Proverbs 4:16

Proverbs 4:16 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
• New International Version (NIV)For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
• English Standard Version (ESV)For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.

Context of Proverbs 4:16

14Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men]: 15avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not except they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away unless they have caused [some] to fall. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18But the path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come.

Proverbs 4:16 word by word

כִּ֤י לֹ֣א יִֽ֭שְׁנוּ אִם־לֹ֣א יָרֵ֑עוּ וְֽנִגְזְלָ֥ה שְׁ֝נָתָ֗ם אִם־לֹ֥א יַכְשִֽׁילוּ׃Read the interlinear

• sleepשֵׁנָהshênâh shênâ' · sleepH8142
• awayגָּזַלgâzal · to plunderH1497

Cross-references for Proverbs 4:16

• Proverbs 1:16for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
• Psalms 36:4He deviseth wickedness up on his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good: he abhorreth not evil.
• Isaiah 57:20But the wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, and whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
• Micah 2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! When the morning is light they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
• Luke 22:66And when it was day, the elderhood of the people, both [the] chief priests and scribes, were gathered together, and led him into their council, saying,
• John 18:28They lead therefore Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium; and it was early morn. And they entered not into the praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but eat the passover.
• 2 Peter 2:14having eyes full of adultery, and that cease not from sin, alluring unestablished souls; having a heart practised in covetousness, children of curse;

Commentaries on Proverbs 4:16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 16Except they have done mischief - The night is their time for spoil and depredation. And they must gain some booty, before they go to rest. This I believe to be the meaning of the passage. I grant, also, that there may be some of so malevolent a disposition that they cannot be easy unless they can injure others, and are put to excessive pain when they perceive any man in prosperity, or receiving a kindness. The address in Virgil, to an illnatured shepherd…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 4-20Verses 4-20 The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 4:7 Or, “The beginning of wisdom is - get wisdom.” To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain. Proverbs 4:12 The ever-recurring parable of the journey of life. In the way of wisdom the path is clear and open, obstacles disappear; in the quickest activity (“when thou…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-27Verses 14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 16The wicked stay up at night to plan evil deeds (Psalm 36:4; Micah 2:1).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 16-1716-17. The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pr 6:4; Psa 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pr 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; 34:7).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 4:16

• Malice
• Wicked (People)
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Diligence
• Getting
• Hold
• Look
• Ponder
• Principal
• Promote
• Right
• Stumble
• Hezekiah (2)

Commentaries on Proverbs 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings