King James Version

What Does Proverbs 1:31 Mean?

Proverbs 1:31 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.”

Proverbs 1:31 · KJV

Context

29

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

30

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

31

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. turning: or, ease of the simple

33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Read Proverbs 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The harvest of rejection: 'Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.' The agricultural metaphor shows that choices produce corresponding consequences. 'Eat... fruit' pictures consuming the results of one's actions. 'Filled' suggests inescapable saturation in consequences. 'Their own' emphasizes self-inflicted nature of judgment. This reflects Galatians 6:7—what one sows, one reaps. God's justice gives people the full measure of their chosen path. Autonomous wisdom, pursued, brings its inevitable bitter fruit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agricultural societies understood sowing and reaping intimately. The metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Job 4:8; Hosea 8:7). Israel's history demonstrated national-scale reaping: idolatry produced exile, covenant faithfulness produced blessing. Individual and corporate consequences follow moral choices. The principle transcends cultures—natural law built into creation ensures actions produce fitting consequences, both temporally and eternally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does eating the fruit of one's own way demonstrate that judgment isn't arbitrary punishment but natural consequence?
  2. What does being 'filled' with one's own devices teach us about judgment giving the full measure of chosen folly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְֽ֭יֹאכְלוּ1 of 5

“Therefore shall they eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִפְּרִ֣י2 of 5

“of the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

דַרְכָּ֑ם3 of 5

“of their own way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וּֽמִמֹּעֲצֹ֖תֵיהֶ֣ם4 of 5

“with their own devices”

H4156

a purpose

יִשְׂבָּֽעוּ׃5 of 5

“and be filled”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 1:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:19Proverbs 14:14Proverbs 22:8Job 4:8Galatians 6:7-8Isaiah 3:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Proverbs 1 with CommentaryAll Proverbs ChaptersComplete Proverbs QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes