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<!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 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:12 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble." /><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'; 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when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; And if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open]; And when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you walk, your stride will not be hampered. Even if you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In your walking your step is not restricted, "" And if you run, you do not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In thy going, thy steps shall not be pressed; and if thou shalt run thou shalt not be weak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Which when thou shalt have entered, thy steps shall not be straitened, and when thou runnest thou shalt not meet a stumblingblock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When you have entered by these, your steps will not be constrained, and when running, you will have no obstacle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you walk, your steps will not be unsteady; and when you run, you will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when you walk, your walking will not quake, and if you run, you will not stumble.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When thou goest, thy step shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For when thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not be distressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-12.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=651" 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">11</span>I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">When you walk,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6806.htm" title="6806: ṣa·‘ă·ḏe·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A step, pace. From tsantarah; a pace or regular step.">your steps</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3334.htm" title="3334: yê·ṣar (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to press, i.e. Be narrow; figuratively, be in distress.">be impeded;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: tā·rūṣ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">you run,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3782.htm" title="3782: ṯik·kā·šêl (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- To stumble, stagger, totter. A primitive root; to totter or waver; by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall.">stumble.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.…<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="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23-24</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. / Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11-12</a></span><br />For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a></span><br />I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/121-3.htm">Psalm 121:3</a></span><br />He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-36.htm">Psalm 18:36</a></span><br />You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4-5</a></span><br />Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Hebrews 12:13</a></span><br />Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When you go, your steps shall not be straitened; and when you run, you shall not stumble.</p><p class="hdg">thou goest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Proverbs 6:22</a></b></br> When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and <i>when</i> thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/22-37.htm">2 Samuel 22:37</a></b></br> Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-7.htm">Job 18:7,8</a></b></br> The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down… </p><p class="hdg">thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a></b></br> The way of the wicked <i>is</i> as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Proverbs 3:23</a></b></br> Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11,12</a></b></br> For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways… </p><p class="hdg">she</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-22.htm">Proverbs 3:22</a></b></br> So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-8.htm">1 Peter 2:8</a></b></br> And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, <i>even to them</i> which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">1 John 2:10,11</a></b></br> He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/145-14.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Hampered</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">Narrow</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Run</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Running</a> <a href="/psalms/119-112.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/job/37-10.htm">Straitened</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Goest</a> <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Hampered</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-27.htm">Narrow</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Run</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">Running</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-8.htm">Step</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Straitened</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Way</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>When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the guidance and protection that comes from following wisdom. In biblical context, "walking" often symbolizes living one's life or conducting oneself in daily activities. The assurance that steps will not be impeded suggests a life free from unnecessary obstacles, which aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom leads to a smoother path (<a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>). Historically, walking was the primary mode of transportation, and clear paths were essential for safe travel. This imagery would resonate with an ancient audience familiar with the dangers of travel. Theologically, this can be seen as a promise of divine guidance, akin to <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is described as a lamp to one's feet.<p><b>when you run, you will not stumble.</b><br>Running implies urgency or a more intense phase of life. The promise of not stumbling suggests that wisdom provides stability even in challenging or fast-paced situations. In the cultural context of the Bible, running could also symbolize pursuing goals or fulfilling one's calling with zeal. This assurance is reminiscent of <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a>, where those who hope in the Lord are promised renewed strength to run and not grow weary. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and strength, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges without falling. The imagery of not stumbling is also echoed in <a href="/jude/1-24.htm">Jude 1:24</a>, where God is able to keep believers from falling.