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 28:10KJV
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Proverbs 28:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:10 mean?

Proverbs 28:10 warns that anyone who deliberately leads a good person into wrongdoing will end up suffering the consequences of their own actions, while those who live honestly and uprightly will enjoy good things. The verse draws a clear line between those who cause harm and those who remain faithful to what is right.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse highlights a moral principle: trying to trip up the righteous not only fails but backfires on the troublemaker. At the same time, it reassures that those who stay true to what is right will ultimately be rewarded.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:10

  • "Righteous" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word refers to someone who is upright or straight in character, not just outwardly good but genuinely committed to doing what is right.
  • "Astray" (שָׁגָה, shagah): This word means to cause someone to wander or go off course, often used for leading someone into error or sin.
  • "Pit" (שַׁחַת, shachat): This is a word for a trap or a deep hole, often used as a metaphor for ruin or destruction that someone falls into, especially as a result of their own schemes.
  • "Upright" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word describes someone who is blameless or whole, emphasizing integrity and moral completeness.

Why Proverbs 28:10 matters

  • Proverbs 28:10 clarifies that leading others into wrongdoing is not just a private matter; it brings real consequences for the instigator.
  • The verse emphasizes that living with integrity is not pointless or naïve—those who are upright will experience good outcomes, even if not immediately.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme that justice and reward are ultimately in God’s hands, offering both a warning and an encouragement to readers.

Where else these words appear

“astray” Hebrew H7686 · used in 19 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Job 19:4 And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.
  • Proverbs 5:23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

“possession” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • Psalms 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

“upright” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

“righteous” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Psalms 140:13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.