Proverbs 11:19 kjv
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Proverbs 11:19 nkjv
As righteousness leads to life, So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
Proverbs 11:19 niv
Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
Proverbs 11:19 esv
Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
Proverbs 11:19 nlt
Godly people find life;
evil people find death.
Proverbs 11 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 30:19 | "I have set before you life and death... choose life..." | Call to choose obedience for life. |
| Ps 1:6 | "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish." | God affirms and judges the paths chosen. |
| Prov 10:16 | "The labor of the righteous tends to life, the income of the wicked to sin." | Righteous effort brings life; wicked, sin. |
| Prov 12:28 | "In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death." | Righteousness guarantees life, no death. |
| Prov 21:21 | "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor." | Active pursuit of virtue yields life and honor. |
| Isa 3:10-11 | "Say to the righteous that it will be well with them... Woe to the wicked!" | Prophetic promise of good for righteous, woe for wicked. |
| Jer 21:8 | "I set before you the way of life and the way of death." | God presents distinct moral choices. |
| Eze 18:4 | "The soul who sins shall die." | Direct consequence of individual sin. |
| Matt 6:33 | "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..." | Prioritizing God's ways brings blessing. |
| Matt 24:13 | "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." | Steadfastness leads to salvation. |
| Rom 6:23 | "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." | Ultimate spiritual consequences of sin and grace. |
| Rom 8:13 | "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." | Living by flesh leads to death; Spirit-led life. |
| Gal 6:7-8 | "For whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." | Spiritual law of sowing and reaping. |
| Jas 1:15 | "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." | Progressive nature of sin leading to death. |
| 1 Tim 6:11 | "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." | Exhortation to pursue righteous living. |
| 2 Pet 1:5-8 | "Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue... will keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful..." | Virtuous living for productive life. |
| Phil 3:19 | "Their end is destruction..." | The destiny of those focused on worldly things. |
| John 8:34 | "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin." | Sin brings enslavement and ultimate death. |
| Prov 13:21 | "Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good." | Natural consequence of choices. |
| Prov 14:12 | "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." | Deceptive nature of evil paths. |
| Rev 2:10 | "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." | Promise of life for faithful endurance. |
| 1 Jn 3:14 | "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers." | Evidence of spiritual life. |
Proverbs 11 verses
Proverbs 11 19 Meaning
Proverbs 11:19 declares a foundational principle of divine order: a steadfast and consistent commitment to righteousness leads to true, abundant life, while an intentional and persistent pursuit of evil inevitably brings about self-inflicted death. This proverb highlights the direct, inescapable consequences of one's moral character and habitual choices, establishing a clear path of life versus a path of destruction based on adherence to or rejection of God's ways.
Proverbs 11 19 Context
Proverbs 11 is a collection of antithetical proverbs, contrasting the character, conduct, and consequences of the righteous and the wicked. Throughout the chapter, themes such as honesty versus deceit (v. 1), humility versus pride (v. 2), generosity versus stinginess (v. 24-25), and wisdom versus folly are presented with clear outcomes. Verse 19 fits squarely within this framework, articulating a direct, divinely established link between one's moral path and their ultimate destiny. The overarching historical and cultural context of Proverbs is that of ancient Israelite society, where wisdom was practical, ethical instruction deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with God (Yahweh). These proverbs served to guide individuals in living in harmony with God's moral order, thereby distinguishing between truly blessed lives and those that ultimately lead to ruin. It challenges the worldview that success could be attained through unethical means, instead grounding prosperity in upright character.
Proverbs 11 19 Word analysis
- He who is steadfast: From the Hebrew root kân (כֵּן), meaning "firmly fixed, upright, enduring." This implies not a singular good deed but a habitual, consistent, and firm commitment to a path. It signifies persistence and stability in one's chosen way of life. This contrasts sharply with fleeting or superficial actions.
