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 4:15 Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/20_Pro_04_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:15 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by." /><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/4-15.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/4-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/4-14.htm" title="Proverbs 4:14">◄</a> Proverbs 4:15 <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm" title="Proverbs 4:16">►</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 />Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Avoid it, do not pass by it; Stray from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it; don’t travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it; don&#8217t travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Avoid it. Do not walk near it. Turn away from it, and keep on walking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid it! Don't travel on it! Turn away from it, and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not go on it; turn away from it, and go on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, and do not pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Avoid it, and don’t pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid it, do not pass over into it, "" Turn aside from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Avoid it, pass not over into it, Turn aside from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Reject it, thou shalt not pass in it; turn aside from it and pass by.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Flee from it, pass not by it: go aside, and forsake it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Take flight from it. Do not pass close to it. Turn away and abandon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Shun it, do not cross it, turn aside from it, pass on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The place where they dwell, do not pass by it, turn away from it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not pass through the place where they dwell, but turn aside and pass from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, go not thither; but turn from them, and pass away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-15.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=671" 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">14</span>Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6544.htm" title="6544: pə·rā·‘ê·hū (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin.">Avoid it;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ta·‘ă·ḇār- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">travel</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">on it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7847.htm" title="7847: śə·ṭêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To turn aside. A primitive root; to deviate from duty.">Turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·lāw (Prep-m:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: wa·‘ă·ḇō·wr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and pass on by.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.…<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/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:22</a></span><br />Abstain from every form of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a></span><br />Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-101.htm">Psalm 119:101</a></span><br />I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/15-17.htm">Jeremiah 15:17</a></span><br />I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.<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">Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-8.htm">Proverbs 5:8</a></b></br> Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Proverbs 6:5</a></b></br> Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand <i>of the hunter</i>, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7</a></b></br> Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/38-11.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">Far</a> <a href="/job/21-29.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Far</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-7.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.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>Avoid it;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of actively steering clear of the path of the wicked. In biblical context, the "it" refers to the way of evil or sinful behavior. The Book of Proverbs often contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of folly, urging believers to choose the former. The Hebrew word for "avoid" suggests a deliberate action, indicating that one must make a conscious decision to stay away from sin. This aligns with the teachings found in <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked.<p><b>do not travel on it.</b><br>This part of the verse reinforces the idea of not engaging with or participating in sinful activities. The imagery of traveling suggests a journey or a lifestyle choice. In ancient times, roads and paths were significant as they connected cities and people, symbolizing the direction of one's life. The instruction here is to not even begin a journey on the path of wickedness. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>, where He speaks of the narrow gate and the difficult path that leads to life, contrasting it with the broad road that leads to destruction.<p><b>Turn from it</b><br>The call to "turn" implies repentance, a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Repentance involves a change of mind and direction, moving away from sin and towards God. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30</a>, where God calls His people to repent and turn from their offenses. The act of turning away from evil is a proactive step in pursuing righteousness and aligns with the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus, who both preached repentance as essential for entering the Kingdom of God.<p><b>and pass on by.</b><br>This final phrase suggests not only avoiding and turning from the path of wickedness but also continuing on one's journey without delay. It implies perseverance in the pursuit of righteousness. The idea of passing by can be seen in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, where they were instructed to avoid certain nations and continue on their God-ordained path (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Deuteronomy 2:4-6</a>). In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call to focus on the heavenly goal, as Paul describes in <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a>, pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.<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, is traditionally believed to have written this book to impart wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_the_wicked.htm">The Path of the Wicked</a></b><br>This metaphorical path represents the way of life that leads away from God and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous_path.htm">The Righteous Path</a></b><br>Implicit in the text, this is the path that believers are encouraged to follow, in contrast to the path of the wicked.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_choices.htm">Discernment in Choices</a></b><br>As believers, we must exercise discernment in the paths we choose, ensuring they align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_avoidance.htm">Active Avoidance</a></b><br>The verse emphasizes not just avoiding evil but actively turning away and passing by, indicating a proactive stance against sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Vigilance</a></b><br>Constant vigilance is necessary to recognize and avoid the subtle temptations that lead us astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom.htm">The Role of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture helps us identify and avoid the paths that lead to destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers can provide accountability and encouragement to stay on the righteous path.<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/who_was_missionary_adoniram_judson.htm">What defines emotional intelligence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_hear_god's_guidance.htm">What does the Bible say about health?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_conduct_family_devotions.htm">How can we effectively conduct family devotions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_was_a_roman_legion_structured.htm">What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible?</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 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Avoid it;</span> <span class="accented">p'raehu</span>, the kal imperative of <span class="accented">para</span>, properly, "to let go," hence "to reject, or abhor." (On the verb, see <a href="/proverbs/1-25.htm">Proverbs 1:25</a>, where it is rendered, "set at naught.") The same verb also occurs in <a href="/proverbs/8-33.htm">Proverbs 8:33</a>; <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Proverbs 13:18</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Proverbs 15:32</a>. <span class="accented">It</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the way. The suffix of the verb in the original is feminine, "avoid <span class="accented">her</span>;" <span class="accented">derek</span>, "the way," being common. Turn from it (<span class="accented">s'teh mealayv</span>). The original is a pregnant expression equivalent to "turn aside from it, so that you do not come to stand upon it." The word <span class="accented">mealayv</span>, equivalent to the Latin <span class="accented">desuper ea</span>, has much the same force as the French <span class="accented">de dessus</span> and the Italian <span class="accented">di sopra</span> (Delitzsch). The verb <span class="accented">satah is</span>, as in the Authorized Version, "to turn, or go aside." <span class="cmt_word">Pass away;</span> <span class="accented">avor</span>, kal imperative of <span class="accented">avar</span>, "to pass over," equivalent to Latin <span class="accented">transire</span>, here means "to pass on, or along," "to go beyond," like the German <span class="accented">Ger weiter gehn.</span> The counsel of the father is not only "turn aside from," but "put the greatest possible distance between you and it." The injunction, so absolutely stated, to have nothing to do with sin, is required, if not indeed prompted, by the knowledge of the fact that youth, confident in its own power of resistance, frequently indulges in the fatal mistake of imagining that it can dally with sin with impunity. The only course compatible with safety is to entirely avoid it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-15.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">Avoid it;</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּרָעֵ֥הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(pə·rā·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6544.htm">Strong's 6544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">travel on it.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲבָר־</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·ḇār-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Turn</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂטֵ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ṭêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7847.htm">Strong's 7847: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deviate from duty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעָלָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pass on by.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲבֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ḇō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-15.htm">Proverbs 4:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it and don't pass by it (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:16" /></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>