Proverbs 4:17

KJV

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they eat {H3898} the bread {H3899} of wickedness {H7562}, and drink {H8354} the wine {H3196} of violence {H2555}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

Berean Standard Bible

For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

American Standard Version

For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:17 vividly portrays the destructive and all-consuming lifestyle of the wicked, using the powerful metaphors of "eating the bread of wickedness" and "drinking the wine of violence." This verse, embedded within a father's urgent appeal to his son, serves as a stark warning, illustrating that for those who reject wisdom's path, unrighteousness and cruelty are not merely occasional acts but are deeply ingrained, providing their very sustenance, pleasure, and identity. It reveals a life fundamentally nourished and characterized by active wrongdoing, standing in profound contrast to the life-giving nourishment offered by wisdom and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:17 is a pivotal statement within a prolonged paternal exhortation (Proverbs 4:1-27) urging the son to embrace, acquire, and diligently guard wisdom above all else. The immediate preceding verses, [Proverbs 4:14-16](/proverbs/4-14-16 "Proverbs 4:14-16 - Warning Against the Path of the Wicked"), explicitly warn against entering or walking on "the path of the wicked" and "the way of evil men," noting that "they cannot sleep unless they have done evil; they are robbed of slumber unless they make someone stumble." Verse 17 then elaborates on *why* this path is so dangerous and captivating for those who choose it, revealing the very nature of the sustenance and delight found by those who tread it. It sets up a powerful antithesis to the "path of the righteous" described in [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Shining Path of the Just"), which promises increasing light and clarity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, bread and wine were not merely foodstuffs but staple elements of daily sustenance, symbolizing basic needs, life itself, and even celebration. Bread was the most fundamental food, often representing life and daily provision, while wine was associated with joy, feasting, and sometimes excess or revelry. The cultural understanding of these items makes the metaphorical usage in Proverbs 4:17 particularly potent. To "eat bread" and "drink wine" of something implied a deep, habitual consumption and integration into one's very being. The imagery would have immediately conveyed that wickedness and violence were not incidental to these individuals but were their very lifeblood and source of satisfaction, much like food and drink are to the body, indicating a profound and disturbing inversion of natural order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom tradition. It underscores the **antithetical nature of wisdom and folly**, presenting two distinct paths—one leading to life, light, and flourishing, the other to darkness, destruction, and moral decay. The theme of **choice and its consequences** is central, as the father implores his son to choose wisdom's way and avoid the wicked. Furthermore, it highlights the **pervasive and consuming nature of sin**, demonstrating that evil is not merely an action but can become the very sustenance and identity of an individual, contrasting sharply with the true spiritual nourishment offered by God's wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 9:5](/proverbs/9-5 "Proverbs 9:5 - Wisdom's Invitation to Feast"). The verse also touches on the **corrupting power of association**, implicitly warning against those whose very existence is defined by wickedness and violence, urging the hearer to [avoid their company](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** From H3898, a primitive root meaning "to feed on," or figuratively, "to consume." By implication, it can also mean "to battle" or "to devour." In this context, it emphasizes the active, intentional, and consuming nature of the wicked's engagement with evil. They don't merely encounter wickedness; they internalize it as their sustenance, suggesting a deep, almost predatory, absorption of unrighteousness.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _reshaʻ'_):** From H7562, referring to "a wrong (especially moral)," "iniquity," or "wickedness." It denotes a state of being unrighteous, guilty, or actively engaged in wrongdoing. The "bread of wickedness" therefore signifies that their very existence, their daily sustenance, and their livelihood are sustained by moral corruption and injustice, making unrighteousness the core of their being.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, meaning "violence," and by implication, "wrong," "unjust gain," "cruelty," "damage," or "oppression." The "wine of violence" suggests that their pleasures, revelries, and sources of satisfaction are derived from acts of aggression, injustice, and harm inflicted upon others. It points to a deep-seated enjoyment in destructive behavior, where their very delight is found in the oppression of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they eat the bread of wickedness,"**: This clause reveals the fundamental nature of the wicked's existence. "Bread" (Hebrew, _lechem_) is the most basic form of sustenance, essential for life. By associating it with "wickedness" (Hebrew, _reshaʻ_), the proverb conveys that unrighteousness, injustice, and moral corruption are not merely occasional actions for these individuals but are their very lifeblood, their daily nourishment, and the source of their vitality. Their being is sustained and defined by active wrongdoing, indicating a profound moral inversion where evil is consumed as if it were good.
* **"and drink the wine of violence."**: This second clause parallels the first, intensifying the imagery and extending the metaphor from sustenance to pleasure and celebration. "Wine" (Hebrew, _yayin_) often symbolizes joy, celebration, or indulgence. When paired with "violence" (Hebrew, _châmâç_), it implies that the wicked find pleasure, satisfaction, and even exhilaration in acts of cruelty, oppression, and aggressive harm. Their revelry is rooted in destructive behavior, demonstrating a profound spiritual and moral depravity where their deepest delights are found in inflicting wrong upon others, celebrating their unjust gains and oppressive acts.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:17 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphor**, which is the primary literary device employed. The abstract concepts of "wickedness" and "violence" are concretized as "bread" and "wine," respectively. This creates a vivid and visceral image, suggesting that these destructive forces are not external influences but are consumed and internalized, becoming the very sustenance and source of pleasure for the wicked. This metaphorical language highlights the deeply ingrained, habitual, and essential nature of their sin, portraying it as an integral part of their daily existence and identity. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the two clauses ("eat the bread of wickedness" and "drink the wine of violence") express similar ideas in different words, reinforcing the central message about the wicked's destructive lifestyle and their perverse sources of nourishment and delight. The implicit use of **Antithesis** is also powerful, as this verse stands in stark contrast to the life-giving sustenance offered by wisdom, a pervasive theme throughout Proverbs, particularly in the immediate context of [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Shining Path of the Just").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb profoundly illustrates the spiritual reality that what we "feed" our souls on ultimately defines us. Just as physical food sustains the body, our moral and spiritual choices determine the character of our inner being. The wicked are depicted as so immersed in sin that it becomes their very nourishment and delight, a chilling portrait of a heart fully given over to evil, where their desires are completely corrupted. This contrasts sharply with the divine invitation to true sustenance and life found in God's wisdom and righteousness, emphasizing that one cannot serve two masters or draw life from both righteousness and wickedness. It highlights the insidious nature of sin, which, if indulged, can become a consuming addiction, shaping one's entire identity and purpose.

