Proverbs 4:25
Proverbs 4:25 in Multiple Translations
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Keep your eyes on what is in front of you, looking straight before you.
Focus on what's ahead of you; look at what's in front of you.
Let thine eyes beholde the right, and let thine eyelids direct thy way before thee.
Thine eyes do look straightforward, And thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.
Let thy eyes look right on, and let thy eyelids look straight before thee.
Let thy eyes look straight on, and let thy eyelids go before thy steps.
Keep looking straight ahead toward the events that are before you, and do not turn aside.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:25
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 4:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵ֭ינֶי/ךָ
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
יַבִּ֑יטוּ
וְ֝/עַפְעַפֶּ֗י/ךָ
יַיְשִׁ֥רוּ
נֶגְדֶּֽ/ךָ
עֵ֭ינֶי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
before
Prep | N-ms
יַבִּ֑יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
וְ֝/עַפְעַפֶּ֗י/ךָ
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
eyelid
Conj | N-mp | Suff
יַיְשִׁ֥רוּ
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
נֶגְדֶּֽ/ךָ
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Suff
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 4:25
עֵ֭ינֶי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לְ/נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
"before"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.
Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.
יַבִּ֑יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
וְ֝/עַפְעַפֶּ֗י/ךָ
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
"eyelid"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word can refer to an eyelid or an eyelash, and is also used figuratively to describe the morning sun's rays. It appears in descriptions of nature and beauty.
Definition: 1) eyelid 1a) eyelid 1b) of dawn, rays of sun (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dawning, eye-lid. See also: Job 3:9; Proverbs 4:25; Psalms 11:4.
יַיְשִׁ֥רוּ
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
נֶגְדֶּֽ/ךָ
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:25
Context — A Father’s Instruction
23Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
24Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.
25Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.
26Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. 27Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:37 | Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:22 | The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. |
| 3 | Job 31:1 | “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin? |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:33 | Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:5 | When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
Proverbs 4:25 Summary
[This verse is reminding us to stay focused on what is ahead and to keep our eyes on the path that God has set before us. It's like looking down a road and seeing where we're going, rather than getting distracted by things on the side. By keeping our eyes fixed on God's plan, we can avoid getting sidetracked and stay on the right path, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight'. This helps us to trust in God's goodness and guidance, and to seek His wisdom in all we do, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where it says 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'let your eyes look forward' in Proverbs 4:25?
This phrase means to focus on what is ahead, keeping our eyes on the path that God has set before us, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where it says 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path'
Why is it important to 'fix your gaze straight ahead'?
Fixing our gaze straight ahead helps us to avoid distractions and stay focused on our goal, which is to follow God's will for our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 123:1-2, where we look to God for help and mercy
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to stay focused on our goals and values, and to avoid getting sidetracked by things that do not align with God's plan for us, as stated in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God
What are some practical ways to apply this verse in our lives?
We can apply this verse by setting clear goals, avoiding distractions, and seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in James 1:5-6, where it says 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach'
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that are causing me to lose focus, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I keep my eyes fixed on God's plan for my life, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my time and energy to stay focused on what is truly important?
- How can I seek God's guidance and wisdom to help me stay on the right path?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of 'fixing my gaze straight ahead' in my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:25
Let thine eyes look right on,.... To the path of truth and holiness, without turning or looking to the right hand or left, as it is afterwards expressed; to the word of truth, as the rule to walk by;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:25
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
Direct all thine actions by a good intention, to a right end, and keep thy mind fixed upon that way which leads to it, and neither look nor turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, as it follows, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.Ver. 25. Let thine eyes look right on.] E regione, vel in rectum. Let them be fixed upon right objects. Get that stoic eye of our Saviour; get a patriarch’ s eye; be well skilled in Moses’ s optics; have oculum in metam, which was Ludovicus Vives’ s motto. Do as mariners that have their eye on the star, their hand on the stern. A man may not look intently upon that which he may not love. The disciples were set agog by beholding the beauty of the temple. If therefore thine eye offend thee, or cause thee to offend, pull it out of the old Adam, and set it in the new man. If thou use it not well, thou wilt wish that thou hadst pulled it out indeed, as Democritus did.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
(25) Let thine eyes look right on.—Comp. the advice of Sir 7:36, “Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end,” and of Heb 12:2, to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:25
25. Eyelids look straight — Rather, be straight or level. A caution against all insincerity of word or conduct. Comp. Proverbs 6:13; Proverbs 10:10; Matthew 6:22-23.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
'Eyes Right' by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript is a message from C.H. Spurgeon delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The main theme is the importance of having a clear and focused purpose in life. Spur |
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The Deadly Look by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the eye gate and how easily it can be manipulated in today's technologically advanced world. He highlights the three spiritual |
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Weathering the Storm by Greg Laurie | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's guidance and protection in our lives. He uses the example of a parent guiding their child to illustrate how God guid |
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Zac Poonen Talking About Social Networking Sites by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the potential dangers of the internet as a distraction from spending time with God, cautioning against allowing social media and other online platforms to co |
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Prepare Your Heart by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds and hearts by filtering what we watch, read, and engage in. He references Philippians 4:8, which encoura |
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Major Misunderstanding the Girls Have Part Ii by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tremendous pressure that families face and how easily it can lead to disaster. He highlights the importance of the cross as the answer to |
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What Is a Christian 15 Christian Is a Temple by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and mission in spreading the gospel. He quotes Proverbs 4:25, urging listeners to keep their eyes fo |