Proverbs 16:29 kjv

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:29 nkjv

A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:29 niv

A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.

Proverbs 16:29 esv

A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.

Proverbs 16:29 nlt

Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 29 Meaning

Proverbs 16:29 reveals the destructive nature of a violent and oppressive person, not only in their direct actions but, more subtly and insidiously, in their power to manipulate and mislead others. This individual entices their associate or friend into adopting a "way that is not good," indicating a path of moral decline, injustice, or destructive behavior. The verse highlights how an unrighteous character corrupts those within their sphere of influence, leading them away from what is good, right, and beneficial, toward what is evil and harmful.

Proverbs 16 29 Context

Proverbs chapter 16 often contrasts the paths of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the Lord's ultimate sovereignty and judgment. This chapter speaks of God's complete oversight over human thoughts, plans, and outcomes, even down to lot casting (v. 33). Within this divine framework, the proverbs describe the qualities and consequences of different types of individuals. Verse 29 is part of a section (vv. 27-30) that specifically focuses on the destructive nature of various forms of wickedness, particularly highlighting harmful speech and malicious character.

Historically and culturally, the book of Proverbs served as instruction for young people, shaping their moral character within the Israelite community. The concept of the "neighbor" (re'a) in ancient Israelite society was not merely one living next door, but any member of the community with whom one had social dealings. The integrity of the community depended on the upright conduct of its members, and therefore, leading a neighbor astray was seen as a grave societal and spiritual offense, undermining the very fabric of covenant living. The verse implicitly warns against internal corruption within the community, highlighting that harm does not only come from external enemies but from those who deceptively influence their own kin, contradicting the foundational command to "love your neighbor."

Proverbs 16 29 Word analysis

• A violent man (אִישׁ חָמָס - 'ish chamas):
  • אִישׁ ('ish): Man, male person. Here it denotes an individual whose defining characteristic is what follows.
  • חָמָס (chamas): Violence, wrongdoing, injustice, oppression, cruelty. This term is rich with negative connotations in the Bible. It's not just physical force but encompasses moral outrage, a perversion of justice, and destructive behavior (e.g., Gen 6:11 describing the earth "filled with chamas" before the flood; Ps 7:16). A "man of chamas" is thus defined by an unrighteous and destructive character, characterized by oppressive actions and intentions.
• entices (יְפַתֶּה - yefatteh):
  • From the root פָּתָה (pata): To entice, persuade, deceive, mislead, seduce. This verb often implies a subtle, beguiling, or manipulative persuasion, rather than overt force. It suggests drawing someone in through appeals or inducements that may seem attractive but hide a harmful intent or outcome. It can also carry the sense of a tempting trap. This distinguishes the "violent man" from one who simply forces. He uses cunning and psychological pressure.
• his neighbor (רֵעֵהוּ - re'ehu):
  • From רֵעַ (rea'): Neighbor, friend, companion, associate. This term broadly refers to anyone in one's social sphere, particularly fellow Israelites. The choice of "neighbor" emphasizes the perfidy: the "man of chamas" corrupts someone with whom he should be in relationship and mutual support, rather than leading them astray. It underscores a betrayal of trust and communal responsibility.
• and leads him (וְהוֹלִיכוֹ - veholikho):
  • From the root הָלַךְ (halak): To walk, to go, to lead. This indicates an active guiding or conducting. The enticement isn't just conceptual; it translates into concrete action where the violent man directs the neighbor's steps. It implies a direct agency in influencing another's behavior.
• in a way that is not good (בְּדֶרֶךְ לֹא טוֹב - b'derekh lo' tov):
  • בְּדֶרֶךְ (b'derekh): In a way, on a path. דֶּרֶךְ (derekh): Way, path, road, course of life, conduct. This metaphor is foundational in wisdom literature, representing one's entire manner of life or moral journey.
  • לֹא טוֹב (lo' tov): Not good, evil, harmful, wrong. טוֹב (tov): Good, pleasing, beneficial, righteous, upright. This describes a path contrary to God's standards and what truly benefits a person. It implies moral corruption, sin, or actions that lead to detrimental consequences for the individual and the community. The "way that is not good" contrasts starkly with the "good way" (derekh tovah) that the Lord instructs.

• "A violent man entices his neighbor": This phrase highlights the dangerous and insidious influence of a person whose core character is defined by chamas. They do not merely act violently on their own; they draw others into their corrupt worldview and actions. The "enticement" suggests a subtle, persuasive technique, appealing to something in the "neighbor" – perhaps greed, desire for power, or fear – rather than direct coercion. It's an internal corruption enabled by a manipulative external agent.
• "and leads him in a way that is not good": This signifies the practical outcome of the enticement. The persuasion is not just for a moment, but for a course of life. The "violent man" becomes a guide to spiritual and moral ruin. The path "not good" contrasts with the wisdom path, God's commands, and leads to ruin.

Proverbs 16 29 Bonus section

The insidious nature of the "violent man" (ish chamas) lies in his method of enticement. Unlike overt physical violence, which often elicits resistance, the act of pata (enticing) is often disguised. It can appear as offering friendship, opportunities, or sharing secrets, appealing to a neighbor's weaknesses or desires, gradually shifting their moral compass. This kind of corruption is particularly dangerous because it compromises the integrity of communal relationships, transforming trust into a means of manipulation. The ultimate "way that is not good" refers not only to individual acts of sin but a consistent lifestyle chosen under destructive influence, diverging completely from the "way of the Lord" (derekh YHWH), which is always portrayed as "good." The New Testament echoes this concern in warnings against false teachers and those who "by smooth and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting" (Rom 16:18), indicating a perpetual spiritual danger of seductive influence leading away from Christ's good path.

Proverbs 16 29 Commentary

Proverbs 16:29 serves as a stark warning about the subtle yet profound corrupting influence of individuals whose character is steeped in "chamas"—violence, injustice, and oppression. It extends the understanding of a "violent man" beyond one who merely inflicts physical harm. Rather, this individual is an agent of moral decay, using cunning "enticement" to lure unsuspecting or naive neighbors onto a trajectory of wickedness. The "enticement" speaks to the deceptive allure of evil, often disguised as profitable, desirable, or empowering, which contrasts sharply with the straightforward path of righteousness. The "way that is not good" encompasses moral degradation, sin, destructive choices, and ultimately, alienation from God's wisdom and blessing. This verse underscores the deep biblical principle that character radiates outward, influencing the moral landscape of a community. It calls believers to discernment, cautioning against those who, while appearing as companions, are in fact architects of spiritual and ethical stumbling blocks for others. It emphasizes the active responsibility of a person to avoid such relationships and to protect their own moral path and that of their community.