For their feet run to evil
This phrase highlights the natural inclination of the wicked towards wrongdoing. In biblical context, "feet" often symbolize one's path or way of life. The imagery of running suggests eagerness and haste, indicating a deliberate choice to pursue evil. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the sinful nature of humanity, as seen in Genesis 6:5, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The phrase also echoes the warning in Isaiah 59:7, where it is said that their feet rush into sin. This reflects a lifestyle that is contrary to the wisdom and righteousness that Proverbs advocates.

and they are swift to shed blood
This part of the verse underscores the violent tendencies of those who reject wisdom. The swiftness to shed blood indicates a readiness to commit acts of violence without hesitation. Historically, this can be seen in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where blood feuds and violent retribution were common. The shedding of blood is a grave sin, as life is sacred and created in the image of God (Genesis 9:6). This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the sanctity of life and condemns anger and hatred as akin to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). The swift movement towards violence is a stark contrast to the peace and reconciliation that Christ embodies and calls His followers to pursue.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The Wicked
- This verse refers to those who are quick to engage in evil actions and violence. They are characterized by their eagerness to commit wrongdoing.

3. The Path of Evil
- Symbolically represents the choices and actions that lead away from righteousness and towards sin and destruction.The Nature of Sin
Sin is not passive; it actively seeks to manifest in our actions. We must be vigilant in recognizing and resisting the temptation to engage in evil.

The Consequences of Evil
Engaging in evil actions leads to destruction and harm, not only to others but also to ourselves. We must consider the long-term consequences of our choices.

The Call to Righteousness
As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue righteousness and peace, avoiding the path of the wicked. This requires intentionality and reliance on God's wisdom.

Guarding Our Hearts and Actions
We must guard our hearts and be mindful of our actions, ensuring they align with God's will and not the ways of the world.

The Importance of Wisdom
Proverbs emphasizes the importance of wisdom in guiding our decisions and actions. Seeking God's wisdom helps us discern the right path.(16) For their feet . . .--The first reason against taking part with them: the horrible nature of the crime they are committing.

Verse 16. - For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. This is the first dissuasive urged to enforce the warning against evil companionship, as showing the extremes to which entering upon the ways of the wicked lead ultimately. At once the youth who listens will be hurried along impetuously to the two crimes of robbery and murder, which God has expressly forbidden in the eighth and sixth commandments respectively of the moral code. Evil (רַע, ra) is "wickedness," τὸ κακόν, generally, but here more specifically highway robbery, latrocinism (Cornelius a Lapide), as appears from vers. 11-13, where also murder, the laying in wait for blood, is proposed. The Rabbis Salomon and Salazar understand the evil to refer to the evil or destruction which sinners bring upon themselves, and the shedding of blood to the fact that they lay themselves open to have their own blond shed by judicial process (see also Holden). The former explanation seems preferable to this, as putting a higher law than that of self-preservation before youth. The fear of judges who can condemn to death is notbing comparatively to the fear of him "who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." This verse is wanting in the Vatican LXX., and Arabic, and hence Hitzig has concluded that it is an interpolation made from Isaiah 59:7, but upon insufficient evidence, as it is found in the Alexandrian LXX., Chaldea Paraphrase, Vulgate, and Syriac Versions, all which follow the Hebrew text. The latter part of the verse is quoted by St. Paul in Romans 3:15.

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

their feet
רַ֭גְלֵיהֶם (raḡ·lê·hem)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

run
יָר֑וּצוּ (yā·rū·ṣū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323: To run

to evil,
לָרַ֣ע (lā·ra‘)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

and they are swift
וִֽ֝ימַהֲר֗וּ (wî·ma·hă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4116: To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly

to shed
לִשְׁפָּךְ־ (liš·pāḵ-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out

blood.
דָּֽם׃ (dām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil (Prov. Pro Pr)