Proverbs 1:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 1:14 mean?

Proverbs 1:14 presents an invitation to join a group that plans to take other people’s belongings by violence. The speakers offer the listener a place in the group and a share in what they take. The promise of shared wealth makes their invitation sound attractive.

“Cast in thy lot among us” pictures the listener joining their venture and sharing its outcome. “One purse” pictures a common fund held by the group. After the promise of treasure in verse 13, the speakers extend their offer directly to the listener.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 1:14

• “lot” — גּוֹרָל (goral): A lot can be an object used to decide a matter or assign a share. Here the phrase carries the sense of placing one’s share with the group.
• “purse” — כִּיס (kis): The word means a bag used to hold money. The image suggests that the members would pool what they gained rather than each keeping a separate bag.

Why Proverbs 1:14 matters

• The invitation comes from the people whom the father calls “sinners” in verse 10. Their friendly “us” and “all” give their appeal the sound of belonging.
• The promised wealth has a violent setting. Earlier, the speakers propose lying in wait for blood and taking victims’ goods (verses 11–13).
• The offer is part of a father’s warning to his son. Verse 10 introduces the appeal by telling the son not to agree when such people entice him; verse 14 gives a direct example of how they might entice him.