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 4:26 Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_04_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:26 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure." /><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/4-26.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/4-26.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 26</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="/ad6.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/4-25.htm" title="Proverbs 4:25">◄</a> Proverbs 4:26 <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm" title="Proverbs 4:27">►</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 />Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Watch the track of your feet And all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Consider well <i>and</i> watch carefully the path of your feet, And all your ways will be steadfast <i>and</i> sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Make level the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Carefully measure the paths for your feet, and all your ways will be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Make the path for your feet level, so that all your ways may be established. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Ponder the path of your feet, "" And all your ways [are] established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Ponder thou the path of thy feet, And all thy ways are established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Make level the track of thy feet, and all thy ways shall be prepared.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Make straight the path for thy feet, and all thy ways shall be established. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Direct the path of your feet, and all your ways shall be secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Survey the path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Keep your feet away from evil paths; then all your ways shall be firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Let your foot pass from evil streets and all your ways will be established.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Make plain the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Make straight paths for thy feet, and order thy ways aright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-26.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=740" 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">25</span>Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6424.htm" title="6424: pal·lês (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To weigh, make level. A primitive root; properly, to roll flat, i.e. Prepare; also to revolve, i.e. Weigh.">Make a level</a> <a href="/hebrew/4570.htm" title="4570: ma‘·gal (N-msc) -- An entrenchment, track. Or feminine mapgalah; from the same as agol; a track; also a rampart.">path</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·le·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">for your feet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵe·ḵā (N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">your ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: yik·kō·nū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">will be sure.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.…<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/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="/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="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.<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/119-133.htm">Psalm 119:133</a></span><br />Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a></span><br />in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</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. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<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="/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="/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="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a></span><br />Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21</a></span><br />For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.</p><p class="hdg">ponder</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Proverbs 5:6</a></b></br> Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, <i>that</i> thou canst not know <i>them</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-59.htm">Psalm 119:59</a></b></br> I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-28.htm">Ezekiel 18:28</a></b></br> Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.</p><p class="hdg">let all thy ways be established</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></b></br> The steps of a <i>good</i> man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2</a></b></br> He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, <i>and</i> established my goings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:13</a></b></br> To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-23.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/psalms/65-10.htm">Level</a> <a href="/psalms/144-15.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/psalms/119-95.htm">Ponder</a> <a href="/psalms/99-4.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/psalms/132-11.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Level</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Ponder</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-3.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Ways</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>Make a level path for your feet</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of preparing and planning one's course in life with wisdom and discernment. In biblical times, a level path would ensure safe and efficient travel, free from obstacles and dangers. Spiritually, it suggests removing sin and distractions that could lead one astray. The imagery of a path is common in Scripture, symbolizing one's journey and conduct (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>). The call to make a level path aligns with the broader biblical theme of walking in righteousness and integrity (<a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a>).<p><b>and all your ways will be sure</b><br>This assurance speaks to the stability and security that comes from living a life aligned with God's wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a sure path would mean safety from physical harm and misdirection. Spiritually, it implies confidence and steadfastness in one's decisions and actions. The promise of surety echoes throughout Scripture, where obedience to God's commands leads to blessing and protection (<a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1-14</a>). This phrase also points to the faithfulness of God in guiding and upholding those who seek His wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his teachings, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and righteous living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path.htm">The Path</a></b><br>Symbolic of one's life journey and decisions, representing the moral and ethical choices one makes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_deliberate_choices.htm">The Importance of Deliberate Choices</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26</a> calls for intentionality in our decisions. Just as a level path ensures safe travel, deliberate choices grounded in wisdom ensure a stable life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_guidance.htm">Seeking Divine Guidance</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "level" (palas) implies weighing or making even. This suggests the need for divine guidance to weigh our decisions and ensure they align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_righteous_living.htm">Consistency in Righteous Living</a></b><br>A level path is not just about a single decision but a consistent lifestyle. Regularly aligning our actions with biblical principles leads to a secure and steadfast life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_pitfalls.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Pitfalls</a></b><br>By making our paths level, we avoid the spiritual pitfalls and distractions that can lead us astray. This requires vigilance and a commitment to holiness.<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/can_proverbs_4_26-27's_promise_be_verified.htm">In Proverbs 4:26–27, how can we scientifically or historically verify the promise that staying on this “straight path” guarantees protection from harm?</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/how_to_communicate_with_god.htm">How can one effectively communicate with God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_mastema_in_religious_texts.htm">What defines the path of the righteous?</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>(26) <span class= "bld">Ponder the path of thy feet.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">make it smooth, level: take all obstacles out of it which may prevent thy going in the way God is leading thee. </span>Comp. the directions to cut off even the hand or the foot that offends (<a href="/matthew/18-8.htm" title="Why if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off, and cast them from you: it is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.">Matthew 18:8</a>). This verse is quoted in <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm" title="And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.">Hebrews 12:13</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Let all thy ways be established.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">directed aright; </span>see that they lead straight to the end (<a href="/psalms/119-5.htm" title="O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!">Psalm 119:5</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ponder the path of thy feet;</span> properly, <span class="accented">make straight or level the path of thy feet.</span> The command carries on the idea of the previous verse. Simplicity of aim in the moral life is to be accompanied by attention to the moral conduct. The sense is, remove every obstacle which may impede or render insecure the way of moral life, and thus avoid every false step. The meaning "to ponder," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "to weigh," seems to be given to the verb <span class="accented">palles</span>, piel of the unused <span class="accented">palas</span> here used only in <a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Psalm 58:3</a> and possibly in <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Proverbs 5:21</a>. Its ordinary signification is "to make level, or even," as in <a href="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Isaiah 40:12</a>; and <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Proverbs 5:6</a>. The LXX. keeps this in view in rendering, "Make straight paths for thy feet" (cf. <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Hebrews 12:13</a>). The Authorized Version would mean, "Weigh your conduct as in a balance; before acting, consider the consequences and nature of the act." The second clause, <span class="cmt_word">and let all thy ways be established,</span> is in effect only a repetition of the preceding thought, since it signifies, "See that thy conduct is correct; let all thy ways be definite and fixed." The marginal reading. "And all thy ways shall be ordered aright." gives the literal rendering to the tense; <span class="accented">yikkonu</span> being the future hiph. of <span class="accented">kun</span>, "to be established," "to stand firm." This would express the <span class="accented">result</span> of giving heed to one's conduct. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-26.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">Make level</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּ֭לֵּס</span> <span class="translit">(pal·lês)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6424.htm">Strong's 6424: </a> </span><span class="str2">To roll flat, prepare, to revolve, weigh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">paths</span><br /><span class="heb">מַעְגַּ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(ma‘·gal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4570.htm">Strong's 4570: </a> </span><span class="str2">An entrenchment, track</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for your feet,</span><br /><span class="heb">רַגְלֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(raḡ·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your ways</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּרָכֶ֥יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(də·rā·ḵe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be sure.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכֹּֽנוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yik·kō·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:26 Make the path of your feet level (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:27" /></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>