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_wisdom.htm">The Path of Wisdom</a></b><br>This metaphorical path represents living according to God's wisdom and guidance, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>The primary audience is Solomon's son, but by extension, it includes all who seek wisdom and understanding from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_god's_guidance.htm">The Assurance of God's Guidance</a></b><br>When we walk in God's wisdom, we can trust that our path will be clear and unobstructed. This assurance comes from a life aligned with God's principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_readiness.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Readiness</a></b><br>Just as a runner prepares for a race, we must prepare spiritually by immersing ourselves in God's word and prayer, ensuring we do not stumble in our faith journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_overcoming_obstacles.htm">The Role of Faith in Overcoming Obstacles</a></b><br>Faith in God's promises allows us to move forward confidently, knowing that He will guide us through challenges without falling.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_continuous_journey_of_growth.htm">The Continuous Journey of Growth</a></b><br>Walking and running imply movement and progress. Our spiritual journey is ongoing, requiring continual growth and reliance on God's wisdom.<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_'wipe_every_tear'_mean.htm">What does it mean to walk circumspectly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_hope_an_anchor_for_the_soul.htm">How does a lamp guide my path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'he_is_faithful'_mean.htm">How can we live peacefully with everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_12_4_with_exodus_21.htm">Proverbs 12:4 extols a virtuous wife, but how can we reconcile this with other biblical passages portraying women as subordinate or property (e.g., Exodus 21)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - In this verse the father depicts the benefits and advantages which shall follow from "receiving his words" (ver. 10), <span class="accented">i.e.</span> from attending to his counsels and imbibing the principles of wisdom. The whole course of life shall be freed from obstacles or impediments, from anxiety, perplexity, or difficulty, or from vacillation. <span class="cmt_word">When thou goest</span> may refer to the daily walk, to the common and ordinary events or circumstances incidental to life, just as the corresponding <span class="cmt_word">when thou runnest</span> may refer to cases of emergency when promptness and decisive action are called for. In both cases Wisdom, by inspiring unity of principle, gives freedom of movement; in ordinary cases it removes embarrassment and perplexity arising from conflicting interests drawing now in one direction, now in another, and in extraordinary cases it supplies a rule of conduct which prevents our falling into mistakes and errors. Or the verse may refer to the prosperity which shall attend all the undertakings of those who are in Wisdom's ways, whether they advance slowly or rush forward with the impetuosity of youth, whether they act with deliberation or with haste. <span class="cmt_word">Shall not be straitened</span> (<span class="accented">lo-yetsar</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> shall not be narrowed or confined; Vulgate, <span class="accented">non arctabuntur</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">οὑ συγκλεισθήσεται</span>, The future <span class="accented">yetsar</span> only occurs four times in the Scriptures - here, and <a href="/job/18-7.htm">Job 18:7</a>; <a href="/job/20-22.htm">Job 20:22</a>; <a href="/isaiah/49-19.htm">Isaiah 49:19</a>. It is usually derived from the root <span class="accented">yatsar</span>, which, however, is not found, cognate with <span class="accented">tsur</span>, "to straiten," "to be narrow." <span class="accented">Yetsar</span>, however, always occurs in the passive sense, though an active signification is given it by the Rabbi Nathan ben Jechiel, quoted by Delitzsch, <span class="accented">in loc.</span>, who renders, "Thou shall not need to bind together, or hedge up thy way." The roots <span class="accented">yatsar</span> and <span class="accented">tsur</span> partake more or less of the idea of binding up, oppressing, putting into narrow and confined circumstances and limits. By the expression that "the steps are straitened" we may understand, therefore, that there is a want of freedom for their movements, and consequently that they are impeded or cramped. The Arabic expression. "to contract the feet," signifies the diminishing of good fortune. Compare the similar expression in <a href="/job/18-7.htm">Job 18:7</a>, "The steps of his strength shall be straitened." The psalmist presents the idea of the verse under a different form, "Thou hast <span class="accented">enlarged</span> my steps under me, so that my feet did not slip" (Psalm 17:36). <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not stumble;</span> <span class="accented">lo-thik-kashel</span>, hiph. future. The niph. <span class="accented">nikshal</span>, equivalent to the kal <span class="accented">kadshal</span>, signifies properly "to totter," "to sink down," used of one about to fall. The primary idea, however, usually disregarded, of <span class="accented">kashal</span>, is "to totter in the ankles," equivalent to the Latin <span class="accented">talipedare.</span> It occurs again in <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Proverbs 4:16</a>, and is a different verb from "stumble" in <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Proverbs 3:23</a> (which see). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-12.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">When you walk,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your steps</span><br /><span class="heb">צַעֲדֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣa·‘ă·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6806.htm">Strong's 6806: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pace, regular step</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be impeded;</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵצַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ṣar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3334.htm">Strong's 3334: </a> </span><span class="str2">Be distressed, be narrow, be straitened in straits, be vexed </span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you run,</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּ֝ר֗וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(tā·rūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stumble.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִכָּשֵֽׁל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯik·kā·šêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3782.htm">Strong's 3782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-12.htm">Proverbs 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:12 When you go your steps will not (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:13" /></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>