Proverbs 4 · Verse 14

Proverbs 4:14

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Proverbs 4:14, King James Version

Proverbs 4:14 in other translations

BSBDo not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
WEBDon’t enter into the path of the wicked. Don’t walk in the way of evil men.
ASVEnter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men.
YLTInto the path of the wicked enter not, And be not happy in a way of evil doers.
DARBYEnter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men:
BBEDo not go in the road of sinners, or be walking in the way of evil men.
WebsterEnter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

What does Proverbs 4:14 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. (Compare Psa 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 14 Enter 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.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 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.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Proverbs 4:14 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

בְּאֹ֣רַחbe.'O.rachin [the] path ofH734
רְ֭שָׁעִיםRe.sha.'imwicked [people]H7563
אַל\־'al-may notH408
תָּבֹ֑אta.Vo'you goH935
וְאַל\־ve.'al-and may notH408
תְּ֝אַשֵּׁ֗רte.'a.Sheryou advanceH833
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְbe.De.rekhin [the] way ofH1870
רָעִֽים\׃ra.'Imevil [people]H7451

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 4:14

  • Psalms 1:1

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

  • Proverbs 1:15

    My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

  • Proverbs 1:10

    My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

  • Proverbs 13:20

    He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • Proverbs 9:6

    Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

  • Proverbs 2:11-12

    Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

  • Psalms 26:4-5

    I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1:10,15; 2:11,12; 9:6; 13:20; Ps 1:1; 26:4,5; 1Co 15:33

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 4:13

    Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

  • Proverbs 4:14

    Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

  • Proverbs 4:15

    Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Read all of Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:14 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		No entres por la vereda de los impíos, ni vayas por el camino de los malos.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		N’entre pas dans le sentier des méchants, et ne marche pas dans la voie des iniques.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Komm nicht auf den Pfad der Gesetzlosen, und schreite nicht einher auf dem Wege der Bösen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Ne delecteris in semitis impiorum, nec tibi placeat malorum via.