14 Don’t enter into the path of the wicked.
Don’t walk in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, and don’t pass by it.
Turn from it, and pass on. 16 For they don’t sleep, unless they do evil.
Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,
that shines more and more until the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness.
They don’t know what they stumble over.
20 My son, attend to my words.
Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your eyes.
Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
for out of it is the wellspring of life. 24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.
Put corrupt lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make the path of your feet level.
Let all of your ways be established. 27 Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.
Remove your foot from evil.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27
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.