CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_04_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:25 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/4-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/4-25.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 25</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm" title="Proverbs 4:24">◄</a> Proverbs 4:25 <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm" title="Proverbs 4:26">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead, And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead And <i>even</i> let your eyelids be fixed straight in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage] And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly ahead; fix your gaze straight in front of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly in front of you and let your gaze look straight before you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let thy eyes look right on, and let thy eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Your eyes look straightforward, "" And your eyelids look straight before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thine eyes do look straightforward, And thine eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thine eyes shall look straight before, and thine eyelashes shall be right before thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let thy eyes look straight on, and let thy eyelids go before thy steps. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead, and let your eyelids precede your steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight ahead and your gaze be focused forward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let your eyes look straight forward, and let your eyelids look straight before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Let your eyes see in uprightness and let your eyelashes be straight before you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids assent <i>to</i> just <i>things</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=735" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">A Father's Instruction</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·ne·ḵā (N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">Let your eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: yab·bî·ṭū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">look</a> <a href="/hebrew/5227.htm" title="5227: lə·nō·ḵaḥ (Prep-l) -- From the same as nekach; properly, the front part; used adverbially, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of.">forward;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6079.htm" title="6079: wə·‘ap̄·‘ap·pe·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-mdc:: 2ms) -- Eyelid. From uwph; an eyelash; figuratively, morning ray.">fix your gaze</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: yay·ši·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">straight</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: neḡ·de·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">ahead.</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></span><br />Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22-23</a></span><br />The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. / But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-37.htm">Psalm 119:37</a></span><br />Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a></span><br />Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Isaiah 26:3</a></span><br />You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a></span><br />Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></span><br />So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-3.htm">Psalm 101:3</a></span><br />I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-29.htm">Matthew 14:29-30</a></span><br />“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. / But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-8.htm">James 1:8</a></span><br />He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Luke 9:62</a></span><br />Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-8.htm">Psalm 16:8</a></span><br />I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">1 Peter 1:13</a></span><br />Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">2 Peter 3:17</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job 31:1</a></span><br />“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Proverbs 23:5,33</a></b></br> Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for <i>riches</i> certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job 31:1</a></b></br> I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-37.htm">Psalm 119:37</a></b></br> Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; <i>and</i> quicken thou me in thy way.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/psalms/132-4.htm">Eyelids</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Fix</a> <a href="/psalms/148-6.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/psalms/119-147.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/psalms/68-25.htm">Front</a> <a href="/psalms/118-7.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Straightforward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/7-21.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/ezekiel/42-12.htm">Directly</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-4.htm">Eyelids</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Fix</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-3.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-3.htm">Front</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Straightforward</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">persuades to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">and to show wickedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">He exhorts to sanctification</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Let your eyes look forward;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of focus and direction in one's spiritual journey. In the biblical context, looking forward signifies a commitment to God's path and avoiding distractions that lead to sin. The imagery of eyes looking forward is often used in Scripture to denote vigilance and purpose, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>, which encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. This forward-looking perspective is crucial for maintaining a life aligned with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of temptation and worldly distractions.<p><b>fix your gaze straight ahead.</b><br>The instruction to fix one's gaze straight ahead underscores the need for unwavering determination and clarity of purpose. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, where this proverb was written, the metaphor of a straight path was commonly used to describe a life of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. This concept is echoed in <a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a>, which speaks of the righteous path being level and straight. The call to fix one's gaze is a reminder to remain steadfast in faith, much like Jesus, who set His face toward Jerusalem (<a href="/luke/9-51.htm">Luke 9:51</a>), resolute in fulfilling His mission. This phrase encourages believers to maintain a clear vision of their spiritual goals, avoiding the distractions and detours that can lead them away from God's intended path.