Proverbs 4:14-17
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just a simple "don't do bad things." It uses two distinct verbs, "enter not" and "go not," highlighting the critical importance of not even starting down a wrong path, and if you do take a step, not continuing or persevering in it.
The father is continuing his instruction on the importance of wisdom, contrasting it with the dangerous path of the wicked. He has just emphasized the value of wisdom and the need to hold onto it, and now he issues a strong warning against associating with those who live corruptly. This admonition sets the stage for the following verses, which describe the characteristics of both the righteous and the wicked.
Ever feel like a small compromise can lead you down a dark road? This verse warns against the subtle beginnings of evil.
Proverbs 4:14 gives us a stark warning: 'Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of the evil.' This isn't just about avoiding big, obvious sins. It’s about recognizing that the 'path' and 'way' of the wicked are like a slippery slope. The scholars highlight that 'enter not' suggests even taking the first step is dangerous, and 'go not' implies that once you've started, you shouldn't continue. It’s about preventing ingressus (entry) and progressus (going on). The danger is that small compromises can easily lead to deeper involvement, making it harder to turn back. Think of it like a tiny crack in a dam – it might seem insignificant, but it can lead to a catastrophic failure if not addressed immediately.
Why does the Bible paint such a clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked? It’s about more than just behavior; it’s about the very nature of their paths.
Proverbs 4:14 sets up a fundamental choice: the path of the wicked versus the way of the wise. The commentaries reveal that the 'path of the wicked' is consistently described as darkness. This darkness isn't just ignorance; it's characterized by error, confusion, danger, and ultimately, misery. They 'know not at what they stumble' because they are lost in their own moral gloom. In contrast, the 'path of the just' (mentioned in later verses but implied here) is like a shining light, growing brighter. This light represents clarity, safety, truth, and a clear direction. Choosing the wicked path means choosing to walk in willful blindness, while choosing wisdom means stepping into the illuminating presence of God.
Is the 'way of the wicked' just about bad actions, or something deeper? This verse challenges us to look beyond the surface.
The scholars emphasize that Proverbs 4:14 isn't merely about avoiding outward wrongdoings. The 'path of the wicked' signifies a deep-seated orientation of the heart and mind. It's about a disposition that righteousness and actively evil. Even if the wicked don't overtly 'delight' in their path, the instruction is to avoid even entering it, suggesting a proactive stance is needed. The danger isn't just in the actions themselves, but in adopting the mindset and values that lead to those actions. It’s about where your desires and motivations are truly directed. The warning is to steer clear of this direction from the very beginning, because the heart's posture is the true driver of our steps.
Understand the original words
rasha · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A term describing those who lack moral character or who act in opposition to God’s laws. They are characterized by their departure from the path of righteousness and their influence upon those who follow their ways.
ra'ah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to moral baseness, harm, or worthlessness. In a biblical context, it signifies actions or people that are fundamentally opposed to God's character and cause ruin to oneself and others.
ra‘ah · Hebrew Noun
Acts of moral transgression, evil, or sin. In a biblical context, it often refers to active rebellion against God's laws and moral order.
kashal · Hebrew Verb
A cause for falling, an enticement to sin, or an obstacle that leads someone into error or moral ruin. In Scripture, it represents leading others away from righteousness.
This Psalm directly parallels Proverbs 4:14 by contrasting the path of the righteous with the way of the wicked, highlighting the dangers of associating with those who mock God.
Proverbs 1:10-19This passage serves as an extended warning against the enticement of sinners, mirroring Proverbs 4:14's call to avoid the wicked's path and illustrating the destructive consequences of their choices.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 4:14 by presenting two distinct paths, the narrow way leading to life and the broad way leading to destruction, emphasizing the critical choice between righteousness and wickedness.
Romans 12:2This verse instructs believers not to conform to the world's patterns, which is a direct application of the principle in Proverbs 4:14 to actively avoid the ways of the ungodly and be transformed by God's renewing power.
2 Corinthians 6:14This passage explicitly warns against being 'unequally yoked with unbelievers,' directly supporting the command in Proverbs 4:14 to steer clear of the path of the wicked and maintain separation from their practices.
gillProverbs 4:14: "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men."
Enter not into the path of the wicked,.... Which leads to eternal death; join not with them in their wicked ways and practices; have no fellowship, keep no company, with them; do not set one foot in the path they tread, lest thou shouldest be tempted to proceed to more ungodliness; you do not know where and when there will be a stop, when once you begin, therefore enter not. The Vulgate Latin version is,…
pulpitProverbs 4:14: "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men."
Verse 14. - From admonition the father passes to warning. The connection with the preceding section is obvious. There are two ways diametrically opposite - the way of wisdom and the way of evil; the one the way of life, the other fraught with death, because a way of darkness and violence. As the father has dealt with the former, so now he deals with the latter. With these warnings we may also comp. Prover…
This verse isn't just a simple "don't do bad things." It uses two distinct verbs, "enter not" and "go not," highlighting the critical importance of not even starting down a wrong path, and if you do take a step, not continuing or persevering in it.
The father is continuing his instruction on the importance of wisdom, contrasting it with the dangerous path of the wicked. He has just emphasized the value of wisdom and the need to hold onto it, and now he issues a strong warning against associating with those who live corruptly. This admonition sets the stage for the following verses, which describe the characteristics of both the righteous and the wicked.
The father is continuing his instruction on the importance of wisdom, contrasting it with the dangerous path of the wicked. He has just emphasized the value of wisdom and the need to hold onto it, and now he issues a strong warning against associating with those who live corruptly. This admonition sets the stage for the following verses, which describe the characteristics of both the righteous and the wicked.
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lechem resha'im · Hebrew Noun
In this metaphorical sense, it refers to the daily sustenance or lifestyle supported by sinful activity. It suggests that wickedness has become a habitual, essential part of the person's existence.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
A term representing injustice, oppression, or brutal physical injury. It describes actions that violently disregard the well-being of others and stand in direct opposition to God's standard of justice.
"Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unle…" — This verse isn't just a simple "don't do bad things." It uses two distinct verbs, "enter not" and "go not," highlighting the critical importance of not even starting down a wrong path, and if you d…
