Proverbs 10:29

29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

Proverbs 10:29 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
New Living Translation (NLT)
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
The Message Bible (MSG)
29 God is solid backing to a well-lived life, but he calls into question a shabby performance.
American Standard Version (ASV)
29 The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
29 The way of the LORD is a fortress for an innocent person but a ruin to those who are troublemakers.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits the malicious.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
29 The way of the LORD leads to a safe place for those who do right. But it destroys those who do evil.

Proverbs 10:29 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 10:29

The way of the Lord [is] strength to the upright
Who are upright in heart and life; who have the uprightness or righteousness of Christ imputed to them, and right spirits renewed in them; in consequence of which they walk uprightly, ( Proverbs 10:9 ) . To these "the way of the Lord [is] strength"; both the way which he himself takes, and the way which he prescribes and directs his people to walk in: the way in which he walks in providence towards them is the strength of them; he is their shade on their right hand; he shows himself strong on their behalf; he is their fortress and strong tower, as the God of providence, even a wall of fire round about them: and the way he takes in the discoveries of his love; in the communications of his grace; in the application of precious promises; by granting the influences of his Spirit; and by leading to his Son, the than of his right hand, made strong for himself and them, is very strengthening unto them: so likewise the way in which he leads his people, the way of his word and ordinances; which, as it is pleasant, so strengthening; the more they walk in them, the stronger they are; they go from strength to strength, they grow stronger and stronger by them; while they are waiting on the Lord in them, their spiritual strength is renewed: moreover, walking in the way of the Lord gives them spirit and courage, and makes them bold and intrepid; so that they fear no enemy, nor any dangers and difficulties, but go on their way cheerfully and pleasantly; but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity;
not to all that do iniquity, for no man lives without sin; but to those who give up themselves to it, make a trade of it; whose course of life is sinful, and do nothing else but sin; this their way leads to ruin; destruction and misery are now in all their ways, and will be the certain issue of them, even destruction of both soul and body; which will be swift and sudden, come upon them before they are aware, and will be everlasting; it will continue for ever, and there will be no deliverance from it. The Word F24 signifies terror and consternation; and such seize on a wicked man at death, to whom death is the king of terrors; and which will still more strongly possess him when in hell he lifts up his eyes; and also at the day of judgment, when he shall see the Judge coming in the clouds of heaven, sitting on a fiery throne, and shall hear him pronounce him cursed. The clause may be rendered, but the way of the Lord is "terror to the workers of iniquity" F25; the way of the Lord in his works of providence, in which he oftentimes does terrible things in righteousness; and he is very terrible to men in his judgments here, and will be more so in his awful procedure at the last judgment.


FOOTNOTES:

F24 (htxm) "pavor", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus; "consternatio", Vatablus, Cocceius, Michaelis.
F25 So Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 10:29 In-Context

27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 21:15; Hosea 14:9
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