Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about avoiding outright sin; it's a call to a life of unwavering integrity, guarding against even the slightest detour from what's right and good. It’s a constant, active "removing" of our feet from evil, not just a passive avoidance.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse wraps up a section where wisdom is urging the reader to keep their heart and focus on what is right, contrasting the clear, light path of the righteous with the dark, dangerous ways of the wicked. It's a direct command to avoid straying from integrity, whether by compromising one's morals or turning towards harmful influences, emphasizing a wholehearted commitment to God's way.
Life throws curveballs, and it's easy to get sidetracked. But what does it truly mean to walk a 'straight path' and avoid 'crooked ways'?
The verse calls us to avoid swerving 'to the right or to the left.' This isn't about rigid adherence to a list of rules, but about a holistic commitment to God's way.
Beyond Extremes
Think of it as avoiding extremes. It means not adding to God's commands (going 'right' into legalism) nor taking away from them (going 'left' into license or sin). It's about staying centered on what God has revealed.
Integrity in Action
This is about living with integrity. It's being 'upright, downright, and straight-forward,' as one commentator put it. It means rejecting tricks, wiles, and deception in all our dealings.
We're not just called to avoid wrong paths, but to actively distance ourselves from evil. What does that active removal look like?
The command to 'remove your foot from evil' is more than just a passive avoidance. It's an intentional, decisive action.
Active Departure
It's a fuller expression than simply 'depart from evil.' It implies actively pulling your foot away, as if from sticky mud or a dangerous snare. It means creating distance – not just from evil actions, but from evil influences and people.
The Foundation of Our Steps
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Every step we take matters. This verse reminds us that our conduct, our speech, our gaze – all of it – must be guarded. A life of integrity requires constant attention to where we are going and what we are doing.
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 instruction to not swerve, urging Joshua to be strong and courageous, and to diligently follow the Law, which is the straight path God has laid out.
Deuteronomy 5:32This verse directly commands the Israelites to be careful to do exactly as the Lord commanded them, without turning to the right or to the left, highlighting the importance of unwavering obedience.
Romans 12:2Paul exhorts believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, which is a spiritual parallel to avoiding the crooked paths mentioned in Proverbs.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus contrasts the broad gate leading to destruction with the narrow gate leading to life, illustrating the two distinct paths and the importance of choosing the right one, not swerving into the easier, destructive way.
1 Kings 15:5This verse praises King David for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord and not turning aside from any of His commandments, showing a historical example of righteous adherence to God's path.
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.
This verse isn't just about avoiding outright sin; it's a call to a life of unwavering integrity, guarding against even the slightest detour from what's right and good. It’s a constant, active "removing" of our feet from evil, not just a passive avoidance.
This verse wraps up a section where wisdom is urging the reader to keep their heart and focus on what is right, contrasting the clear, light path of the righteous with the dark, dangerous ways of the wicked. It's a direct command to avoid straying from integrity, whether by compromising one's morals or turning towards harmful influences, emphasizing a wholehearted commitment to God's way.
This verse wraps up a section where wisdom is urging the reader to keep their heart and focus on what is right, contrasting the clear, light path of the righteous with the dark, dangerous ways of the wicked. It's a direct command to avoid straying from integrity, whether by compromising one's morals or turning towards harmful influences, emphasizing a wholehearted commitment to God's way.
"Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." — This verse isn't just about avoiding outright sin; it's a call to a life of unwavering integrity, guarding against even the slightest detour from what's right and good. It’s a constant, active "remov…
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Last reviewed October 2026