KJV ORIGINAL
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Living righteously leads to life, but whoever chases after evil is chasing after their own death.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is teaching that choosing to do what's right brings life and blessing, while pursuing evil ultimately destroys a person.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from Solomon's collection of wisdom sayings, written during Israel's golden age around 950 BC. In ancient Hebrew culture, 'life' meant not just physical existence but flourishing, prosperity, and God's blessing, while 'death' represented spiritual separation, ruin, and the consequences of living apart from God's ways. These proverbs were practical teachings meant to guide people in making wise daily choices.
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