- in righteousness: From the Hebrew tsedaqah (צְדָקָה), which means "righteousness, justice, what is right." It encompasses moral rectitude, integrity, ethical behavior, and conformity to divine law. It is not merely external adherence but an inner alignment with God's standards of justice and holiness, expressed actively in one's dealings with God and others.
- will attain life: From the Hebrew chayyim (חַיִּים), typically plural, signifying fullness of life, well-being, spiritual vitality, flourishing, prosperity, and communion with God. This "life" extends beyond mere physical existence to encompass holistic abundance, both in the present and in eternity, free from the spiritual decay associated with evil.
- but he who pursues: The Hebrew m'labbēv (מְלַבֵּב) is interpreted here to mean "one who earnestly follows, one who gives his heart to." It suggests an active, dedicated, and persistent devotion to a particular course of action. It highlights intentionality and zeal in one's chosen path.
- evil: From the Hebrew raʿah (רָעָה), meaning "evil, wickedness, adversity, calamity, misfortune." Here, it specifically denotes moral wickedness, actions, thoughts, and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and destructive to oneself and others.
- will bring about his own death: From the Hebrew mōtō (מוֹתוֹ), meaning "his death." This signifies not only physical demise but, more profoundly, spiritual death, separation from God, alienation, ultimate ruin, and eternal judgment. The phrase "bring about his own" underscores the self-inflicted nature of this outcome; it is the natural, inevitable consequence of their choices.
- He who is steadfast in righteousness: This phrase speaks to the character formed by consistent, deliberate choices that align with God's holy standards. It implies a deeply rooted moral commitment, an unwavering devotion to doing what is right regardless of external pressures or immediate gratification. It is the very essence of walking with God.
- will attain life, but he who pursues evil will bring about his own death: This highlights an unalterable principle of the moral universe established by God. There are two paths, and each has its inevitable, intrinsic outcome. Life is not merely given but "attained" through diligent adherence to righteousness, suggesting an ongoing process of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Conversely, death is "brought about" by the pursuer of evil, meaning it is a direct consequence of one's own wilful actions, a tragic harvest of wickedness sown. This sets forth a polemic against any belief that immoral living can lead to true, lasting prosperity or well-being, affirming instead the absolute justice and order of God's moral governance.
Proverbs 11 19 Bonus section
The concept of "life" (chayyim) and "death" (motō) in Proverbs, and indeed much of the Old Testament, extends far beyond mere biological existence. "Life" refers to a state of spiritual and physical flourishing, peace, well-being, divine blessing, and intimate communion with God. It's an holistic thriving that results from aligning with God's wisdom and will. Conversely, "death" is understood not just as the cessation of breath, but as a state of spiritual barrenness, alienation from God, decay, ultimate ruin, and separation from true blessing. Therefore, Proverbs 11:19 is not merely a statement about survival but about the quality and ultimate destination of one's existence – whether characterized by abundant connection to God's goodness or by tragic disconnect and destruction. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that spiritual death precedes physical death for the unredeemed (Eph 2:1), and true life comes from God (John 14:6).
Proverbs 11 19 Commentary
Proverbs 11:19 succinctly expresses a foundational truth: destiny is intrinsically linked to moral choices and sustained character. It posits a clear, two-fold path. The person whose life is characterized by "steadfast righteousness"—a consistent, unswerving dedication to God's holy ways and principles—is inherently positioned to experience and "attain" true life in all its abundance: spiritual vitality, flourishing relationships, inner peace, and ultimately, eternal fellowship with God. This life is not just longevity but quality of existence aligned with divine design. In sharp contrast, the individual who "pursues evil" does not stumble into misfortune but actively and determinedly embraces wickedness. This pursuit brings about their "own death," encompassing not only the potential for physical harm or societal ruin but, more significantly, spiritual alienation from God and eternal separation. The outcome is not arbitrary punishment but the natural, inescapable result of their chosen course, where moral choices bear spiritual consequences. The proverb thus functions as a powerful warning and a profound encouragement: choices made in character shape one's ultimate spiritual reality.