Proverbs 4:17

17 For they have eaten bread of wickedness, And wine of violence they drink.

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 Avoid it, pass not over into it, Turn aside from it, and pass on.

16 For they sleep not if they do not evil, And their sleep hath been taken violently away, If they cause not [some] to stumble.

17 For they have eaten bread of wickedness, And wine of violence they drink.

18 And the path of the righteous [is] as a shining light, Going and brightening till the day is established,

19 The way of the wicked [is] as darkness, They have not known at what they stumble.