Proverbs 4:26
Proverbs 4:26 in Multiple Translations
Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.
Keep a watch on your behaviour; let all your ways be rightly ordered.
Pay attention to the path you decide to follow, and you'll be safe wherever you go.
Ponder the path of thy feete, and let all thy waies be ordred aright.
Ponder thou the path of thy feet, And all thy ways [are] established.
Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Make straight the path for thy feet, and all thy ways shall be established.
Plan carefully where you will go and what you will do, and then stay on that road. Then what you do will be right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:26
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 4:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פַּ֭לֵּס
מַעְגַּ֣ל
רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ
וְֽ/כָל
דְּרָכֶ֥י/ךָ
יִכֹּֽנוּ
פַּ֭לֵּס
pâlaç
H6424
to envy
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
מַעְגַּ֣ל
maʻgâl
H4570
track
N-ms
רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs | Suff
וְֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
דְּרָכֶ֥י/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
יִכֹּֽנוּ
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
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 4:26
פַּ֭לֵּס
pâlaç
H6424
"to envy"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This verb means to weigh or balance things, like preparing a road or thinking deeply. In the Bible, it can also mean to envy or ponder something. It appears in various forms, like 'make' or 'weigh'.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to weigh, make level, balance 1a) to weigh out 1b) to make level or smooth
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: make, ponder, weigh. See also: Psalms 58:3; Proverbs 5:6; Psalms 78:50.
מַעְגַּ֣ל
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
N-ms
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וְֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּרָכֶ֥י/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
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.
יִכֹּֽנוּ
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:26
Context — A Father’s Instruction
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 | Hebrews 12:13 | Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:23 | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 3:3 | But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:5 | Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! |
| 5 | Haggai 1:5 | Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. |
| 6 | Haggai 1:7 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 18:28 | Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:59 | I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies. |
| 9 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 10 | Ephesians 5:17 | Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. |
Proverbs 4:26 Summary
This verse is encouraging us to plan and prepare our lives carefully, making sure we're on a stable and secure path. By doing so, we can have confidence that our steps are sure and guided by God, as seen in Psalm 37:23. Just like we need to prepare a path before walking on it, we need to prepare our lives by seeking God's wisdom and guidance, as mentioned in Proverbs 2:1-5. By taking the time to make a level path, we can avoid stumbling and ensure our ways are sure, with the help of God's Word, as stated in Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'make a level path for your feet' in Proverbs 4:26?
This phrase is a metaphor for preparing and planning your life's journey, ensuring you're on a stable and secure path, much like Psalm 119:105, where the Word of God is a lamp to our feet, guiding us.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse encourages us to be intentional about the paths we choose, avoiding evil and staying on the straight and narrow, as Proverbs 4:27 also warns against swerving to the right or left, and instead, turning our feet away from evil.
What does it mean for 'all your ways to be sure'?
This means that when we follow God's path and make wise decisions, we can have confidence and assurance in our steps, as stated in Psalm 37:23, where the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Is this verse only for believers or can anyone apply it?
While this verse is part of a larger passage addressed to the wise and the righteous, its principles can be applied by anyone seeking to live a virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 2:1-5, where wisdom is available to all who seek it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'make a level path' and plan more intentionally, seeking God's guidance?
- How can I apply the principle of avoiding swerving to the right or left, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:27, to my own life and decision-making?
- In what ways can I use the Word of God, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105, to light my path and guide my feet?
- What are some 'paths' in my life that I've been putting off or procrastinating on, and how can I take steps to make them more level and secure?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of thy feet,.... Consider well what path it is, whether right or wrong; or weigh it in the balances of thought, as Aben Ezra; or rather in the balances of the word, and see whether it agrees with that or not.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. The object of the tempter is to prevent your doing so (Proverbs 5:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of thy feet; consider thine actions before thou doest them, and see that they agree with the rule. Let all thy ways be established; let thine actions be uniformly and constantly good in spite of all temptations to the contrary. Or, let thy ways be directed or disposed aright, as this Hebrew word signifies. Or, thy ways shall be established. So this is a promise to confirm the foregoing precept. If thou dost ponder them, thou mayst expect God’ s blessing and good success in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.Ver. 26. Ponder the path of thy feet.] Viz., By the weights of the word. Look to thine affections, for by these maids Satan woes the mistress. Take heed where you set gunpowder, since fire is in your hearts. Augustine thanks God that his heart and the temptation did not meet together. Walk accurately, tread right, ακριβωςορθοποδειν; step warily; lift not up one foot till you find firm footing for another, as those in Psalms 35:6. The way of this world is like the vale of Siddim, slimy and slippery: Cavete. Beware, We have an Eve, a tempter (each one) within us, our own flesh, saith Bernard. And Nemo sibi de suo palpet: quisque sibi Satan est, saith another father. We have enough to watch for our halting; the devil also casts his club at us that we "may stumble and fall, and be broken, and snared, and taken."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
(26) Ponder the path of thy feet.—Rather, make it smooth, level: take all obstacles out of it which may prevent thy going in the way God is leading thee. Comp. the directions to cut off even the hand or the foot that offends (Matthew 18:8). This verse is quoted in Hebrews 12:13. Let all thy ways be established.—Or, directed aright; see that they lead straight to the end (Psalms 119:5).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
Verse 26. Ponder the path of thy feet] Weigh well the part thou shouldst act in life. See that thou contract no bad habits.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:26
26. ponder] So R.V. marg., weigh carefully; but R.V. text has make level, &c., with which agrees LXX. ὀρθὰςτροχιὰςποίεισοῖςποσίν: “make straight paths for thy feet.” So Hebrews 12:13. See Proverbs 5:21. established] Or, ordered aright, R.V. marg.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:26
26. Ponder — The word means, first, to make level; secondly, to weigh; and then, metaphorically, to consider, deliberate. Some render, Make smooth or straight the path, etc.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |
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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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Sins of Ignorance by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the 'Sins of Ignorance,' emphasizing that many wrongdoings stem from inadvertence and a lack of thoughtful consideration. He points out that people often ac |
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1887 Sword and Trowel Preface by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the journey of faith and the dangers of false doctrine in his preface to the 'Sword and Trowel.' He emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true gosp |
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Look to Your Walking by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of one's walk with God, asserting that true spiritual richness comes not from knowledge or mere words, but from a life lived in obedience |
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Keep Your Eyes Open! by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of living wisely and circumspectly as instructed by Paul in Ephesians 5:7-17. He urges believers to be vigilant and intentional in their acti |