of true life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ways (Hebrew, _ʼôrach'_):** From H734, meaning a well-trodden road or path, used literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the habitual course of action, the chosen lifestyle, or the consistent moral trajectory of individuals. The proverb states that the very "path" chosen by the greedy is inherently destructive, indicating that their chosen method of living, not just isolated acts of avarice, leads inexorably to ruin.
* **greedy of gain (Hebrew, _bâtsaʻ'_ / _betsaʻ'_):** From H1214 (verb, "to break off, plunder, be covetous") and H1215 (noun, "plunder, unjust gain, lucre"). This phrase denotes a rapacious, insatiable desire for profit, often implying that the gain is acquired through violence, exploitation, or dishonest means. It is not merely a desire for wealth, but an obsessive, morally compromised pursuit of it that disregards ethical boundaries and the well-being of others.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, a multifaceted word referring to a breathing creature, vitality, soul, self, appetite, or person. Here, it signifies the comprehensive well-being of a person—their physical existence, mental peace, emotional stability, spiritual health, reputation, and overall flourishing. The taking away of _nephesh_ can mean literal death but also the profound destruction of one's holistic personhood and capacity for true living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;"**: This initial clause establishes a direct and inescapable correlation between the character and actions of a person ("greedy of gain") and the nature of their life's trajectory ("So are the ways"). The "ways" are not merely incidental actions but represent a consistent pattern of behavior, a chosen lifestyle driven by insatiable avarice. The Hebrew word for "greedy" (from _bâtsaʻ_) implies not just a desire for wealth, but a covetousness that often involves violence, exploitation, or injustice to acquire it. The structure implies that the very path chosen by such individuals is inherently flawed and leads to a specific, undesirable outcome.
* **"which taketh away the life of the owners thereof."**: This second clause reveals the devastating consequence of the greedy person's chosen "ways." The phrase "taketh away the life" (Hebrew _lâqach nephesh_) signifies a profound and comprehensive loss. While it can certainly mean literal death (e.g., through violence encountered in criminal activity or divine judgment), it also encompasses the destruction of one's well-being, peace, integrity, relationships, and spiritual vitality. The ironic twist is that the "owners thereof" refers not to the victims of the greedy person's schemes, but to the greedy individuals themselves. The "gain" they covet ultimately consumes them, making them the ultimate victims of their own insatiable desire.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark warning. **Metaphor** is central, as "the ways" of the greedy are presented as a path that leads to self-destruction, rather than a literal road. This imagery powerfully communicates the inevitable trajectory and destination of a life consumed by avarice. The verse also uses **Personification** by implying that greed itself, or the "gain" it seeks, actively "taketh away the life," giving an abstract concept destructive agency and highlighting its insidious power. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Consequence Theology**, where the verse directly links a specific moral failing (greed) to its natural and divine consequence (loss of life/well-being). This highlights the inherent moral order of the universe, where actions have predictable and often self-inflicted outcomes. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise and memorable statement of truth, designed to be impactful in its warning against a pervasive human failing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:19 stands as a stark theological declaration that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake, especially through unjust means, is a form of idolatry that ultimately consumes the worshiper. It underscores the biblical principle that true life, security, and flourishing are not found in accumulated possessions but in wisdom, righteousness, and a right relationship with God. The verse warns against the illusion that material gain brings lasting satisfaction or safety, revealing it instead as a snare that leads to spiritual, emotional, and potentially physical ruin. This deep-seated truth about the deceptive and destructive nature of greed is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that the heart's devotion to mammon inevitably detracts from its devotion to the Creator, leading to a profound loss of what truly constitutes "life" in its most abundant sense.

