Proverbs 4:15
Proverbs 4:15 in Multiple Translations
Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.
Keep far from it, do not go near; be turned from it, and go on your way.
Avoid that way completely. Don't go there! Turn away, and walk on.
Auoide it, and goe not by it: turne from it, and passe by.
Avoid it, pass not over into it, Turn aside from it, and pass on.
Avoid it, and don’t pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Flee from it, pass not by it: go aside, and forsake it.
Stay away from those roads; turn aside and walk on other roads;
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:15
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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּרָעֵ֥/הוּ
אַל
תַּעֲבָר
בּ֑/וֹ
שְׂטֵ֖ה
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
וַ/עֲבֽוֹר
פְּרָעֵ֥/הוּ
pâraʻ
H6544
to lead
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעֲבָר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שְׂטֵ֖ה
sâṭâh
H7847
to turn aside
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
וַ/עֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:15
פְּרָעֵ֥/הוּ
pâraʻ
H6544
"to lead"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To neglect or let something go is the meaning of this word, which can also imply exposing or dismissing something. In the Bible, it is used to describe turning away from God or neglecting responsibilities.
Definition: to lead, act as leader
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. See also: Exodus 5:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 1:25.
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.
תַּעֲבָר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שְׂטֵ֖ה
sâṭâh
H7847
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To turn aside or deviate from duty, this word describes someone who chooses to go against what is expected of them, like the Israelites who turned away from God's commands.
Definition: 1) to turn aside, go aside, turn, decline 1a) (Qal) to turn aside
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: decline, go aside, turn. See also: Numbers 5:12; Numbers 5:29; Proverbs 4:15.
מֵ/עָלָ֣י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/עֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:15
Context — A Father’s Instruction
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. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:11 | Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. |
| 2 | Job 22:23 | If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:7 | Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. |
| 5 | Job 11:14 | if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents, |
| 6 | Isaiah 33:15 | He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— |
| 7 | Proverbs 5:8 | Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:5 | Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. |
Proverbs 4:15 Summary
Proverbs 4:15 is telling us to stay away from the path of the wicked and not to travel on it. This means we should not follow or imitate people who do bad things or live in ways that displease God, as warned in Proverbs 4:14. Instead, we should choose to follow God's ways and surround ourselves with people who love and obey Him, similar to what is encouraged in Psalm 1:1-3. By doing so, we can stay on the right path and live a life that honors God, remembering that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge' as stated in Proverbs 1:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What path is the Bible warning us to avoid in Proverbs 4:15?
The path referred to in Proverbs 4:15 is the way of the wicked, as described in Proverbs 4:14, where it warns against setting foot on the path of the wicked or walking in the way of evildoers, similar to Psalm 1:1 which warns against walking in the counsel of the ungodly.
Why is it important to avoid this path?
Avoiding the path of the wicked is crucial because, as Proverbs 4:16-17 explains, those on this path are consumed by evil and violence, and their influence can lead us away from God's ways, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33 which says 'Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals'
How can we practically apply Proverbs 4:15 in our daily lives?
To apply Proverbs 4:15, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, ensuring they align with God's teachings, as advised in Proverbs 13:20 which says 'He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm'
What does it mean to 'turn from it and pass on by'?
Turning from the path of the wicked and passing on by means making a conscious decision to reject the ways of sin and instead follow God's path, as encouraged in Psalm 119:101 which says 'I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may obey Your word'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be unknowingly traveling on the path of the wicked, and how can I correct my course?
- In what ways can I ensure that my daily choices and associations are pleasing to God, reflecting on Proverbs 4:15?
- How does the command to 'avoid it' and 'turn from it' relate to my own struggles with sin, and what strength can I find in God to overcome them?
- What role does accountability and community play in helping me stay on the right path, as opposed to the path of the wicked described in Proverbs 4:15?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:15
Avoid it,.... As dangerous and pernicious, as abominable and detestable; or, "flee from it", as the Vulgate Latin version: Jarchi and Gersom interpret it, "make it void"; cause it to cease, destroy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:15
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. He accumulates words to imply the greatness of the Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
Avoid it, pass not by it; keep at a great distance from it. Compare . Turn from it; shun all occasions of sin.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.Ver. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it.] As ye would not come near a carrion carcass; as the seaman shuns sands and shelves (the apostle’ s simile, 2 Thessalonians 3:6); as ye would be loath to come near those that have the plague sore running upon them. Evil men endanger good men, as weeds the grain, as bad humours the blood, or as an infected house the neighbourhood. Nemo errat sibi ipsi, sed dementiara spargit in proximos, Entireness with wicked consorts is one of the strongest chains of hell, and binds us to a participation both of sin and punishment. Hence so many words about it here: Abundans cautela, &c. This heap of words is not without great use and emphasis; there is earnestness, and not looseness in this repetition. Seneca.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
Verse 15. Avoid it] Let it be the serious purpose of thy soul to shun every appearance of evil. Pass not by it] Never, for the sake of worldly gain, or through complaisance to others, approach the way that thou wouldst not wish to be found in when God calls thee into the eternal world. Turn from it] If, through unwatchfulness or unfaithfulness, thou at any time get near or into the way of sin, turn from it with the utmost speed, and humble thyself before thy Maker. And pass away.] Speed from it, run for thy life, and get to the utmost distance; eternally diverging so as never to come near it whilst thou hast a being.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:15
15. Pass not by it — Do not go over upon it. These various phrases say in the strongest terms, Have nothing whatever to do with it; get to the utmost remove from it. Pass away — That is, pass on by some other route.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality. |
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Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan | This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import |
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God Is Trying to Get at That Thing in You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, inspired by the Spirit of God, reveals the reason for the ruin of the city. He explains that sin was the cause, specifically the mixing of the holy se |
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Sharing the Grief of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage |
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Judges and Jesters by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the preacher highlights various concerning practices and beliefs within the church. He mentions instances of people claiming to have encounters with angels and supe |
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I Want to Be Among Those (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to run away from certain types of churches and teachings that do not align with the true message of the Gospel. He emphasizes the import |