What are the bible proverbs about death? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
The book of Proverbs sees death in a holistic sense. Death is not only physical, it is also spiritual.Â
8 Bible proverbs about death
Proverbs 9:18
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
The verse is in the context of the evil temptations of an adulterous woman. This is in contrast to the previous paragraph where wisdom is depicted as a dignified woman who invites those who want to improve on their wisdom to her house feast.
The adulterous woman makes sin look attractive. Those who fall into her trap are the ones who are said to be ignorant of the fact that her guests are in hell. Simplified, those who listen to the adulterous woman are those who choose to ignore the call of wisdom. Ignoring wisdom is likened to a form of death. You are alive, but without wisdom, you are no different from those who are dead. This is spiritual death.
Proverbs 10:16
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
Death and sin are equated to currency. How we live our lives on earth will determine our earnings which are calculated by God. Those who live their lives according to God’s instructions will be rewarded with good meaningful life on earth and eternal life when they die. Those who are evil will only live a life that produces sin and misery. Even though they are alive, their life has no good fruits and it is a life that leads to eternal death.Â
Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Following God and living a righteous life is like drinking from the fountain of life. A righteous man gains favour in the eyes of God. Those who are righteous through Jesus Christ, though they die physically will receive eternal life, (therefore there is no death) being in Heaven and finding rest from the earthly turmoils.
Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The focus is on the teaching of the wise and the result it achieves. The law of God is the teaching of the wise and it is a continuous source of life. The one who appreciates and follows the teaching of the wise men who have more experience with life avoids the traps that are set before him. He gains life. When you apply wise teachings in your life, you can avoid so much evil.Â
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
This proverb nails the concept of self-deception. There is a manner of living that is convenient and pleasing to man. This manner of living will ultimately lead to ruin or death. The course that you decide to take in your life can lead to your destruction. Some choices or decisions may seem good from the perspective of men, but in the end, they lead to disaster. It is very important as believers to seek the path of God, you will never get lost or deceive yourself into taking a wrong path that you think is actually a good path.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
To fear the Lord means to have tremendous, exceeding reverence for God. It is humility, obedience and submission to a God who has so graciously given mankind life. The day you begin to honour God is the day you will have a fulfilling life. Life will become meaningful and you will be protected by God, avoiding all the traps of death, physical or spiritual.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
This is one of the most powerful proverbs about the tongue. Words have power, whether they are spoken to others or spoken to you. The power to bless and to curse is in the tongue. We need to understand the power of speech. It is so powerful that death and life are powered by words. Be careful how you use your words, if they are evil, you might have to swallow them. Your own words can condemn you. Control your tongue and try by all means to use it for good.
Proverbs 19:16
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
Commandments are meant to be a guideline for daily living. They protect people. God’s commandments are there to guide human beings so that they can prosper. They are like a hedge that protects and keeps out evil. However, those who do not follow God’s commandments put themselves in danger and invite evil into their lives. They are not safe and are open to attack.
Conclusion
The book of Proverbs speaks in opposites. It contrasts life and death. Everything has a cause and effect. Everything has a force behind it, good or evil. Death is seen as a result of disobedience and life is a result of obedience. Death itself is both physical and spiritual. You can be alive but according to the book of Proverbs, your behavior will declare you spiritually dead. Following God’s commandments is the only way to have life.Â
