Old Testament
Proverbs 4:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
Compare translations
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
What Proverbs 4:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the destructive choices made by those who engage in wickedness and violence. The 'bread of wickedness' symbolizes the sustenance or rewards that come from immoral actions, while 'wine of violence' represents the intoxicating effects of aggressive behavior. Together, these phrases illustrate how individuals who pursue evil and harm others are ultimately consuming what leads to their own downfall. The imagery suggests that just as food and drink nourish the body, wickedness and violence nourish a corrupt life, leading to negative consequences. This serves as a warning to avoid such paths and instead seek righteousness and peace, which lead to true fulfillment and safety.
How to apply Proverbs 4:17 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on the influences in your life. Are there areas where you might be consuming 'bread of wickedness' or 'wine of violence'? Strive to make choices that promote goodness and peace, avoiding harmful behaviors and influences.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 4:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 4:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 4:17 mean?
Proverbs 4:17 warns about the consequences of engaging in wickedness and violence. It illustrates how those who choose immoral paths consume the negative outcomes of their actions, leading to their own downfall.
What is the meaning of 'bread of wickedness' in Proverbs 4:17?
The 'bread of wickedness' symbolizes the rewards or sustenance derived from immoral actions. It suggests that those who engage in wickedness are nourished by their corrupt choices, which ultimately lead to destruction.
What does 'wine of violence' refer to in Proverbs 4:17?
The 'wine of violence' represents the intoxicating effects of aggressive and harmful behavior. It indicates that indulging in violence can cloud judgment and lead to further destructive actions.
How can I apply Proverbs 4:17 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 4:17, examine your influences and choices. Avoid behaviors that align with wickedness and violence, and instead, strive for actions that promote goodness and peace in your life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.