14 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men . 15 Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. 16 For they cannot sleep unless e they do evil ; And they are robbed of sleep unless e they make someone stumble . 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence . 18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn , That shines brighter and brighter until the full day . 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness ; They do not know over what they stumble .

20 My son , give attention to my words ; Incline your ear to my sayings . 21 Do not let them depart from your sight ; Keep them in the midst of your heart . 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body . 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence , For from it flow the springs of life . 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. 25 Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 26 Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established . 27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left ; Turn your foot from evil .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27

Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27

(Read Proverbs 4:14-27)

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 in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.