Proverbs 19:3
Proverbs 19:3 in Multiple Translations
A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah.
By his foolish behaviour a man's ways are turned upside down, and his heart is bitter against the Lord.
People mess up their lives by their own stupidity, and then get angry with the Lord.
The foolishnesse of a man peruerteth his way, and his heart freateth against the Lord.
The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against the LORD.
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
The folly of a man supplanteth his seeps: and he fretteth in his mind against God.
Some people are ruined as a result of their own foolish actions, and when that happens, they [SYN] angrily say that it is Yahweh’s fault.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:3
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 19:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
אָ֭דָם
תְּסַלֵּ֣ף
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
וְ/עַל
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
יִזְעַ֥ף
לִבּֽ/וֹ
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
תְּסַלֵּ֣ף
çâlaph
H5557
to pervert
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יִזְעַ֥ף
zâʻaph
H2196
to enrage
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
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 19:3
אִוֶּ֣לֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תְּסַלֵּ֣ף
çâlaph
H5557
"to pervert"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To pervert means to twist or subvert something, often referring to bribery or corruption. It can also mean to overthrow or ruin, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to twist, pervert, distort, overturn, ruin 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to pervert (of bribery) 1a2) to subvert, turn upside down, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: overthrow, pervert. See also: Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 19:3.
דַּרְכּ֑/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
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.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יִזְעַ֥ף
zâʻaph
H2196
"to enrage"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to become enraged or angry, like boiling water. In 1 Samuel 18:8, it is used to describe how King Saul became angry with David. It can also mean to be sad or troubled, but often it is about being very upset or angry.
Definition: 1) to fret, be sad, be wroth, be vexed, be enraged, be out of humour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be out of humour 1a2) to be enraged, be angry 2) (Qal) 2a) to appear perplexed, appear troubled 2b) to be sad-looking
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fret, sad, worse liking, be wroth. See also: Genesis 40:6; Proverbs 19:3; Daniel 1:10.
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:3
Context — The Man of Integrity
1Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
3A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 16:9–11 | And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. |
| 3 | Numbers 16:19–41 | When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the congregation to move away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” So Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” So they moved away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram had come out and stood at the entrances to their tents with their wives and children and infants. Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing: If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Eleazar son of Aaron the priest to remove the censers from the flames and to scatter the coals far away, because the censers are holy. As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.” So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers. The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 16:9–10 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 22:13–23 | And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!” Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks your life is seeking mine as well. You will be safe with me.” |
| 6 | 2 Kings 6:33 | While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” |
| 7 | Genesis 3:6–12 | When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” “Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” And the man answered, “The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” |
| 8 | 2 Kings 3:9–10 | So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” |
| 9 | 1 Kings 20:42–43 | And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went home to Samaria. |
| 10 | Genesis 4:5–14 | but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” |
Proverbs 19:3 Summary
This verse is saying that when we make foolish choices, they can lead to problems in our lives, but instead of taking responsibility for those choices, we often get angry with God. This is a common pattern in human behavior, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Romans 1:18-23. To avoid this kind of folly, we need to seek wisdom from God (Proverbs 2:6) and be mindful of our actions and their consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). By doing so, we can learn to take responsibility for our choices and trust in God's goodness, even when things do not go as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a man's own folly to subvert his way?
This means that the foolish decisions and actions of a person can lead to their own downfall, as seen in Proverbs 19:3, and this is a common theme throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 28:10 and Psalms 7:14-16.
Why does the heart rage against the LORD in this verse?
The heart rages against the LORD because, in our foolishness, we often blame God for our circumstances rather than taking responsibility for our own actions, as also seen in Jeremiah 2:17 and Romans 1:18-23.
Is this verse saying that God is responsible for our folly?
No, Proverbs 19:3 is not saying that God is responsible for our folly, but rather that our own foolish choices lead to our problems, and yet we often shift the blame to God, as also discussed in Isaiah 45:7 and Deuteronomy 30:19.
How can we avoid the kind of folly described in this verse?
We can avoid this kind of folly by seeking wisdom from God, as described in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5, and by being mindful of our actions and their consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I seen my own folly subvert my way, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How do I typically respond when things do not go as planned, and what does this reveal about my heart's attitude towards God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be blaming God for my own foolish choices, and how can I take responsibility for those actions?
- What steps can I take to seek wisdom from God and avoid the kind of folly described in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man perverteth his way,.... The sinfulness of his heart and nature; the folly which is bound up in it causes him to go astray out of the way in which he should go, or makes things
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
Perverteth his way; either. 1. Enticeth him to sin. Or rather, 2. Crosseth and blasteth his designs and enterprises, and brings losses and miseries upon him. His heart fretteth against the Lord; he ascribes his unhappiness not to his own sin and folly, which is the true cause of it, but to God and his providence, against which he unjustly murmurs.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.Ver. 3. The foolishness of a man perverteth his way.] So that all goes cross with him, and God "walks contrary to him," as it befell our King John, Queen Mary, and Henry IV of France. King John saw and acknowledged it in these words, Postquam, ut dixi, Deo reconciliatus, me ac mea regna (proh dolor!) Romanae subieci ecclesiae, nulla mihi prospera, sed omnia contraria advenerunt, Ever since I submitted to the see of Rome, nothing hath prospered with me. And his heart frets against the Lord.] As the cause of his calamity. Birds of prey, that have been long kept in the dark, when they get abroad, are out of measure, raging and ravenous: so are ignorant spirits; they let fly on all hands, when in durance especially, and spare not to spit their venom in the very face of God, as did Pharaoh, when that thick darkness was upon him; the king of Israel that said, "Behold this evil is of the Lord, and what should I wait for the Lord any longer?" Mohammed, the first emperor of the Turks, being wonderfully grieved with the dishonour and loss he had received at the last assault of Scodra, in his choler and frantic rage, most horribly blasphemed against God, saying, that it were enough for him to have care of heavenly things, and not to cross him in his worldly actions. Mat. Paris. Turk. Hist., fol. 423.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
(3) The foolishness of man perverteth his way.—A man’s own self-will (Proverbs 1:7) overturns his way. stops his progress, whether in temporal or spiritual matters, and then, instead of blaming himself, “his heart fretteth against the Lord.” (Comp. Isaiah 8:21; Revelation 16:10-11.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
Verse 3. The foolishness of man] Most men complain of cross providences, because they get into straits and difficulties through the perverseness of their ways; and thus they fret against God; whereas, in every instance, they are the causes of their own calamities. O how inconsistent is man!
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:3
The non-wisdom which, having brought about disasters by its own perverseness, then turns round and “fretteth,” i. e., angrily complains against the Providence of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:3
3. Perverteth his way — The primary idea is that of slipping; perhaps, makes slippery his way, and hence it is difficult to walk in because of this.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hell - Part 2 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the worl |
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The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues |
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And When the People Complained, by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson addresses the subtlety of murmuring among the children of Israel in the wilderness, emphasizing how people often express their discontent 'as it were' without openly s |
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Submission, Not Fretting by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of meek submission and worshiping God in every sorrow, highlighting that impatience and fretting under trial do not increase our |
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The Hatred of God in the Human Heart by William MacDonald | William MacDonald addresses the theme of human folly and its consequences, emphasizing how individuals often blame God for the ruin brought upon themselves by their own sinful choi |
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He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o |
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Man-Made Gods by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of understanding life one day at a time, comparing it to solving a puzzle. He emphasizes that while we may not always understand t |