Proverbs 4:17

17 Perversity is their food and drink, violence their drug of choice.

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 Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way.

16 Evil people are restless unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep unless they've made life miserable for somebody.

17 Perversity is their food and drink, violence their drug of choice.

18 The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.

19 But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker - travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces. Learn It by Heart