The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

PROVERBS 10:29KJV
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Proverbs 10:29 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:29 mean?

Proverbs 10:29 says that following the way of the LORD gives strength and security to those who live uprightly, but brings ruin to those who practice wrongdoing. The verse draws a clear line between the benefits of living rightly and the consequences of living in opposition to God’s ways.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed at anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses strong contrasts to show that God’s path is not neutral: it supports those who are upright but brings destruction to those who choose iniquity. The focus is on the practical outcomes of a person’s choices, not just their beliefs.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:29

  • way (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means a road, path, or manner of life. In Proverbs 10:29, it refers to the pattern of living according to what God desires, not just a set of beliefs.
  • strength (מָעוֹז, ma‘oz): This word often means a stronghold, refuge, or source of strength. Here, it highlights that God’s way is not just good advice, but a real source of stability and protection for the upright.
  • upright (תָּמִים, tamim): This word describes someone who is blameless, whole, or has integrity. The verse promises strength specifically to those who are sincere and honest in their walk.
  • destruction (מַחִתָּה, machittah): This word means ruin or calamity. The verse warns that the same way that brings strength to the upright will bring disaster to those who do evil.

Why Proverbs 10:29 matters

  • Proverbs 10:29 clarifies that God’s way is not just a set of rules but a path that brings real strength or real consequences, depending on one’s choices.
  • The verse emphasizes that uprightness is not only morally good but also practically beneficial, while wrongdoing leads to real harm.
  • This proverb fits into a larger section contrasting the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, helping the reader see the practical wisdom in choosing integrity.

Where else these words appear

“destruction” Hebrew H4288 · used in 11 verses

  • Psalms 89:40 Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
  • Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
  • Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

“upright” Hebrew H8537 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
  • Job 21:23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
  • Psalms 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

“strength” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Psalms 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

“workers” Hebrew H6466 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
  • Psalms 119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.