Proverbs 4:17 kjv

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:17 nkjv

For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:17 niv

They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:17 esv

For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:17 nlt

They eat the food of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence!

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 17 Meaning

Proverbs 4:17 powerfully illustrates the intrinsic nature of the wicked person's existence: their very sustenance and delight are derived from committing evil and violence. Their daily 'bread' and 'wine' are metaphors for what sustains, nourishes, and brings them pleasure, indicating that their life force and satisfaction are intricately bound to unrighteous deeds, perverting the very necessities of life.

Proverbs 4 17 Context

Proverbs chapter 4 serves as an earnest instruction from a father (or wisdom itself) to a son, passionately advocating for the pursuit of wisdom. The overarching theme is the stark contrast between the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked. Verses 10-13 urge the son to heed wisdom’s guidance for life and safety. Following this positive exhortation, verses 14-19 graphically portray the destructive nature of the "path of the wicked," warning against even setting foot on it. Verse 16 states that the wicked cannot sleep until they have caused harm or brought someone down. Proverbs 4:17 directly elaborates on why they behave this way, explaining their profound internal addiction to evil: they sustain themselves on it. This deep dependence makes it impossible for them to cease their harmful activities. The historical context reflects a wisdom tradition that guided young men in discerning right from wrong and establishing a virtuous life within the Israelite community, in opposition to prevailing societal pressures and corrupt practices.

Proverbs 4 17 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A connective particle meaning "because" or "indeed," establishing the reason or explanation for the preceding statement in Prov 4:16. It explains why the wicked cannot rest without doing mischief.
• they eat (יֶאכְלוּ - ye'akhlu): From the verb "to eat." Denotes consuming, ingesting. This is not just an occasional act but a fundamental activity that provides nourishment, implying habitual engagement and internalizing of what they consume.
• the bread (לֶחֶם - lechem): Hebrew for bread, a staple food and metaphor for basic sustenance, nourishment, and livelihood. Its perversion here indicates that the very foundation of their being and activity is unrighteous.
• of wickedness (רֶשַׁע - resha'): Meaning "evil," "wickedness," "guilt," "unrighteousness." This noun specifies the corrupt nature of their "bread." It’s not just a sinful act, but a state of being rooted in unrighteousness.
• and drink (וְיִשְׁתּוּ - veyishtu): From the verb "to drink." Like "eating," it signifies intake and internalizing. Often associated with pleasure and refreshment.
• the wine (יַיִן - yayin): Hebrew for wine, often associated with joy, celebration, or even intoxication. Here, it signifies the source of their enjoyment, pleasure, or stimulus, which is morally corrupted.
• of violence (חֲמָס - hamas): Meaning "violence," "wrongdoing," "injustice," "cruelty," "oppression." This word describes the character of their "wine," indicating their gratification and energy come from actively harming and dominating others.

• "eat the bread of wickedness" (לֶחֶם רֶשַׁע יֶאכְלוּ): This phrase speaks to the profound depth of the wicked's moral corruption. "Bread" being fundamental sustenance implies that evil is not merely an external act but integral to their life's provision and daily existence. It means they depend on and are nourished by their unrighteousness; their very livelihood, strength, and means are gained through illicit, evil practices.
• "drink the wine of violence" (יַיִן חֲמָס וְיִשְׁתּוּ): This complements the first phrase, emphasizing that their pleasure, stimulation, or satisfaction (like wine provides a user) is derived from committing acts of "violence" – aggression, injustice, or active harm. It suggests they find enjoyment and delight in oppression and destructive behavior. The parallel structure (eating/drinking, bread/wine, wickedness/violence) powerfully reiterates the concept, showing that unrighteousness and aggressive wrongdoing are the twin pillars of their depraved existence, central to both their basic needs and their gratifications.

Proverbs 4 17 Bonus section

This verse functions as a vivid metaphorical indictment, using common, life-sustaining elements (bread and wine) to expose the perverted reality of the wicked. In ancient Near Eastern thought, one's 'food' often reflected their nature or their master. Thus, "eating the bread of wickedness" fundamentally defines who they are—a creature nourished by unrighteousness. It is an act of spiritual gluttony where the very spiritual metabolic process is corrupted. Furthermore, the combination of "wickedness" (a broader moral corruption) and "violence" (its often physical manifestation) shows a comprehensive lifestyle rooted in deliberate opposition to God's ways. The absence of rest for the wicked (Prov 4:16) coupled with their perverse sustenance (Prov 4:17) forms a complete picture of an utterly depraved and restless existence, trapped in the cycle of generating and consuming evil. This is in direct contrast to wisdom, which offers long life, riches, and honor (Prov 3:16) as true, righteous sustenance.

Proverbs 4 17 Commentary

Proverbs 4:17 presents a chilling depiction of the wicked, not just as individuals who commit evil deeds, but as beings whose very essence is sustained by wickedness and violence. The metaphor of "eating bread" and "drinking wine" implies a deep, intrinsic dependence and a profound satisfaction derived from their unrighteous actions. For them, sin is not an unfortunate slip or a regrettable choice; it is their daily nourishment and their source of delight. This means they are completely invested in their evil path; their livelihood, strength, and gratification come directly from causing harm and injustice. They are literally sustained by their malice. This explains why they "sleep not, except they have done mischief" (Prov 4:16)—they crave evil like a hungry person craves food, and they find perverse pleasure in it.

Practical usage:

• This verse can explain the compulsive nature of certain sins: the sinner is so deeply habituated to their sin that it becomes a vital part of their identity and how they sustain themselves, whether through ill-gotten gains or perverse pleasure.
• It highlights the importance for believers to ensure their 'sustenance' comes from righteousness, God's Word, and virtuous living, contrasting with those who are fed by iniquity.