Proverbs 1:12

12 They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them!

Proverbs 1:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave
The innocent person, and those that are with him, his servants; our gang is so numerous that we can very easily dispatch him and all his attendants, and bury them out of sight at once, as if they were swallowed up alive in a grave, and so no more to be seen or heard of; and consequently we shall be in the utmost safety and security, there being no traces of what is done, nor any left to make a relation of it, or to give any information of us, or to pursue us;

and whole, as those that go down into the pit;
who though whole and in perfect health, shall in a moment be destroyed and cast into the pit, being first plundered of all the riches they have about them; for this swallowing them up alive and whole, which is an allusion to a beast of prey swallowing up another creature all at once, not only intends their cruelty in taking away life, but their rapaciousness in seizing upon their substance.

Proverbs 1:12 In-Context

10 My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in.
11 Suppose they say, "Come on; let's find someone to kill! Let's attack some innocent people for the fun of it!
12 They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them!
13 We'll find all kinds of riches and fill our houses with loot!
14 Come and join us, and we'll all share what we steal."
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.