Mishle 4:17

17 For they eat the lechem of resha, and drink the yayin of chamasim (violences).

Mishle 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.

Mishle 4:17 In-Context

15 Avoid it, travel al (not) on it, turn from it, and pass on.

16 For they sleep not, unless they have done evil; and their sheynah (sleep) is robbed, unless they cause some to fall.

17 For they eat the lechem of resha, and drink the yayin of chamasim (violences).

18 But the orach tzaddikim (path of the righteous) is as the bright light, that shineth brighter and brighter unto the full day.

19 The derech resha’im is as deep darkness; they know not at what they stumble.