Proverbs 2:19
ESV
none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.
NIV
None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
NASB
None who go to her return, Nor do they reach the paths of life.
CSB
None return who go to her; none reach the paths of life.
NLT
The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life.
KJV
None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
NKJV
None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life—
What does Proverbs 2:19 mean?
Prior verses have used the metaphor of a seductive woman in order to explain the dangers of sin. According to this passage, sin is enticing, leads us away from God, and eventually blinds us to the danger of our own choices. This path eventually leads to the ultimate consequence of all sin: death. This verse, in particular, can be very disheartening if taken out of context.God is absolutely loving, yet God is also absolutely just. God is perfect in all His attributes and lacks nothing. Therefore, as God, in His infinite love provides a way for us to be saved (John 3:16–17), He also must demand justice for sin (Romans 6:23; John 3:18–21). This verse is the final condemnation. All will be held accountable and once we know the truth of the gospel, if we willfully turn away from it to sin, we will eventually be turned over to our depravity (Psalm 81:12; Romans 1:24–32).
