Proverbs 2:19

None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Proverbs 2:19 (KJV)

Context

Proverbs is wisdom literature in the Old Testament, offering practical guidance for righteous living. This verse sits within a father’s instruction to his son, urging him to seek wisdom and understanding. The immediate passage warns against the “strange woman,” a personification of folly and temptation. Her house sinks toward death, and her paths lead to the dead, as Proverbs 2:18 explains. Verse 19 declares the irreversible consequence for those who follow her.

Meaning

The phrase “None that go unto her return again” means that those who are entangled in sin cannot free themselves by their own strength. The deception of sin is powerful, and its consequences can be permanent. The second part, “neither take they hold of the paths of life,” shows that giving in to sinful desires forfeits the abundant life and blessings that come from walking in God’s ways. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of moral choices and the need for vigilance against temptation.

Biblical connections

The following verse, Proverbs 2:20, contrasts this warning with the call to walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous. This shows the alternative path of wisdom. While the verse stresses the danger of folly, divine grace can rescue some, as seen elsewhere in Scripture. The warning is not that God cannot save, but that sin’s grip is hard to break without His help.

Application

This verse encourages caution and discernment in choices and associations. It warns against allowing temptations or sinful influences to draw us away, emphasizing the difficulty of escaping their hold. By staying committed to the paths of righteousness, we can experience the fullness of life and the blessings that come from following God’s ways. We must actively pursue wisdom to remain on the path of life.

Reflection

Consider the paths you are taking today. Are they leading toward life or toward death? The verse calls us to examine our hearts and to rely on God’s wisdom to avoid the snares of folly. It reminds us that the choices we make have lasting consequences, and that true life is found only in walking with God.