Proverbs 4:27
Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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{ "author": "King Solomon is traditionally credited as the primary author of Proverbs, though other wise men may have contributed.", "location": "Written from Jerusalem, the capital of the united kingdom of Israel.", "dateTime": "Likely around the 10th century BC, during Solomon's reign.", "literaryStyle": "Wisdom literature, characterized by concise, pithy sayings and poetic parallelism." }
This verse concludes a section where Solomon has been urging his son to listen to wisdom and avoid the path of the wicked, contrasting the light of righteousness with the darkness of sin. The instruction to stay on the straight and narrow path builds directly on the call to guard one's heart and keep one's eyes fixed on what is right.
Ever feel like life's path has too many detours? This verse offers a clear direction, urging us to stay focused and avoid the temptations that pull us off course.
The imagery here is powerful: 'Do not swerve to the right or to the left.' This isn't just about avoiding outright sin, but also about steering clear of anything that subtly distracts from a life lived according to God's wisdom.
What 'Swerve' Means:
It's not enough to just not go the wrong way; the Bible calls for active avoidance. What does it truly mean to 'remove your foot from evil'?
The phrase 'remove your foot from evil' is a strong, active command. It’s more than just a passive decision to not do wrong; it's about a decisive, intentional movement away from evil.
Steps Away from Evil:
Understand the original words
natah · Hebrew Verb
To deviate, turn aside, or depart from a set course. It carries the nuance of moral wandering or failing to keep one's focus on the established standard of truth.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Morally bad, wicked, or contrary to the will and character of God. It encompasses thoughts, actions, or lifestyles that are destructive and rebellious against divine order.
This passage echoes the command to not swerve, urging Joshua to be strong and courageous and to be careful to obey all the Law, emphasizing a direct, unwavering path in following God's commands.
1 Kings 15:5This verse highlights David's integrity, noting that he 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn aside from any of the LORD's commands.' This shows the positive outcome of staying on the righteous path.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching that 'No one can serve two masters' directly relates to the idea of not swerving. You can't serve both God and worldly desires; commitment must be singular and unwavering.
Hebrews 12:13This verse directly instructs believers to 'make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed,' calling for purposeful, directed action away from stumbling blocks.
clarkeProverbs 4:27: "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left - Avoid all crooked ways. Be an upright, downright, and straight-forward man. Avoid tricks, wiles, and deceptions of this kind. To this the Septuagint and Vulgate add the following verse: Αυτος δε ορθας ποιησει τας τροχιας σου, τας δε πορειας σου εν ειρηνη προαξει. Ipse autem rectos faciet cursus tuos; itinera autem tua in pace producet. "For himself will make thy p…
pooleProverbs 4:27: "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."
Fly all extremes, and neither add to God’s commands, nor take from them.
{ "author": "King Solomon is traditionally credited as the primary author of Proverbs, though other wise men may have contributed.", "location": "Written from Jerusalem, the capital of the united kingdom of Israel.", "dateTime": "Likely around the 10th century BC, during Solomon's reign.", "literaryStyle": "Wisdom literature, characterized by concise, pithy sayings and poetic parallelism." }
This verse concludes a section where Solomon has been urging his son to listen to wisdom and avoid the path of the wicked, contrasting the light of righteousness with the darkness of sin. The instruction to stay on the straight and narrow path builds directly on the call to guard one's heart and keep one's eyes fixed on what is right.
This verse concludes a section where Solomon has been urging his son to listen to wisdom and avoid the path of the wicked, contrasting the light of righteousness with the darkness of sin. The instruction to stay on the straight and narrow path builds directly on the call to guard one's heart and keep one's eyes fixed on what is right.
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"Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." — { "author": "King Solomon is traditionally credited as the primary author of Proverbs, though other wise men may have contributed.", "location": "Written from Jerusalem, the capital of the united…