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, who imparts practical and spiritual guidance to his readers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The primary audience of the Proverbs, representing God's chosen people who are called to live according to His wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_wisdom.htm">The Path of Wisdom</a></b><br>- A metaphorical journey that represents living a life aligned with God's will and wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_the_wicked.htm">The Path of the Wicked</a></b><br>- A contrasting path that leads away from God's wisdom and results in destruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart.htm">The Heart</a></b><br>- Often referenced in Proverbs as the center of one's being, influencing thoughts, actions, and spiritual direction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_path_of_righteousness.htm">Focus on the Path of Righteousness</a></b><br>Keep your eyes on the path that aligns with God's wisdom and righteousness. Avoid distractions that lead away from His truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart_and_mind.htm">Guard Your Heart and Mind</a></b><br>The direction of your gaze reflects the condition of your heart. Guard your heart by focusing on what is pure, true, and honorable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_god's_guidance.htm">Seek God's Guidance</a></b><br>Regularly seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture to ensure your path is aligned with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoid_distractions.htm">Avoid Distractions</a></b><br>Identify and eliminate distractions that pull you away from your spiritual goals and commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/persevere_in_faith.htm">Persevere in Faith</a></b><br>Stay committed to your spiritual journey, trusting that God will guide you as you keep your eyes fixed on Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_eye_symbolize.htm">What does the All-Seeing Eye symbolize?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_bullying.htm">How can patience strengthen your faith in God's timing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_25_8_align_with_reality.htm">Isaiah 25:8 promises that God will 'wipe away tears from all faces,' yet widespread suffering persists--how does this align with observable reality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) <span class= "bld">Let thine eyes look right on</span>.--Comp. the advice of <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/7-36.htm" title="Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.">Ecclesiasticus 7:36</a>, "Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end," and of <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm" title="Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.">Hebrews 12:2</a>, to look "unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids lock straight before thee.</span> "To look <span class="accented">right on"</span> and "to look straight <span class="accented">before</span> one" is to fix the eyes steadily and unswervingly upon an object before them, not to allow the gaze to deflect either to the right hand or to the left. As a noun, the word <span class="accented">nokakh</span>, rendered "right on," signifies what is straight in front of one; adverbially, it has the same meaning as that given in the Authorized Version. The corresponding "before" (<span class="accented">neged</span>) is substantively the side of any object which is opposite one, and as a preposition is equivalent to "before," "in the presence of," like the Latin <span class="accented">coram.</span> The versions (LXX., Syriac, Targum) take <span class="accented">nokakh</span> in the sense of "right things:" "Let thine eyes look at right things;" contemplate them, aim at justice and equity. This meaning is given to the cognate adjective <span class="accented">nakoakh</span> in <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Proverbs 8:9</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-26.htm">Proverbs 24:26</a>; <a href="/isaiah/26-10.htm">Isaiah 26:10</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10</a>; <a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14</a>; but in the Proverbs the word <span class="accented">nokakh</span> only occurs twice (here and ver. 21), either as an adverb, "right on," "straightforwardly," or as a preposition, "before." <span class="accented">Look straight.</span> Gesenius takes this verb <span class="accented">yashar</span> in hiph., "to make straight," as used elliptically: "Let thine eyelids <span class="accented">direct</span> a way before thee;" but the meaning is the same as "Let them look straight before thee." The Syriac, Gejerus, and Holden render, "Let thine eyelids direct thy way before thee;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> do nothing rashly, but everything with premeditation; examine thy conduct, and see that it is right. The verb <span class="accented">yashar</span> has this meaning, "to direct," in <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>; <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5</a>, but it is here used intransitively (Mercerus). <span class="accented">Eyelids</span> (<span class="accented">aph'appim</span>); so called from their fluttering, rapid motion, here used by way of poetic parallelism with "eyes." What the command inculcates is simplicity of aim or principle, singleness of motive. The moral gaze is to be steadily fixed, because if it wanders indolently, lasciviously, aimlessly, it imperils the purity of the soul. This verse may be understood, as Zockler, as containing a command levelled against dishonest practices. The man who intends to cheat his neighbour looks this way and that how he may deceive him. Such an interpretation may be maintained on the ground that the former verse is directed against falsehood in <span class="accented">speech</span>; this against falsehood in <span class="accented">action.</span> But the former view is preferable. If you wish to keep the heart, you must be guided by simplicity of aim; look not aside either to the one hand or to the other, lest you may be led astray by the seductions and temptations which imperil the onward and upward progress of the soul. The passage reminds us of the "single eye" (<span class="greek">ἄπλους</span>), "simple," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> intent on heaven and God, of <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Let your eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֭ינֶיךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">look</span><br /><span class="heb">יַבִּ֑יטוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yab·bî·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scan, look intently at, to regard</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forward;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֹ֣כַח</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nō·ḵaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5227.htm">Strong's 5227: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fix your gaze</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝עַפְעַפֶּ֗יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ap̄·‘ap·pe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - mdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6079.htm">Strong's 6079: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eyelash, morning ray</span><br /><br /><span class="word">straight</span><br /><span class="heb">יַיְשִׁ֥רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yay·ši·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ahead.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶגְדֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(neḡ·de·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>