Proverbs 6:28 kjv

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

Proverbs 6:28 nkjv

Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared?

Proverbs 6:28 niv

Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

Proverbs 6:28 esv

Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?

Proverbs 6:28 nlt

Can he walk on hot coals
and not blister his feet?

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 28 Meaning

Proverbs 6:28 poses a rhetorical question, powerfully asserting that just as it is impossible for a person to carry live fire close to their body without their clothing being consumed, so too is it impossible to engage in sexual immorality or any grievous sin without suffering severe, visible, and inevitable consequences. The verse highlights the self-destructive nature of sin and the unavoidable harm it inflicts on an individual's life, reputation, and well-being.

Proverbs 6 28 Context

Proverbs chapter 6 serves as a stark warning against several forms of destructive behavior, addressed by a father or wise teacher to a son or young disciple. It begins by cautioning against reckless financial pledges (vv. 1-5), then condemns laziness (vv. 6-11), followed by a description of a wicked, deceitful man (vv. 12-19). The primary focus of the latter half of the chapter (vv. 20-35) is the pervasive danger of adultery and sexual immorality. Verses 27 and 28 introduce rhetorical questions, emphasizing the inescapable negative outcomes of such sin. This is followed by a direct application in verse 29 and subsequent verses describing the disgrace, wrath, and inevitable payment exacted from the adulterer. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, adultery was a grave offense, often punishable by death, carrying immense social stigma and shame for the involved parties and their families.

Proverbs 6 28 Word analysis

• Can a man: The interrogative particle ha- (הֲ) initiating hayiqqaḥ (הֲיִקַּח), meaning "will he take?", frames this as a rhetorical question demanding a self-evident "no." It underscores the inherent folly of the action.
• take: From the Hebrew verb laqach (לָקַח), signifying "to grasp, take, receive." This verb emphasizes a deliberate, intentional act rather than an accidental encounter. The person actively chooses to embrace the danger.
• fire: Hebrew ’ēš (אֵשׁ). Symbolically, fire represents not only destructive power and judgment but also intense passion, consuming lust, and irresistible temptation. It evokes immediate recognition of danger and unavoidable destruction when handled improperly. Its pervasive presence in Scripture signifies divine wrath (Exod 19:18), purifying judgment (Isa 4:4), and devouring power (Jer 4:4).
• in his bosom: Hebrew bĕḥêqô (בְּחֵיקֹו), from ḥêq (חֵיק), referring to the lap, the hollow fold of one's garment, or the chest area near the heart. Carrying something "in the bosom" signifies holding it very close, intimately, or treasuring it. Here, it conveys bringing a known danger into the closest proximity to oneself.
• and his clothes: Hebrew ûḇigḡādāyw (וּבִגְדָיו), from beged (בֶּגֶד), meaning "garment" or "clothing." Clothing in ancient times was a crucial aspect of personal dignity, status, and physical covering. Damage to one's clothes was visible and shameful. Here, it represents one's reputation, resources, livelihood, and physical well-being.
• not be burned?: Hebrew lō’ yiśśāreppū (לֹא יִשָּׂרֵפוּ), using śārap̄ (שָׂרַף), "to burn up, consume entirely." The rhetorical nature of the question expects an obvious negative answer, reinforcing the certainty and inevitability of destruction. It emphasizes that contact with sin will leave its indelible mark.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Can a man take fire in his bosom: This phrase captures the deliberate, intimate, and foolish engagement with a known danger. It illustrates a choice to harbor and embrace sin, believing it can be controlled or will not result in harm, mirroring the initial appeal and perceived secrecy of illicit desires.
• and his clothes not be burned?: This half of the proverb highlights the absolute certainty and public nature of the resulting consequences. The "burning" of clothes symbolizes not just internal damage but visible, inescapable disgrace, loss, and the destruction of one's outward reputation and material well-being due to the inherent nature of the sin.

Proverbs 6 28 Bonus section

The strength of this proverb lies in its universal applicability beyond the explicit sin of adultery to any chosen path of self-destruction. The vivid, visceral imagery of fire and burning clothing transcends cultural barriers, making the danger immediately understandable. The rhetorical question forces self-reflection and confirms a truth readily acknowledged by common sense, thereby amplifying its didactic impact. It speaks to the intrinsic consequences of choices made, underscoring a divine principle: the natural outcome of sin is ultimately destructive, irrespective of how "hidden" or "harmless" it might initially appear. The principle is deeply embedded in the biblical worldview, where God's moral order ensures that disobedience carries inherent, often devastating, results.

Proverbs 6 28 Commentary

Proverbs 6:28 serves as a stark, self-evident warning against entertaining and engaging with destructive sins, particularly sexual immorality, which is the surrounding context. The imagery of "fire" directly points to the perilous nature of forbidden passion or any sinful pursuit. Just as holding live coals close to one's body will inevitably result in burned garments, so too will a person who harbors sinful desires and acts upon them inescapably face grave and destructive consequences. These consequences are not merely physical, but encompass a loss of honor, a tarnished reputation, strained relationships, spiritual defilement, and divine judgment. The wisdom here is that no one can "flirt" with sin, bring it close to their life, or yield to its allure without suffering the natural, unavoidable repercussions inherent in its destructive nature. To imagine otherwise is to deny the most basic laws of cause and effect, both in the physical and moral realms. It implores the reader to understand that sin, despite its momentary pleasure, is a consuming fire that leaves visible scars.

Examples for practical usage:

• Repeatedly exposing oneself to illicit online content will inevitably defile one's thoughts and actions.
• A spouse who covertly builds an emotional relationship with someone outside their marriage cannot avoid damage to their primary relationship.
• Someone who frequently engages in dishonesty, even in small matters, will find their reputation and trustworthiness eventually compromised.