New Living Translation
Proverbs 4:14
14Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
Proverbs 4:14 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
- New International Version (NIV)Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.
Context of Proverbs 4:14
12When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. 15Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. 16For 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.
Read all of Proverbs 4Proverbs 4:14 word by word
בְּאֹ֣רַח רְ֭שָׁעִים אַל־תָּבֹ֑א וְאַל־תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗ר בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ רָעִֽים׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 4:14
- Proverbs 1:10My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!
- Proverbs 2:11Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
- Proverbs 9:6Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
- Proverbs 13:20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
- Psalms 1:1Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
- Psalms 26:4I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
Commentaries on Proverbs 4:14
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 14Enter not into the path of the wicked - Never associate with those whose life is irregular and sinful; never accompany them in any of their acts of transgression.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. 10-19The father offers his children two choices: Avoid evil to escape its bad effects Choose good for its blessingsRead the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1414. (Compare Psa 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 4:14
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 Living Translation — © 1996, 2004, 2015 Tyndale House Foundation
Commentaries