Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals that greed isn't just about taking things from others; it's a destructive force that ultimately consumes the greedy person themselves, stealing their own peace, joy, and even their very life. The phrase "takes away the life of its possessors" points to how this insatiable desire for more erodes the soul, leaving the person empty and ruined, no matter how much they accumulate.
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The preceding verses describe how wicked people, driven by a lust for illicit gain, try to lure others into their dangerous schemes with promises of wealth. This verse serves as a stark warning, showing that the destructive path of greed ultimately consumes those who pursue it, leading to ruin both in this life and potentially beyond.
We often chase after success, but what if the very pursuit of gain leads us astray?
This verse paints a stark picture of how greed warps our actions and our perspective.
The Allure of 'Easy Money'
The phrase 'greedy for unjust gain' points to a deep-seated desire to acquire wealth through dishonest or harmful means. It's not just about wanting more; it's about wanting more unfairly.
The Road to Ruin
Solomon shows us that the 'ways' of such people are inherently destructive. This greed doesn't just harm others; it ultimately consumes the person pursuing it, leading to a loss of true life.
The verse says greed 'takes away the life of its possessors.' What kind of 'life' are we talking about?
This isn't just about physical death, though that can be a consequence. It's a deeper destruction.
More Than Just Ending Breath
The 'life' being taken is holistic – it includes one's well-being, relationships, reputation, and spiritual vitality. Greed eats away at the very essence of a meaningful existence.
The 'Owner' of Greed
Scholars note that the Hebrew idiom can mean 'the owner of greed' or 'the one possessed by greed.' This highlights how the vice itself becomes the master, controlling and ultimately destroying the individual.
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A Cycle of Loss
Whether through the loss of one's own life (physically or spiritually), the harm caused to others, or the eventual judgment that comes from unjust actions, greed guarantees a profound sense of loss.
Understand the original words
orach · Hebrew Noun
Paths or courses of life; the habits, manners, or moral trajectory that a person follows. Biblically, one's "way" reflects their inner character and ultimate destiny.
betsa · Hebrew Noun
A strong, insatiable desire for wealth, possessions, or profit. It is often linked to idolatry and the neglect of justice and righteousness.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The animating principle of humanity or the duration of earthly existence. In this context, it refers to the spiritual and physical vitality that is forfeit through sin.
This passage echoes Proverbs 1:19 by directly warning against greed, stating that one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, highlighting the destructive nature of covetousness on a person's true life.
1 Timothy 6:9-10This text identifies the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil, directly correlating with the 'greedy for unjust gain' in Proverbs, and suggesting that this desire leads to ruin and a departure from faith.
Matthew 27:3-5This New Testament account shows the tragic end of Judas Iscariot, who was 'greedy for unjust gain.' His pursuit of money led him to betray Jesus, and ultimately, remorse drove him to take his own life, illustrating the destructive consequence of such greed.
Ezekiel 18:10-13This passage describes a wicked individual who practices robbery and does not restore what he owes, showing how such actions lead to destruction and death, paralleling the idea that unjust gain ultimately destroys its possessor.
clarkeProverbs 1:19: "So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof."
Which taketh away the life - A covetous man is in effect, and in the sight of God, a murderer; he wishes to get all the gain that can accrue to any or all who are in the same business that he follows - no matter to him how many families starve in consequence. This is the very case with him who sets up shop after shop in different parts of the same town or neighborhood, in whic…
pooleProverbs 1:19: "So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof."
So, as is expressed both in the foregoing and following words, are the ways; the actions and courses, which are so in the tendency and event of them. That is greedy of pain; that seeks gain by unrighteous and wicked practices. Which ; either which greediness ; or rather, which gain , by comparing the last words. Taketh away the lives of the owners thereof; brings sudden and vi…
This verse reveals that greed isn't just about taking things from others; it's a destructive force that ultimately consumes the greedy person themselves, stealing their own peace, joy, and even their very life. The phrase "takes away the life of its possessors" points to how this insatiable desire for more erodes the soul, leaving the person empty and ruined, no matter how much they accumulate.
The preceding verses describe how wicked people, driven by a lust for illicit gain, try to lure others into their dangerous schemes with promises of wealth. This verse serves as a stark warning, showing that the destructive path of greed ultimately consumes those who pursue it, leading to ruin both in this life and potentially beyond.
The preceding verses describe how wicked people, driven by a lust for illicit gain, try to lure others into their dangerous schemes with promises of wealth. This verse serves as a stark warning, showing that the destructive path of greed ultimately consumes those who pursue it, leading to ruin both in this life and potentially beyond.
"Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors." — This verse reveals that greed isn't just about taking things from others; it's a destructive force that ultimately consumes the greedy person themselves, stealing their own peace, joy, and even their…
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Last reviewed October 2026