Proverbs 4:14

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. ENTER NOT INTO THE PATH OF THE WICKED, AND GO NOT IN THE WAY OF EVIL MEN. "Enter not" forbids the first step toward union with the wicked in their ways. "Go not" forbids further advance in the same evil alliance, if we have been overcome temporarily by the deceitfulness of sin. The Hebrew for "go not" [ tª'asheer (H833)] is, literally, to go straightforward; also, to pronounce happy. Perhaps Solomon implies, Do not go on (the Piel conjugation intensifies the meaning, Do not plant firm thy step), thinking thyself happy in following the ways of the bad (Mercer). There are three steps in gradation -- (1) Not to enter into the path at all. (2) Not to persevere (Proverbs 4:14)....

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...

Verse 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....

The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 15:1; Psalms 24:1; Psalms 37. Proverbs 4:7 Or, “The beginning of wisdom is - get wisdom.” To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain....

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 4:1 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. 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 worthy of all earnest endeavour and sacrifice, but it is noticeable that the teacher introd

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 progress and continuance in them, whereas the first is dehorted from in these words: AND GO NOT IN THE WAY OF EVIL [MEN]; if tempted and prevailed upon to take a step and make a trial, do not proceed; withdraw at once, do not go on. Some render it, seeing the word used has sometimes the signification of blessedness in it, "do not esteem the way of evil men blessed" y; nor reckon thyself or them happy...

CHAPTER 4 _ 1. Solomon's training (Proverbs 4:1)_ 2. Hear, O my son: Receive my sayings (Proverbs 4:10) 3. My son, attend to my words. (Proverbs 4:20) Proverbs 4:1. This passage shows the early training which Solomon received and he passeth on the instructions. It is said that these verses formed a model for many Puritan homes in England and the Scotland of the covenant. He was the beloved one, his father's true son. Note the different exhortation, about wisdom: Forget it not; forsake her not; love her; exalt her. Then the promises: She shall preserve thee; she shall keep thee; she shall promote thee

ENTER NOT. Note the Figure of speech _Synonymia_ (App-6) in the verbs of verses: Proverbs 4:14; Proverbs 4:15. Illustrations: Lot (Genesis 13:10); Solomon (2 Kings 23:13. Compare with 1 Kings 11:5); Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:1; 2 Chronicles 21:6. Compare with 2 Ch

The earnest warning of this and the following verses recalls the similar warnings of Proverbs 1:19 ff.; Proverbs 2:12 ff.; Proverbs 3:31 ff....

TEXT Proverbs 4:10-19 10. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many. 11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness. 12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life. 14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on. 16. For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat of the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the righteous is as