* [Job 31:24-28](/job/31-24-28 "Job 31:24-28 - Warning Against Trusting in Wealth")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:19 challenges us to deeply examine the motivations behind our ambitions and pursuits. In a world that often glorifies material success and quick riches, this proverb serves as a vital counter-narrative, reminding us that not all "gain" is truly gainful. It prompts us to consider whether our desire for more—whether it be money, power, recognition, or possessions—is leading us down a path that erodes our integrity, strains our relationships, diminishes our peace, or compromises our spiritual vitality. The "life" that is taken away is comprehensive, encompassing our very essence and holistic well-being. Are we, perhaps unknowingly, sacrificing our truest selves, our genuine peace, and our spiritual flourishing on the altar of avarice? This verse calls us to re-evaluate our priorities, to seek wisdom above wealth, and to recognize that genuine flourishing comes not from the accumulation of possessions, but from a life aligned with God's principles, marked by contentment, generosity, and a spirit of stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might the "greedy of gain" principle subtly apply, influencing my decisions or desires?**
* **How might the pursuit of material gain be "taking away" aspects of my "life," such as my peace, time with loved ones, or spiritual health?**
* **What are biblical alternatives to the pursuit of "greedy gain" that genuinely lead to true flourishing and abundant life?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment and generosity in a culture that constantly promotes accumulation and covetousness?**

### FAQ

**Does "taketh away the life" always mean literal death?**

Answer: While "taketh away the life" (Hebrew _lâqach nephesh_) can certainly imply literal physical death, especially in the context of violent schemes often associated with unjust gain, the Hebrew word _nephesh_ (life/soul/self) is much broader. In Proverbs 1:19, it encompasses the comprehensive well-being of a person. Therefore, it can also refer to the destruction of one's peace, integrity, reputation, relationships, spiritual vitality, or overall flourishing. The proverb suggests that the pursuit of greedy gain ultimately diminishes the individual in a holistic sense, leading to a profound loss of what truly constitutes a rich and meaningful life, even if physical death does not immediately occur.

**How does greed "take away" the life of its "owners"?**

Answer: Greed takes away life in several insidious ways. It can lead to literal death through dangerous criminal activities or the violent retribution of those wronged, as depicted in the preceding verses of [Proverbs 1](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Call of Wisdom"). More broadly, it destroys inner peace through constant anxiety, fear of loss, and insatiable craving for more. It erodes moral integrity, leading to dishonest practices that corrupt the soul and alienate one from God. Relationships are often sacrificed for profit, leaving individuals isolated and lonely. Spiritually, greed is a form of idolatry, replacing God with mammon, which ultimately alienates one from the source of true life ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve God and Mammon")). The "gain" becomes a harsh master that consumes the individual, leaving them impoverished in the very areas that matter most for a truly abundant life.

**Is all pursuit of wealth condemned by this proverb?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 1:19 specifically condemns being "greedy of gain," which implies an insatiable, often unjust, and destructive pursuit of wealth. The Bible does not condemn wealth itself or the honest accumulation of resources through diligent work (e.g., [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Leads to Wealth")). Instead, it warns against the **love of money** ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")), covetousness, and the acquisition of wealth through exploitation, violence, or deceit. The focus is on the heart's attitude toward money and the methods used to obtain it. The proverb distinguishes sharply between legitimate gain, which can be a blessing, and the "greedy gain" that ultimately proves self-destructive, consuming the very "life" of its "owners."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:19, with its stark warning against the self-destructive nature of greed, finds its profoundest fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the folly of seeking life through ill-gotten gain, Christ presents Himself as the very embodiment of true life and the ultimate treasure. He taught that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life Not in Possessions")), directly countering the worldview of the "greedy of gain" and exposing the emptiness of material accumulation. Jesus' call to "lay up for yourselves 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 - Treasures in Heaven")) offers the divine antidote to earthly avarice, redirecting human desire from perishable wealth to eternal riches found in God. Furthermore, Christ's own life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, perfectly illustrates the principle of losing one's life to truly gain it ([Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Matthew 16:25 - Losing Life to Gain It")). He gave up everything, even His very life, not for greedy gain, but for the salvation of humanity, offering a path to abundant and eternal life that the pursuit of worldly riches can never provide. In Him, the destructive "ways" of greed are overcome by the life-giving "way" of self-giving love, devotion to God, and the pursuit of righteousness which alone leads to true flourishing ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Proverbs 15:27

¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!

Proverbs 23:3

Be not desirous of his dainties: for they [are] deceitful meat.

Proverbs 23:4

¶ Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Micah 3:10

They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.