New International Version
Proverbs 4:16
16For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
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.
- 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.
- New Living Translation (NLT)For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
Context of Proverbs 4:16
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 go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 17They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Read all of Proverbs 4Proverbs 4:16 word by word
כִּ֤י לֹ֣א יִֽ֭שְׁנוּ אִם־לֹ֣א יָרֵ֑עוּ וְֽנִגְזְלָ֥ה שְׁ֝נָתָ֗ם אִם־לֹ֥א יַכְשִֽׁילוּ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 4:16
- Proverbs 1:16for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.
- Psalms 36:4Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.
- Isaiah 57:20But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.
- Micah 2:1Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.
- Luke 22:66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.
- John 18:28Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.
- 2 Peter 2:14With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!
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
In the dictionaries
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
New International Version — © NIV® 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Biblica
Commentaries