Proverbs 4:17 - For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
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What does "Proverbs 4:17" mean?
Proverbs 4:17 paints a vivid picture of the lifestyle and choices of the wicked. Let's break down the meaning:
"They eat the bread of wickedness": This suggests that their sustenance, their very livelihood and what nourishes them, comes from evil deeds. It's not just that they occasionally sin; their entire life is built upon and sustained by wrongdoing. The "bread" represents the fruits of their labor, the rewards they receive, all tainted by immorality.
"and drink the wine of violence": Similarly, "wine" often symbolizes joy, pleasure, and celebration. Here, it signifies that the wicked find their joy and satisfaction in violence and harm to others. They revel in the suffering they inflict and find pleasure in destructive behavior.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a powerful condemnation of those who actively choose a path of wickedness. It emphasizes that their lives are not just marked by occasional lapses in judgment but are fundamentally rooted in evil. They are nourished and sustained by wickedness and find their joy in violence and harm.
Figurative Language:
The verse uses figurative language ("bread" and "wine") to make a more impactful statement. It's not necessarily about literally eating bread or drinking wine that's been physically corrupted. Instead, it symbolizes the broader concept of deriving sustenance and enjoyment from immoral actions.
Context:
This verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 4:10-19) where wisdom is contrasted with wickedness. The father (or teacher) is urging his son to choose the path of wisdom, which leads to life and prosperity, while warning him to avoid the path of the wicked, which leads to destruction. The verse highlights the corrupting nature of wickedness and the dangers of associating with those who embrace it.
Proverbs 4:17 - For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
What does "Proverbs 4:17" mean?
Proverbs 4:17 paints a vivid picture of the lifestyle and choices of the wicked. Let's break down the meaning:
"They eat the bread of wickedness": This suggests that their sustenance, their very livelihood and what nourishes them, comes from evil deeds. It's not just that they occasionally sin; their entire life is built upon and sustained by wrongdoing. The "bread" represents the fruits of their labor, the rewards they receive, all tainted by immorality.
"and drink the wine of violence": Similarly, "wine" often symbolizes joy, pleasure, and celebration. Here, it signifies that the wicked find their joy and satisfaction in violence and harm to others. They revel in the suffering they inflict and find pleasure in destructive behavior.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a powerful condemnation of those who actively choose a path of wickedness. It emphasizes that their lives are not just marked by occasional lapses in judgment but are fundamentally rooted in evil. They are nourished and sustained by wickedness and find their joy in violence and harm.
Figurative Language:
The verse uses figurative language ("bread" and "wine") to make a more impactful statement. It's not necessarily about literally eating bread or drinking wine that's been physically corrupted. Instead, it symbolizes the broader concept of deriving sustenance and enjoyment from immoral actions.
Context:
This verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 4:10-19) where wisdom is contrasted with wickedness. The father (or teacher) is urging his son to choose the path of wisdom, which leads to life and prosperity, while warning him to avoid the path of the wicked, which leads to destruction. The verse highlights the corrupting nature of wickedness and the dangers of associating with those who embrace it.