Proverbs 1:32

32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

Proverbs 1:32 in Other Translations

32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;

32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.

32 Don't you see what happens, you simpletons, you idiots? Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.

32 For the waywardness of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

Proverbs 1:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 1:32

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them
Or be the cause of their being slain; even their turning away from Christ, their aversion to him; their turning their backs on him, and a deaf ear to him; their turning away from his Gospel, and putting it from them, thereby judging themselves unworthy of everlasting life: in all which they showed themselves to be the "simple" and "foolish" persons they were; and for which wrath and ruin came upon them, and they were slain with the sword and famine, and by one another. Some render it, as Aben Ezra, "the rest" or "quietness of the simple" ^F11 taking up their rest in themselves, and in their observance of ceremonies and traditions; and crying Peace, peace, when sudden destruction was at hand: or a stubborn hardened rest in sin, a seared conscience; having no sense of guilt, nor fear of punishment; living in carnal security till death should seize upon them; and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them;
that is, the abuse of it; leading them to commit sins, which bring destruction upon them; or, seeing sinners live with impunity, and prosper in the world, take encouragement from thence to indulge themselves in sin, which is their ruin; or, being in prosperity, think it will always be well with them, and therefore put away the evil day far from them, which comes upon them at an unawares; which was the case of the Jews.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 (tbwvm) "requies", Vatablus, Baynus, Mercerus, Gejerus; "quies", Junius & Tremellius; so some in Ben Melech.

Proverbs 1:32 In-Context

30 Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,

31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 5:22; Proverbs 15:10; Isaiah 66:4; Jeremiah 2:19