Proverbs 4:14
Proverbs 4:14 in Multiple Translations
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
¶ 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, And walk not in the way of evil men.
Do not go in the road of sinners, or be walking in the way of evil men.
Don't go the way of the wicked or follow the example of those who do evil.
Enter not into the way of the wicked, and walke not in the way of euill men.
Into the path of the wicked enter not, And be not happy in a way of evil doers.
Don’t enter into the path of the wicked. Don’t walk in the way of evil men.
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men .
Be not delighted in the paths of the wicked, neither let the way of evil men please thee.
Do not do the things that wicked people do; do not behave like they do; do not even walk on the roads that evil people walk on [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
רְ֭שָׁעִים
אַל
תָּבֹ֑א
וְ/אַל
תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗ר
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
רָעִֽים
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Prep | N-cs
רְ֭שָׁעִים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תָּבֹ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗ר
ʼâshar
H833
to bless
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
רָעִֽים
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:14
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Prep | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
רְ֭שָׁעִים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּבֹ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗ר
ʼâshar
H833
"to bless"
V-Piel-Juss-2ms
To bless means to make someone happy or content. In the Bible, it can also mean to guide or lead someone in the right direction, like in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress 1a)(Qal) to go straight on, make progress 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to go straight on, advance 1b2) to lead on (causative) 1b3) to set right, righten 1b4) to pronounce happy, call blessed 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be advanced, be led on 1c2) to be made happy, be blessed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. See also: Genesis 30:13; Proverbs 23:19; Psalms 41:3.
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
רָעִֽים
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:14
Context — A Father’s Instruction
12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
13Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
15Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. 16For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 1:1 | Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:10 | My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:15 | my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:6 | Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 7 | Proverbs 2:11–12 | Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, |
| 8 | Psalms 26:4–5 | I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. |
Proverbs 4:14 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 4:14, is telling us not to start or continue down a path of sin and rebellion against God. It's like a warning sign on a road that says 'danger ahead' - we need to turn around and go the other way. Just like Psalms 119:105 says, God's Word is a lamp to our feet, guiding us on the right path. By following God's instructions and staying close to Him, we can avoid the dangers of the wicked path and stay safe on the path of righteousness (Proverbs 10:3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'set foot on the path of the wicked' in Proverbs 4:14?
This phrase means to begin or continue down a road of sin and rebellion against God, as described in Psalms 1:1, where it says not to walk in the counsel of the wicked.
How can I identify the 'path of the wicked' in my own life?
The path of the wicked is any way of thinking or living that contradicts God's Word, such as lying, stealing, or idolizing things other than God, as warned against in Exodus 20:3-17.
Is it possible to accidentally stumble onto the path of the wicked without realizing it?
Yes, it is possible to unintentionally start down a wrong path, which is why Proverbs 4:13 advises holding on to instruction and guarding it, just like Deuteronomy 6:6-9 teaches us to carefully follow God's commands.
What are the consequences of walking in the way of evildoers?
The consequences of walking in the way of evildoers can be severe, as seen in Proverbs 4:16, where it says they cannot sleep unless they do evil, and in Psalms 7:14-16, where it describes the wicked being caught in their own snares.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be tempted to 'set foot on the path of the wicked' in my daily life, and how can I resist those temptations?
- How does Proverbs 4:14 relate to the command in Matthew 22:37-40 to love God and our neighbors, and what does that look like in practical terms?
- What are some 'instructions' from God's Word that I can hold on to, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:13, to help me stay on the right path?
- In what ways can I 'turn from' the path of the wicked, as advised in Proverbs 4:15, and 'pass on by' the temptations of the world?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:14
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 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, and go not in the way of evil men. "Enter not" forbids the first step toward union with the wicked in their ways.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
Enter not into the path of the wicked; avoid their courses and company. Go not; do not proceed further. If thou hast unadvisedly entered into it, do not persist in it, but get thee speedily out of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].Ver. 14. Enter not into the path of the wicked.] Qui male vivunt, et peius credunt, saith one, which live ill, and believe worse. Qui aequo animo malis immiscetur, malus est, saith another. He that is well content to keep company with those that are naught, is himself naught. The river Dee, in Merionethshire, running through Pimblemeer, remains entire, and mingles not her streams with the waters of the lake. See 1 Corinthians 5:9-11. And go not in the way.] Ne tibi placeat via malorum; so the Vulgate. Think not thyself happy in their company, applaud not their way. Verbum eundi significationem felicitatis habet in multis linguis. The Hebrew word to go signifies also to be happy; and Solomon haply here would take it in both senses.
Fuller’ s Holy State, 162. ΰשׁψ, incessit, felicitavit. Ita συμβαινειν et ενοδουσθαι Graecis. Il va bien, Gallicis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
Verse 14. Enter not into the path of the wicked] Never associate with those whose life is irregular and sinful; never accompany them in any of their acts of transgression.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:14
14. The earnest warning of this and the following verses recalls the similar warnings of Pro 1:19 ff.; Proverbs 2:12 ff.; Proverbs 3:31 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14
14. Enter not… wicked — Here begins a dissuasive from evil association, that fruitful source of mischief to all classes, especially to the young, who are the more imitative, and their habits not yet fixed.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crowns of Eternal Reward by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a goal and being determined to achieve it. He uses the example of a young man who was determined to make it to the O |
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The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |
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A Tender Heart by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of maintaining a tender heart, as highlighted in 2 Kings 22:19. He explains that while a tender heart is a divine gift, it requires diligent e |
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Halting Between Two Opinions by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of making a decisive choice between serving God or following worldly idols, using the story of Elijah confronting the people of Israel |
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Flee From the Occasions of Sin! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the critical need to avoid even the slightest appearance of evil, urging believers to shun occasions of sin as they would avoid a serpent or poison. He war |
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He Who Eats the Grapes of Sodom by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strict separation from sin, using the example of Nazirites who abstained from all grape products to illustrate the need for |
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Beware of False Teachers by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch warns against those who carry the name of Jesus Christ but live in wickedness, promoting destructive doctrines that must be avoided like wild beasts. He emphasi |