Proverbs 1:32

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

For the turning away {H4878} of the simple {H6612} shall slay {H2026} them, and the prosperity {H7962} of fools {H3684} shall destroy {H6} them.

For the aimless wandering of the thoughtless will kill them, and the smug overconfidence of fools will destroy them;

For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.

Commentary

Proverbs 1:32 serves as a stark warning within the book's opening invitation to wisdom. It highlights the severe consequences faced by those who ignore or actively reject the path of divine counsel.

Context

This verse is part of the initial chapters of Proverbs, which lay the foundational principles of wisdom and folly. Following Wisdom's passionate cry in the streets (Proverbs 1:20-21) and her subsequent lament over those who refuse her instruction (Proverbs 1:24-27), verse 32 underscores the ultimate outcome of such rejection. It contrasts with the promise of safety for those who listen to wisdom, as stated in the very next verse.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Rejecting Wisdom: The "simple" (pethiy in Hebrew) are those who are naive, easily swayed, and lack discernment. Their "turning away" (meshubah) signifies a deliberate backsliding or refusal to embrace wisdom's instruction. This spiritual apathy and rebellion ultimately lead to their destruction, emphasizing that ignorance is not bliss but a path to ruin.
  • The Deception of Worldly Prosperity: The "fools" (kesilim in Hebrew) are not merely unintelligent, but morally obstinate and stubbornly resistant to godly wisdom. Their "prosperity" (shalwat โ€“ often implying false ease or security) becomes a snare. They may experience temporary success without acknowledging God, but this very success, unchecked by wisdom, hardens their hearts and paves the way for their ultimate downfall. This echoes the concern found in other scriptures about the prosperity of the wicked.
  • Divine Consequences: The verse presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship: rejecting wisdom leads to destruction. It illustrates a principle of divine justice where one's choices have inescapable outcomes. This isn't necessarily immediate punishment but the natural, inevitable result of choosing a path contrary to God's design for life and well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "simple," pethiy (ืคืชื™), refers to someone open and persuadable, but often in a negative sense โ€“ easily deceived or lacking firm moral conviction. Their "turning away," meshubah (ืžึฐืฉืื•ึผื‘ึธื”), indicates a backsliding or apostasy, a willful refusal to return to the right path. Conversely, "fools," kesilim (ื›ึฐึผืกึดื™ืœึดื™ื), denotes those who are dull-witted or obstinate, morally senseless, and resistant to correction. Their "prosperity," shalwat (ืฉึทืืœึฐื•ึทืช), describes a state of ease, security, or undisturbed tranquility, which ironically contributes to their spiritual decay by making them self-sufficient and heedless of God.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:32 serves as a timeless caution. It reminds us that:

  • Spiritual Apathy is Dangerous: Being "simple" โ€“ uncommitted, naive, or indifferent to spiritual truth โ€“ can lead to spiritual death. We are called to actively seek and apply wisdom, not just passively receive it.
  • Worldly Success Can Be a Trap: When prosperity is divorced from godly wisdom, it can foster arrogance and self-reliance, blinding individuals to their need for God and ultimately leading to their ruin. True security is found in trusting in the Lord, not in material possessions or worldly achievements.
  • Choices Have Consequences: The verse powerfully illustrates the principle that our decisions, particularly concerning wisdom and folly, have profound and lasting implications for our lives, both temporal and eternal. It urges us to heed godly counsel and embrace the path of righteousness before it's too late.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 8:36 (4 votes)

    But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

  • Hebrews 12:25 (4 votes)

    See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

  • John 3:36 (3 votes)

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • Jeremiah 2:19 (3 votes)

    Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

  • Luke 16:19 (3 votes)

    ยถ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

  • Luke 16:25 (3 votes)

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

  • Luke 12:16 (2 votes)

    And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: