Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

Bible > Proverbs > Chapter 10 > Verse 29

◄ Proverbs 10:29 ►

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

New Living Translation
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

English Standard Version
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

King James Bible
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

New King James Version
The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.

New American Standard Bible
The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the upright, But ruin to the workers of injustice.

NASB 1995
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

NASB 1977
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Legacy Standard Bible
The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the one with integrity, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Amplified Bible
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But it is ruin to those who do evil.

Christian Standard Bible
The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits evildoers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits the malicious.

American Standard Version
The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD protects everyone who lives right, but he destroys anyone who does wrong.

English Revised Version
The way of the LORD is a strong hold to the upright; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The way of the LORD is a fortress for an innocent person but a ruin to those who are troublemakers.

Good News Translation
The LORD protects honest people, but destroys those who do wrong.

International Standard Version
To the upright, the way of the LORD is a place of safety, but it's a place of ruin to those who practice evil.

Majority Standard Bible
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

NET Bible
The way of the LORD is like a stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers.

New Heart English Bible
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to evildoers.

Webster's Bible Translation
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

World English Bible
The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
The way of YHWH [is] strength to the perfect, "" And ruin to workers of iniquity.

Young's Literal Translation
The way of Jehovah is strength to the perfect, And ruin to workers of iniquity.

Smith's Literal Translation
The way of Jehovah is a fortress to the upright one: and destruction to those doing iniquity.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The strength of the upright is the way of the Lord: and fear to them that work evil.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The strength of the simple is the way of the Lord, and it is fear to those who work evil.

New American Bible
The LORD is a stronghold to those who walk honestly, downfall for evildoers.

New Revised Standard Version
The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The way of LORD JEHOVAH is power to the perfect, and ruin to evildoers.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The fear of the Lord is a strong hold of the saints: but ruin comes to them that work wickedness.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son
…28The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish. 29The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil. 30The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 1:6
For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

Psalm 18:32
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.

Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 91:2
I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Treasury of Scripture

The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

way

Psalm 84:7
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Zechariah 10:12
And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

but

Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Job 31:3
Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?

Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

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Destruction Evil Evildoers Iniquity Perfect Refuge Righteous Ruin Strength Strong Stronghold Tower Upright Way Workers

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Proverbs 10

1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices

Berean Study Bible

The way of the LORD
This phrase refers to the path or manner of life that aligns with God's will and commandments. In Hebrew, "way" is "derek," which implies a journey or course of life. The "way of the LORD" suggests a divinely ordained path characterized by righteousness and obedience. Historically, this concept is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where following God's way was synonymous with receiving His blessings and protection. For Christians, this path is further illuminated by the teachings of Jesus, who declared Himself "the way" (John 14:6), emphasizing a life of faith and discipleship.

is a refuge
The Hebrew word for "refuge" is "ma'oz," meaning a place of safety or protection. This imagery evokes the idea of God as a fortress or stronghold, providing shelter and security to those who are faithful. In ancient times, cities had fortified walls and towers where inhabitants could find safety from enemies. Spiritually, this refuge signifies the peace and assurance found in living according to God's principles, where the upright are shielded from spiritual harm and turmoil.

to the upright
"Upright" translates from the Hebrew "yashar," meaning straight or right. It describes those who live with integrity and moral rectitude, aligning their lives with God's standards. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, the upright are often contrasted with the wicked, highlighting the blessings and favor that come from a life of righteousness. The upright are those who seek to honor God in their actions and decisions, reflecting His character in their daily lives.

but destruction
The term "destruction" comes from the Hebrew "mechittah," indicating ruin or calamity. This word conveys the inevitable downfall and judgment that befall those who reject God's ways. In the biblical narrative, destruction is often the consequence of sin and rebellion against God, serving as a warning of the serious repercussions of living contrary to His will. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where evil deeds lead to negative outcomes.

awaits those who do evil
"Evil" in Hebrew is "ra," encompassing wickedness, harm, and moral corruption. This phrase highlights the fate of those who choose to live in opposition to God's commands. The Bible consistently teaches that evil actions lead to spiritual and often physical consequences. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the justice of God, who holds individuals accountable for their actions. It also emphasizes the hope and encouragement for the upright, who can trust in God's protection and ultimate vindication.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(29) The way of the Lord--i.e., in which He has directed men to walk. (Comp. Psalm 25:12; Matthew 22:16; Acts 9:2.) It is a strong protection to the righteous, for no harm can happen to them while they follow it (1Peter 3:13); but it is destruction (not, there is destruction) to the workers of iniquity, because the fact of their having rejected the teaching of God will be their condemnation. (Comp. 2Corinthians 2:15-16.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 29. - The way of the Lord; i.e. the way in which he has commanded, men to walk - the way of his commandments (Psalm 25:12; Psalm 119:27), that which the Pharisees confessed that Christ taught (Matthew 22:16). The Septuagint renders, "the fear of the Lord," which practically gives the meaning. Or "the Lord's way" may be his moral government of the world. Strength; better a fortress (Ver. 15). Doing his simple duty, a good man is safe; for, as St. Peter says, "Who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good?" (1 Peter 3:13). But destruction shall be; better, but it (the way of Jehovah) is destruction. The two effects of the Law of God are contrasted, according as it is obeyed or neglected. While it is protection to the righteous, it is condemnation and ruin to sinners (see on Proverbs 21:15) So Christ at one time calls himself "the Way" (John 14:6); at another says, "For judgment I am come into this world" (John 9:39); and Simeon declares of him (Luke 2:34), "This Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel" (comp. 2 Corinthians 2:15, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The way
דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a refuge
מָע֣וֹז (mā·‘ō·wz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

to the upright,
לַ֭תֹּם (lat·tōm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8537: Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate

but destruction
וּ֝מְחִתָּ֗ה (ū·mə·ḥit·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4288: A dissolution, a ruin, consternation

[awaits] those who do
לְפֹ֣עֲלֵי (lə·p̄ō·‘ă·lê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise

evil.
אָֽוֶן׃ (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol

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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold (Prov. Pro Pr)