Proverbs 4:17

17 The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink.

Proverbs 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 4:17

For they eat the bread of wickedness
Either that is gotten by wicked and unlawful means, or wickedness itself is bread unto them; it is that to their minds as bread is to their bodies; they feed upon it with as much eagerness, appetite, gust, and pleasure; it is a sweet morsel to them; it is meat, drink, sleep, and everything to them; they take the highest satisfaction and the utmost delight in it; and drink the wine of violence:
either that which is obtained by rapine and violence; or they as greedily commit such acts of oppression and injury as a man drinks a glass of wine; they do not drink up iniquity like water only, but even like wine, the most generous and delicious. Wherefore all society with such men should be avoided.

Proverbs 4:17 In-Context

15 Keep far from it, do not go near; be turned from it, and go on your way.

16 For they take no rest till they have done evil; their sleep is taken away if they have not been the cause of someone's fall.

17 The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink.

18 But the way of the upright is like the light of early morning, getting brighter and brighter till the full day.

19 The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall.