Proverbs 1:12

Berean Standard Bible
let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.
 
King James Bible
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
 
NET Bible
We will swallow them alive like Sheol, those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit.
 
Hebrew Text:

מִשְׁלֵי 1:12 - נִבְלָעֵם כִּשְׁאוֹל חַיִּים וְתַמִּים כְּיוֹרֲדֵי בוֹר

 
Transliteration:
Mishlei 1:12 - Nivla'em kish'ol chayim v'tamim k'yor'dei bor
 
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Study Bible:
 
let us swallow them alive
This phrase evokes a vivid and violent image, suggesting an act of consuming or destroying completely. The Hebrew word for "swallow" is "בָּלַע" (bala), which can mean to engulf or devour. This imagery is often used in the Bible to describe the overwhelming power of death or destruction. In a spiritual sense, it warns against the seductive nature of sin and evil, which can consume a person entirely if they are not vigilant. The phrase serves as a caution against the allure of participating in wicked schemes that promise quick gain but lead to spiritual ruin.
 
like Sheol
Sheol in Hebrew thought is the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the departed spirits reside. It is often depicted as insatiable and all-consuming, much like the grave. The comparison to Sheol underscores the finality and inevitability of death, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of living a life contrary to God's wisdom. In a broader theological context, it highlights the importance of seeking eternal life through righteousness and faith in God, contrasting the temporary pleasures of sin with the eternal consequences.
 
and whole
The word "whole" here emphasizes the totality of the destruction being described. It suggests that those who fall into the trap of sin are taken completely, without any part of them remaining untouched. This serves as a warning that sin affects every aspect of a person's life, not just isolated parts. The call to wisdom in Proverbs is a call to preserve one's entire being—body, mind, and spirit—by adhering to God's commandments and living a life of integrity.
 
like those descending into the Pit
The "Pit" is another term for the grave or a place of destruction, often synonymous with Sheol. The imagery of descending into the Pit conveys a sense of being trapped or ensnared, unable to escape. Historically, the Pit was seen as a place of no return, reinforcing the idea that the path of wickedness leads to irreversible consequences. This phrase serves as a powerful deterrent against following the path of the wicked, urging believers to choose the path of life and wisdom that leads to God's blessings and eternal life.
 
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Commentary:
 
Context: The passage begins with advice to heed parental wisdom (verses 8-9). From verse 10, it shifts to describe how sinners entice others into wrongdoing, promising easy gains through violence or theft.
Verse 12 Specifics:
 
"Swallow them up alive as the grave" - This imagery suggests that the wicked are plotting to consume or destroy their victims entirely, much like the grave (Sheol in Hebrew) devours the dead. It paints a picture of complete and irreversible destruction.
 
"Whole, as those who go down into the pit" - This continues the metaphor, emphasizing that the victims are taken whole, without any chance of escape or return, akin to someone falling into a pit with no way out.
 
Interpretation:
 
This verse metaphorically illustrates the destructive nature of sin and the moral corruption of those who seek to harm others. It's a vivid warning against the allure of quick and illicit gains, showing that such paths lead to destruction not only for the victims but potentially for the sinners themselves, as later verses in Proverbs 1 suggest.
 
Moral Lesson: The broader lesson here is to resist peer pressure towards evil actions and to understand that the end result of such actions is ruin. It encourages adherence to wisdom and righteousness, which Proverbs as a whole extols as leading to life and well-being.
 
In essence, Proverbs 1:12 is a cautionary image meant to deter one from following the path of the wicked, emphasizing the severe and consuming nature of the consequences of such choices.