Proverbs 4:15 kjv

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

Proverbs 4:15 nkjv

Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.

Proverbs 4:15 niv

Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

Proverbs 4:15 esv

Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

Proverbs 4:15 nlt

Don't even think about it; don't go that way.
Turn away and keep moving.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 15 Meaning

Proverbs 4:15 is a strong, urgent warning from a father instructing his son to completely and decisively disengage from the "path of the wicked" previously mentioned. It uses a series of escalating commands—"avoid it," "do not go on it," "turn from it," and "pass on"—to emphasize not just passive avoidance, but active, multi-layered separation. The verse insists on an absolute distancing from the behaviors, influences, and associations of those who practice evil, encouraging the wise person to move far beyond the sphere of such detrimental ways.

Proverbs 4 15 Context

Proverbs chapter 4 serves as a crucial segment of King Solomon's instruction to his son (Prv 4:1). The entire chapter emphasizes the paramount importance of acquiring, cherishing, and holding fast to wisdom, presenting it as the guiding principle for a successful and prosperous life. The overarching theme revolves around a stark contrast between two distinct paths: the path of wisdom and righteousness (leading to life, peace, and security, v.10-13, 18-19) and the path of wickedness and folly (leading to darkness and destruction, v.14-17, 19). Verse 15 specifically elaborates on the imperative to avoid the wicked path introduced in verse 14 ("Do not enter the path of the wicked..."), highlighting the serious dangers associated with it. The historical context positions these teachings within a society that valued intergenerational transmission of moral and practical knowledge, emphasizing adherence to God's ways as the source of societal well-being and individual blessing. The concept of "the way" (Hebrew: derek) as a moral and life-direction metaphor is central, representing a person's entire conduct and destiny.

Proverbs 4 15 Word analysis

• Avoid it (Hebrew: סְלֹה, saloh): This imperative verb (derived from סָלָה, salāh, meaning "to turn away," "decline," "shun") conveys a strong sense of actively making a detour or swerving off. It signifies a deliberate and firm refusal to even approach the boundary of the wicked path. It implies recognition of the danger and an intentional act of evasion.
• do not go on it (Hebrew: אַל־תַּעֲבָר־בֹּו, al-taʿăvor-bo): This is a direct, emphatic negative command. The verb תַּעֲבָר (taʿăvor) means "you shall pass over" or "cross." Combined with the negation אַל (al), it forbids even crossing into or taking a single step upon the wicked path. It warns against any entry, however brief or seemingly insignificant.
• turn from it (Hebrew: הֵט מֵעָלָיו, het meʿālāv): הֵט (het) comes from נָטָה (natah), meaning "to incline," "stretch out," "turn aside," or "deviate." This command instructs a deliberate reorientation, an intentional change of direction away from the path. It signifies not merely avoiding the initial step, but altering one's entire course and trajectory so as not to align with it.
• and pass on (Hebrew: וַעֲבֹר, vaʿăvor): This final imperative, from the same root as the previous "go on" but here used in the positive, indicates an imperative to continue in the correct, chosen path after having turned away from evil. It's not enough to simply stop or turn; one must then proceed positively on the righteous path, demonstrating a complete and committed separation. This suggests moving decisively beyond the vicinity and influence of the wicked.

Proverbs 4 15 Bonus section

The four imperatives in Proverbs 4:15 create a rhetorical crescendo, building upon each other to express the intensity and comprehensiveness of the required separation. This literary technique highlights the dire threat posed by the path of the wicked and the extreme vigilance needed to avoid it. It’s not just about abstaining from sin, but about preventing the very desire to go near sin's influence. The warning implies that the "path of the wicked" (derek rāšāʿ) is more than just a specific action; it is a full lifestyle and trajectory. The continuous nature of the commands ("pass on") emphasizes that this is an ongoing spiritual discipline, not a one-time decision. This verse profoundly underscores that proximity to sin is dangerous, and true wisdom involves active removal and maintenance of distance from anything that might corrupt or lead one astray.

Proverbs 4 15 Commentary

Proverbs 4:15 encapsulates the imperative for total and absolute disassociation from evil. The accumulation of four strong, escalating commands leaves no room for hesitation or compromise. It’s a call not for passive abstention, but for active and complete separation. First, recognize and shun the very approach of wickedness. Second, do not engage with it in any manner, however slight. Third, re-direct your entire course away from its sphere of influence. Finally, continue moving forward decisively on a path of righteousness, leaving the wicked way far behind. This multi-faceted command protects the soul, preserving one's character and future from the destructive outcomes associated with moral compromise. It underscores the vital necessity of proactively choosing purity and wisdom. For example, if a conversation turns to gossip, one should not just refrain from participating but actively change the subject or remove oneself. If friends are planning an ungodly activity, one must refuse to join and intentionally seek wholesome engagement instead.