Proverbs 4:12 kjv

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 nkjv

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 niv

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 esv

When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 nlt

When you walk, you won't be held back;
when you run, you won't stumble.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 12 Meaning

Proverbs 4:12 conveys a dual promise: adhering to wisdom ensures unimpeded progress and steadfast stability in the journey of life. Whether moving at a steady pace or facing urgent situations, those guided by wisdom will encounter neither frustrating obstacles that slow them down nor outright failures that cause them to fall. It illustrates a life path made smooth and secure through divine insight and righteous living.

Proverbs 4 12 Context

Proverbs chapter 4 is part of the extensive "father-to-son" instructions within the book, likely authored by Solomon. This specific chapter is an impassioned appeal to embrace and highly value wisdom above all else. The father describes wisdom as the "principal thing" (v. 7), promising life, honor, and grace to those who cleave to her (v. 8-9). Verse 12 is strategically placed to describe the practical, beneficial outcome of choosing wisdom's path, preparing the reader for the sharp contrast with the dangerous path of the wicked that follows in verses 14-19. Historically, "walking" was the primary mode of travel on often challenging and unpredictable terrain. The metaphors of being "hampered" or "stumbling" would have resonated profoundly with an audience accustomed to literal journeys filled with physical impediments and dangers. Wisdom, therefore, is presented as the supreme guide to navigate life's literal and figurative landscapes safely.

Proverbs 4 12 Word analysis

• When you walk (בְּלֶכְתְּךָ - bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā, from הָלַךְ - halak):

  • walk: Refers to the daily conduct of life. It signifies general movement and progression.
  • significance: Emphasizes the ordinary course of existence, implying that wisdom's benefits are applicable to every routine step.

• your steps will not be hampered (לֹא יֵצַר - lo ye·ṣar, from יָצַר - yatsar):

  • hampered: The Hebrew root "yatsar" denotes constriction, distress, or being made narrow.
  • not hampered: Signifies an absence of tightness, restriction, or difficulties that would impede natural forward movement. The path remains open and wide.
  • significance: Promises smooth progress, free from obstacles that would constrain one's journey through life.

• And when you run (וְאִם־תָּרוּץ - wə·’im-tā·rūṣ, from רוּץ - ruts):

  • run: Implies increased speed or urgency, referring to times of intense activity, accelerated demands, or significant challenges.
  • significance: Expands the promise to cover not just normal daily life but also heightened situations, where wisdom proves equally effective.

• you will not stumble (לֹא תִכָּשֵׁל - lō’ ti·kā·šēl, from כָּשַׁל - kashal):

  • stumble: The Hebrew root "kashal" means to totter, stagger, or fall down, often leading to ruin or failure.
  • not stumble: Assures stability, preventing literal or moral collapse, or being tripped by life's pitfalls or one's own errors.
  • significance: Guarantees moral firmness and protection from spiritual or practical pitfalls, ensuring one remains upright and on course.

• "When you walk... and when you run":

  • This phrase captures the full spectrum of human activity and pace in life. It signifies that wisdom provides guidance and security at all speeds and in all situations, from deliberate consideration to rapid decision-making.

• "will not be hampered... will not stumble":

  • These parallel phrases signify distinct but related benefits. "Hampered" indicates avoiding external obstructions or inner psychological hindrances that limit freedom or ease of movement. "Stumble" implies avoiding losing balance, moral failings, or falling short of a goal due to internal or external factors. Wisdom protects against both frustration and failure.

Proverbs 4 12 Bonus section

• The promise of this verse is conditional on embracing the wisdom described in the preceding verses. It's a direct result of choosing "the way of wisdom" (Prov 4:11) over "the path of the wicked" (Prov 4:14).
• The Hebrew words chosen highlight literal physical obstacles that a traveler would encounter, powerfully conveying the metaphorical difficulties one might face in life without wisdom's guidance.
• This passage reinforces the biblical theme that God actively preserves and strengthens the righteous, enabling them to walk steadfastly (Ps 37:24), unlike the wicked who often stumble and fall into darkness (Prov 4:19).
• The 'path' (דרך, derek) imagery is central to Proverbs, representing one's entire conduct, direction, and destiny. Wisdom makes this path straight and clear.

Proverbs 4 12 Commentary

Proverbs 4:12 articulates a profound truth about the practical blessings of living by God-given wisdom. It promises a life characterized by unhindered movement and stability. This means the individual guided by wisdom will experience progress without undue obstruction or painful confinement, and will maintain spiritual and practical uprightness, avoiding the moral or personal collapses that plague others. The verse suggests a path where one can pursue their purpose and navigate challenges without encountering the metaphorical "stones" or "narrow passages" that cause delay or downfall. This ease of path is not due to a lack of adversity but to the insightful discernment and divine enabling that wisdom imparts, ensuring a secure and fruitful journey towards life's true objectives.

• A business leader applies biblical principles in decision-making and finds clarity in complex situations, avoiding common traps.
• An individual seeking personal growth through consistent study of God's Word finds that bad habits are shed and new, productive patterns are formed without undue struggle.
• Parents wisely instruct their children in God's ways, leading to children who navigate adolescence with fewer major relational or moral missteps.