Proverbs 1:19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.
The setting
Ancient Jerusalem marketplace, ~950 BC. Solomon observes merchants and traders, some honest, others cutting corners for profit...
The emotion here: paternal concern watching people destroy themselves
The original word
betsa (בֶּצַע) — violent gain, profit acquired by cutting off or breaking relationship
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern merchants often used false weights and measures to increase profits
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 1:19
The Hebrew word 'takes away' is literally 'hunts' — greed becomes a predator stalking its own host
Common misconceptionPeople think this only applies to criminal activity, but Solomon is warning about any pursuit of gain that consumes your soul — workaholism, day trading, or chasing promotions at any cost.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 1:19
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 1:19 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 1:19 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include greed, consequences, death. Notable phrases: greedy for gain; takes away the life.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 1:19 mean to you, today?
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