* [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalms/1-1-2 "Psalm 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man's Delight in God's Law") - Contrasts the path of the wicked, who stand in the way of sinners, with the blessed man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
* [Isaiah 55:2](/isaiah/55-2 "Isaiah 55:2 - Why Spend Money on What Is Not Bread?") - A prophetic lament questioning why people spend money on what does not truly satisfy, inviting them instead to come to God and "eat what is good."
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters") - Jesus teaches that "No one can serve two masters," reinforcing the idea that one cannot draw sustenance and ultimate satisfaction from both God and the corrupting influences of the world.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:17 serves as a profound challenge to examine the true sources of our own sustenance and satisfaction. It compels us to consider what we are truly "eating" and "drinking" in our daily lives—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and morally. Are our thoughts, desires, entertainment, relationships, and aspirations nourishing righteousness, peace, and love, or are they subtly, or overtly, feeding a diet of ungodliness, conflict, and self-serving desires? This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment, reminding us that consistent choices, even seemingly small ones, cumulatively shape our character and determine the direction of our lives. To avoid the path of the wicked, we must consciously choose to feed on God's truth, righteousness, and wisdom, allowing them to be our primary source of nourishment and joy. This requires intentionality in our spiritual disciplines, discernment in our associations, and a steadfast commitment to seeking God's will above all else, ensuring our deepest cravings are met by His life-giving presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "bread" and "wine" that truly sustain my life and bring me satisfaction?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly or overtly consuming "wickedness" or "violence" through my choices in media, relationships, or thought patterns?**
* **How does my daily spiritual "diet" align with or diverge from the path of wisdom described in Proverbs?**
* **What practical steps can I take to replace any "bread of wickedness" or "wine of violence" with the true nourishment found in God's word and presence?**

### FAQ

**What does "bread of wickedness" and "wine of violence" mean figuratively?**

Answer: Figuratively, "bread of wickedness" means that unrighteousness, injustice, and moral corruption are the very sustenance, livelihood, and source of vitality for the wicked. It implies that their existence is sustained and defined by active wrongdoing, becoming their daily nourishment. "Wine of violence" suggests that their pleasures, satisfactions, and even their celebrations are derived from acts of cruelty, oppression, and aggressive harm. They find enjoyment and exhilaration in inflicting wrong upon others. Together, these metaphors powerfully convey that wickedness and violence are not incidental actions but are deeply ingrained habits and the very fabric of their being, illustrating a profound moral perversion where evil is consumed and celebrated.

**Is this verse a literal command or a warning?**

Answer: This verse is a vivid warning, not a literal command to eat or drink anything. It uses powerful **metaphorical language** to describe the *nature* and *consequences* of a life lived apart from God's wisdom. The father is warning his son against adopting the lifestyle and values of the wicked, whose very sustenance and joy come from unrighteousness and harm. It's a stark portrayal of the spiritual and moral diet of those who choose the path of folly over the path of righteousness, as outlined in the broader context of [Proverbs 4:14-19](/proverbs/4-14-19 "Proverbs 4:14-19 - The Two Paths"). The warning is against internalizing and delighting in evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:17, by depicting the destructive sustenance of the wicked, sets the stage for understanding the ultimate and true sustenance offered in Christ. While the wicked find their nourishment in "the bread of wickedness" and "the wine of violence," Jesus presents Himself as the antithesis: the true "Bread of Life." In [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." He offers spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the soul, providing eternal life and righteousness, unlike the fleeting and destructive satisfaction of sin. Furthermore, the "wine of violence" stands in stark contrast to the "new covenant in my blood" that Jesus offers (as seen in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). This new covenant wine symbolizes the peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation achieved through His sacrificial death, which brings true joy and lasting peace, replacing the violence and injustice that characterize the world apart from God. Thus, Proverbs 4:17 highlights humanity's desperate need for a different source of life and joy, a need perfectly met in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who provides true spiritual sustenance and a path of life that leads away from all wickedness and violence, inviting us to [feast on Him](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood") for eternal 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

Micah 6:12

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.

Psalms 14:4

¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

James 5:5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Amos 8:6

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?