King James Version

What Does Proverbs 28:10 Mean?

Proverbs 28:10 in the King James Version says “Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall h...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.”

Proverbs 28:10 · KJV

Context

8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. unjust: Heb. by increase

9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. own: Heb. eyes

12

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. hidden: or, sought for

Read Proverbs 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way—The causative verb form indicates active deception or temptation. Leading the yashar (upright, righteous) into an evil way (derek ra) brings severe consequences: he shall fall himself into his own pit.

This poetic justice reflects the principle of measure-for-measure judgment. The trap (shachah, pit) prepared for others becomes the deceiver's own downfall—seen in Haman's execution on his own gallows (Esther 7:10) and Psalm 7:15: 'He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.' Meanwhile, the upright shall have good things in possession (tov yinchalu, inherit good), demonstrating God's protective justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel faced constant pressure from pagan neighbors to compromise covenant faithfulness. False prophets and corrupt leaders often led people astray. The New Testament warns similarly of those who 'cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine' (Romans 16:17), and Jesus's severe words about offending 'little ones' (Matthew 18:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever been tempted to draw others into compromise or sin? What stopped you?
  2. How can you protect yourself from those who would lead you away from righteousness?
  3. What 'good things' has God given to sustain you when facing moral pressure or temptation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מַשְׁגֶּ֤ה1 of 10

“to go astray”

H7686

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

יְשָׁרִ֨ים׀2 of 10

“Whoso causeth the righteous”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ3 of 10

“way”

H1870

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

רָ֗ע4 of 10

“in an evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בִּשְׁחוּת֥וֹ5 of 10

“himself into his own pit”

H7816

pit

הֽוּא6 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִפּ֑וֹל7 of 10

“he shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים8 of 10

“but the upright”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

יִנְחֲלוּ9 of 10

“things in possession”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

טֽוֹב׃10 of 10

“shall have good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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 28:10 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 28:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 26:27Psalms 37:25-26Galatians 2:4Psalms 7:15-16Proverbs 10:3Proverbs 15:6

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