Proverbs 12:28
Proverbs 12:28 in Multiple Translations
There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
In the way of righteousness is life; And in the pathway thereof there is no death.
In the road of righteousness is life, but the way of the evil-doer goes to death.
The path of right leads to life, it doesn't lead to death.
Life is in the way of righteousnesse, and in that path way there is no death.
In the path of righteousness [is] life, And in the way of [that] path [is] no death!
In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the path of it there is no death.
In the path of justice is life: but the by-way leadeth to death.
Those who ◄live righteously/continually do what is right► are walking on the road to a long life; ◄it is not a road to death/they will not die when they are still young►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
צְדָקָ֥ה
חַיִּ֑ים
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
נְתִיבָ֣ה
אַל
מָֽוֶת
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Prep | N-cs
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs
נְתִיבָ֣ה
nâthîyb
H5410
path
N-cs
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:28
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Prep | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
נְתִיבָ֣ה
nâthîyb
H5410
"path"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.
Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:28
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
27A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.
28There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 John 1:11 | Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. |
| 2 | Romans 5:21 | so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:20–24 | The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live? But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die. |
| 4 | Proverbs 11:19 | Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. |
| 5 | Titus 2:11–12 | For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 30:15 | See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster. |
| 8 | 1 John 2:29 | If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. |
| 9 | 1 John 3:7 | Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 18:9 | He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD. |
Proverbs 12:28 Summary
[Proverbs 12:28 tells us that there are two paths we can choose in life: the path of righteousness, which leads to life, and another path, which leads to death. This means that the choices we make every day have consequences, and following God's way is the key to true life. As Deuteronomy 30:19 says, we have the power to choose life or death, and God urges us to choose life. By following God's commands and trusting in Jesus Christ, we can experience the life and blessings that come from being on the path of righteousness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be on the path of righteousness?
To be on the path of righteousness means to live a life that is pleasing to God, following His commands and principles as outlined in the Bible, such as Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Is the path of righteousness always easy?
No, the path of righteousness is not always easy, as it often requires making difficult choices and standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely.
What is the consequence of not being on the path of righteousness?
According to Proverbs 12:28, the consequence of not being on the path of righteousness is death, which is not just physical death, but also spiritual death, as mentioned in Romans 6:23, which says that the wages of sin is death.
How can I ensure that I am on the path of righteousness?
To ensure that you are on the path of righteousness, you must seek to know and follow God's will, as expressed in His word, and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, as stated in John 14:6, which says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be straying from the path of righteousness, and how can I get back on track?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness when the path of righteousness is difficult or uncertain?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Proverbs 12:28 to my daily life, making choices that lead to life and not death?
- What does it mean to 'prize' my possession, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:27, and how can I apply this principle to my spiritual life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness [is] life,.... The life of the soul, or spiritual life, as Aben Ezra; and eternal life, as Gersom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. In the way of righteousness (is) life; and (in) the pathway (thereof there is) no death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
The practice of justice and godliness, though it expose a man to some dangers and inconveniences in the world, yet it will certainly lead him to life and happiness, whereas the end of all wicked courses is death and destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.Ver. 28. In the way of righteousness is life.] And life, in any sense, is a sweet mercy, a precious indulgence. Life natural is but a little spot of time between two eternities, before and after, but it is of great consequence (for ex hoc momento pendet aeternitas), and given us for this purpose, that glory may be begun in grace, and we have a further and further entrance into the kingdom of heaven here, as Peter saith, 2 Peter 1:11. And in the path thereof there is no death.] Christ hath unstinged the first death, and made it of a punishment, a benefit; of a postern to let out temporal life, a street door to let in eternal life. Surely the bitterness of this death is past to the righteous; there is no gall in it (as the Hebrew word there signifies); nay, there is honey in it, as once there was in the corpse of Samson’ s dead lion. And for the second death, there is no danger; for they shall pass from the jaws of death to the joys of heaven. Yea, though hell had closed her mouth upon a child of God, it could as little hold him as the whale could Jonah; it must, perforce, regurgitate, and render up such a morsel. Mors ianua vitae, porta coeli. - Bern.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
(28) In the way of righteousness is life.—Comp. above on Proverbs 10:2, “Righteousness delivereth from death.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
Verse 28. In the way of righteousness is life] חיים chaiyim, lives; life temporal, and life eternal. And in the pathway thereof there is no death.] Not only do the general precepts and promises of God lead to life eternal, and promote life temporal; but every duty, every act of faith, patience of hope, and labour of love, though requiring much self-abasement, self-denial, and often an extension of corporal strength, all lead to life. For in every case, in every particular, "the path of duty is the way of safety." The latter clause is only a repetition of the sense of the former.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:28
28. no death] The rendering to death, i.e. the pathway (sc. common and well-trodden, or, of evil men) leadeth to death, is supported by LXX. εἰςθάνατον, and Vulg. ducit ad mortem.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:28
28. Way of righteousness is life — Plural, lives; life temporal and life eternal. Pathway thereof… is no death — Better. A devious way leadeth to death.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Proverbs 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become ri |
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The Choice by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice between the path of life and the path of death, drawing parallels from biblical stories like Adam and Eve's choice |
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I Wish Above All Things That Thou Mayest Prosper by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being right with God as the foundation for healing and prosperity. He asserts that living righteously protects us from harm and strengthen |
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2 John by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the balance between light and love, truth and deception, and the importance of recognizing and resisting false teachings. He emphasizes that Jesus is the |
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 3. Haman Hanged on His Gallows by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion and the role of Satan in trying to thwart God's plan. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus willingly went to |
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Definition and Nature of Original Sin by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three-fold nature of what is pleasing to God: love to God, the will of God, and the glory of God. He emphasizes that without these three |
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Fren-13 Apostolic Foundations - Eternity by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching about eternity and the urgency it brings to the church. He refers to the event of Paul at Mars Hill in the book of |