Wisdom 1:12 kjva — Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.

King James Version with Apocrypha

“Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.”

— Wisdom 1:12, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

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Wisdom 1:12 in Other Translations

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Wisdom 1 — Context

9

For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for the manifestation of his wicked deeds.

10

For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of murmurings is not hid.

11

Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.

12

Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.

13

For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living.

14

For he created all things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth:

15

(For righteousness is immortal:)

Wisdom 1:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Wisdom 1:12 say?
Wisdom 1:12 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.”
Where is Wisdom 1:12 in the Bible?
Wisdom 1:12 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Wisdom, chapter 1, verse 12.
Who wrote Wisdom?
Wisdom is traditionally attributed to Anonymous Hellenistic Jewish sage (pseudonymously Solomon). Written in elegant Greek; the author casts himself in Solomon's voice as a literary convention common in Jewish wisdom literature. It was written c. 50 BC – AD 50.
What is the book of Wisdom about?
The Wisdom of Solomon is a meditation in three movements: the destinies of the righteous and the wicked (chs. 1–5), an extended hymn to personified Wisdom (chs. 6–10), and a retelling of the Exodus showing God's mercy and judgment in salvation history (chs. 11–19). It defends Israel's faith against idolatry, articulates an explicit hope of immortality, and presents Wisdom as a divine attribute "more beautiful than the sun" — language later echoed in New Testament Christology.
What are the major themes of Wisdom?
Wisdom explores themes including Wisdom, Immortality, Righteousness, Providence, Idolatry. These themes shape the meaning and context of Wisdom 1:12.
What translation should I read Wisdom 1:12 in?
Wisdom 1:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Wisdom 1:12?
Wisdom 1:12 reads (KJVA): “Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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