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Proverbs 1:11

KJV

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Read it in context The Enticement of Sin
Start reading at Proverbs 1:8 (Proverbs 1:8 to Proverbs 1:19). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.

  1. 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
  2. 1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
  3. 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
  4. 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
  5. 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
  6. 1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
  7. 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
  8. 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
  9. 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
  10. 1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
  11. 1:18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
  12. 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 1:19, Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Who wrote it, and how we know

Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs. Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Macro-Structure of Proverbs

Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.

Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1

Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18 You are here · 1:11

FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path

Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation
The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16

FocusWise and foolish conduct

Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation
Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34

FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct

Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation
Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27

FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule

Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation
The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33

FocusHuman limits and ordered observations

Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation
The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31

FocusJust rule and faithful work

Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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