14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.
14 Don't take Wicked Bypass; don't so much as set foot on that road.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.
14 Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers.
11 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
11 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
11 Blessed is the man
11 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
11 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
11 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
(Read Psalm 1:1-3)
To meditate in God's word, is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of thought. We must have constant regard to the word of God, as the rule of our actions, and the spring of our comforts; and have it in our thoughts night and day. For this purpose no time is amiss.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
101 I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
(Read Psalm 119:97-104)
What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. A good man carries his Bible with him, if not in his hands, yet in his head and in his heart. By meditation on God's testimonies we understand more than our teachers, when we understand our own hearts. The written word is a more sure guide to heaven, than all the fathers, the teachers, and ancients of the church. We cannot, with any comfort or boldness, attend God in holy duties, while under guilt, or in any by-way. It was Divine grace in his heart, that enabled the psalmist to receive these instructions. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27
(Read Proverbs 4:14-27)
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.