Proverbs 4:14-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Prov. 4:4; to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable that Solomon begins here again, if not sooner. In these verses, having exhorted us to walk in the paths of wisdom, he cautions us against the path of the wicked. 1. We must take heed of the ways of sin and avoid them, every thing that looks like sin and leads to it. 2. In order to this we must keep out of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:14

Enter not into the path of the wicked ,.... Which leads to eternal death; join not with them in their wicked ways and practices; have no fellowship, keep no company, with them; do not set one foot in the path they tread, lest thou shouldest be tempted to proceed to more ungodliness; you do not know where and when there will be a stop, when once you begin, therefore enter not. The Vulgate Latin version is, "do not delight in the paths of the ungodly": but this supposes not only entrance, but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:15

Avoid it ,.... As dangerous and pernicious, as abominable and detestable; or, "flee from it", as the Vulgate Latin version: Jarchi and Gersom interpret it, "make it void"; cause it to cease, destroy it, do all you can to hinder the wicked from accomplishing their designs; pass not by it ; do not come near it; keep at a distance from it, that you may not be drawn into it; abstain from all appearance of evil, and everything that may lead to it; turn from it, and pass away ; the Targum... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 4:14

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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 4:15

Avoid it - Let it be the serious purpose of thy soul to shun every appearance of evil. Pass not by it - Never, for the sake of worldly gain, or through complaisance to others, approach the way that thou wouldst not wish to be found in when God calls thee into the eternal world. Turn from it - If, through unwatchfulness or unfaithfulness, thou at any time get near or into the way of sin, turn from it with the utmost speed, and humble thyself before thy Maker. And pass away - Speed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:1-27

7. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24 . This group extends to the end of Proverbs 7:1-27 . Its prevailing tone is that of warning rather than of positive exhortations, which have been the rule hitherto. The general aim of the discourse before us, as of those preceding, is to exalt Wisdom, to exhibit her as a subject... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14

From admonition the father passes to warning. The connection with the preceding section is obvious. There are two ways diametrically opposite—the way of wisdom and the way of evil; the one the way of life, the other fraught with death, because a way of darkness and violence. As the father has dealt with the former, so now he deals with the latter. With these warnings we may also comp. Proverbs 1:10-15 and Proverbs 2:10-15 , where much the same warning is given, and the way of the wicked is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-15

Bad company I. THE DUTY OF AVOIDING BAD COMPANY . We are all more or less unconsciously affected by the tone of the society we frequent. Even the strongest, most independent spirit cannot wholly fortify himself against this influence. As water wears the hardest rock, the constant friction of social intercourse makes itself felt in course of time upon the most resolute character. We are naturally gregarious. Without knowing it, nay, even while protesting against it, we are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH . It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1 . Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2 . We have a choice of paths before us. The high road may image holy tradition and custom, the bypaths the choice of caprice or personal aberration. 3 . It is only safe to follow beaten tracks. What we call "striking out an original course" may be conceited folly. "Gangin'... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The prudence of piety We may say concerning piety or virtue—the wisdom which is from God includes both—that the essence of it is in right feeling, in loving him who is the Holy One and that which is the right and admirable thing, and in hating that which is evil and base; that the proof of it is in right acting—in going those things and those only which are good and honourable, which God's Word and our own conscience approve; and that the prudence of it is in these two things which... read more

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