24. a froward mouth—that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used (Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 3:32). perverse—or, "quarreling." lips—or, "words." read more
25. Let . . . before thee—that is, pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations. read more
26. Ponder—Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought. read more
27. (Compare :-). Avoid all by-paths of evil (Deuteronomy 2:27; Deuteronomy 17:11). A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct. read more
8. The importance of persistence 4:20-27The last pericope of this chapter emphasizes the importance of persisting in the good practices that will lead to life. Success usually comes to those who keep concentrating on and perfecting the basics in their work. Our temptation is to leave these when we become adequately proficient and move on to things that we find more interesting and exciting. These verses give the reader a checkup on his or her condition.Advocates of the "prosperity gospel," who... read more
Ancestral Wisdom. The Two PathsIn Proverbs 4:1-9 the teacher lays stress on the fact that his instruction is a repetition of his father’s. No teaching was thought valuable save that which was handed down from one generation to another. The best pupil was the one who was ’a cemented cistern which loses not a drop.’ Proverbs 4:10-19 might be called the doctrine of the two paths, the two ways of life. 20-27 enjoin strict attention to instruction and to conduct.7. Lit. ’The beginning of wisdom is,... read more
(24) A froward mouth.—Heb. ‘iqqeshûth, literally, distortion, or twisting of the truth, not the same word as in Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 2:14.Perverse lips—i.e., that “turn aside” from the truth. read more
(25) Let thine eyes look right on.—Comp. the advice of Sir. 7:36, “Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end,” and of Hebrews 12:2, to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” read more
(26) Ponder the path of thy feet.—Rather, make it smooth, level: take all obstacles out of it which may prevent thy going in the way God is leading thee. Comp. the directions to cut off even the hand or the foot that offends (Matthew 18:8). This verse is quoted in Hebrews 12:13.Let all thy ways be established.—Or, directed aright; see that they lead straight to the end (Psalms 119:5). read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 4:27
Proverbs 4:27. Turn not, &c.— The LXX and Arabic read, "Do not decline to the right, nor to the left; remove thy foot from the evil way. For God knoweth the ways to the right, but those to the left are perverse ways: for he shall make thy paths straight, and shall conduct thy steps in peace." The meaning of the verse seems to be, "Fly all extremes, and neither attempt to add to, nor diminish from, God's commandments." REFLECTIONS.—Nothing too great can be said in the commendation of divine... read more