Proverbs 1:13 kjv

We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

Proverbs 1:13 nkjv

We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil;

Proverbs 1:13 niv

we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;

Proverbs 1:13 esv

we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder;

Proverbs 1:13 nlt

Think of the great things we'll get!
We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 13 Meaning

Proverbs 1:13 portrays the enticing promise made by a company of sinners to potential accomplices. It describes the lure of rapid, vast, and effortlessly acquired wealth obtained through violent and illicit means. The verse highlights the deception of temptation, where sin promises great material gain—specifically "all precious substance" and filling "our houses with spoil"—to draw individuals into their wicked scheme. This proposed prosperity is presented as a compelling outcome of their violent actions.

Proverbs 1 13 Context

Proverbs 1:13 is situated within the initial discourse of the book of Proverbs, which introduces the stark contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of folly. Specifically, it is part of the "invitation of sinners" found in verses 10-14. This section serves as a crucial warning to the young or naive reader, urging them not to be enticed by the corrupting influence of unrighteous company. The preceding verses (Prov 1:11-12) describe the violent ambush and unjustified killing they propose, and verse 13 presents the tangible "reward" of joining such an endeavor. This immediate context reveals that the promise of "precious substance" and "spoil" is the bait used to recruit, offering immediate gratification and wealth obtained through outright robbery and violence. Historically, raiding and plunder were unfortunate realities in many ancient societies, making this temptation relatable and dangerous for the original audience, particularly young men who might seek quick routes to status or provision outside of diligent labor and God's law.

Proverbs 1 13 Word analysis

• נִמְצָא (nim'tsa): "We shall find." This Hebrew verb, in the cohortative form, conveys a strong, urging suggestion or confident assertion, more akin to "Let us find!" or "We will surely find!" It reflects the eager conviction and seductive nature of the sinners' promise, projecting a certainty of success to entice others into their illicit scheme.
• כָל־ (kol-): "all," "every." This quantifier emphasizes totality and completeness. It signifies that the promised gain is not partial or limited, but encompasses every desirable and valuable possession, amplifying the allure of the proposal.
• הוֹן (hon): "wealth," "substance," "riches." This term refers to accumulated possessions, not just currency. In this context, it speaks of tangible, valuable assets. While hon can sometimes denote inner character, here it clearly points to material prosperity, highlighting what tempts the listener.
• יָקָר (yaqar): "precious," "costly," "valuable." This adjective intensifies hon, emphasizing the high worth and desirability of the acquired substance. It portrays the target of their robbery as not just wealthy but possessing items of significant inherent value.
• נְמַלֵּא (n'mallē): "we shall fill." This Piel cohortative verb emphasizes the act of completion and abundance. It implies overflowing quantities, not just minimal acquisition. It underscores the visual image of homes being crammed full of possessions, reflecting a level of wealth beyond ordinary means.
• בָתֵּינוּ (battēnū): "our houses." This literally refers to their physical dwellings. Symbolically, it represents the thieves' entire lives, families, and future security. The idea is that this illicit gain will provide for all their domestic needs and establish their perceived prosperity, yet its origin corrupts the very foundation of their home.
• שָׁלָל (shālāl): "spoil," "plunder," "booty." This is a critical term, directly denoting goods seized by force, often in war or robbery. It unveils the true, violent, and illegitimate source of the promised "substance." Unlike honest gain, "spoil" is inherently connected to acts of aggression and lawlessness, providing the moral framework for the warning.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "We shall find all precious substance": This phrase highlights the aspirational aspect of the temptation. The "finding" suggests ease, as if fortune is merely waiting to be discovered, masking the violent "laying in wait" (Prov 1:11) required to obtain it. The emphasis on "all precious substance" appeals to deep desires for complete financial security and material abundance. It's the seductive promise of wealth beyond ordinary limits.
• "we shall fill our houses with spoil": This second part reiterates and expands on the first. "Filling our houses" communicates total saturation with possessions, suggesting a life of overwhelming luxury and provision. The use of "spoil" explicitly identifies the origin of this wealth as plunder, starkly contrasting it with any form of righteous or earned prosperity. This phrase exposes the criminal methodology behind the enticing facade. The parallelism with the first clause emphasizes the enormity of the promised gain while simultaneously revealing its immoral source.

Proverbs 1 13 Bonus section

• The collective "we" in the verse (nim'tsa, n'mallē) highlights the communal aspect of temptation and shared culpability. It implies a sense of belonging and unified purpose, making the invitation even more attractive to an impressionable individual who might be seeking acceptance or partnership.
• This verse serves as the first clear illustration in Proverbs of how temptation cloaks destructive actions with appealing promises, setting up the immediate refutation in the subsequent verses (Prov 1:15-19) that their feet actually run to their own harm.
• The desire for immediate gratification and ease, central to this temptation, stands in direct opposition to the Proverbs' recurring theme of wisdom advocating diligent labor and patience for true, God-blessed prosperity.

Proverbs 1 13 Commentary

Proverbs 1:13 unveils a core method of temptation used by the wicked: the alluring promise of immediate and effortless wealth gained through violent, illicit means. It's the bait, vividly depicting the perceived benefits of abandoning righteousness for gain. The "precious substance" and "spoil" represent an abundant life free from toil, seemingly attained without effort, feeding the natural human desire for ease and prosperity. However, the use of "spoil" is a telling sign, as it explicitly connects the desired abundance to robbery and aggression. This verse directly challenges any notion that quick wealth, obtained by disregarding God's moral boundaries, can bring true blessing or security. Instead, as the broader context of Proverbs reveals, such gain leads to ultimate self-destruction and calamity. It is a fundamental lie that sin provides genuine abundance; it only takes and ultimately consumes its followers.