Proverbs 4:12
Proverbs 4:12 in Multiple Translations
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall.
Nothing will block your way when you walk, you won't stumble when you run.
Whe thou goest, thy gate shall not be strait, and when thou runnest, thou shalt not fall.
In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.
When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Which when thou shalt have entered, thy steps shall not be straitened, and when thou runnest thou shalt not meet a stumblingblock.
If you live wisely, when you decide to do something, you will succeed [LIT].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּֽ֭/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ
לֹא
יֵצַ֣ר
צַעֲדֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אִם
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ
לֹ֣א
תִכָּשֵֽׁל
בְּֽ֭/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵצַ֣ר
yâtsar
H3334
be distressed
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צַעֲדֶ֑/ךָ
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִכָּשֵֽׁל
kâshal
H3782
to stumble
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:12
בְּֽ֭/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵצַ֣ר
yâtsar
H3334
"be distressed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word describes being in distress or a tight spot, like being narrow or cramped. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult situations, such as in Psalm 119:143.
Definition: 1) to bind, be distressed, be in distress, be cramped, be narrow, be scant, be in straits, make narrow, cause distress, beseige 1a) (Qal) to suffer distress
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be distressed, be narrow, be straitened (in straits), be vexed. See also: Genesis 32:8; Nehemiah 9:27; Proverbs 4:12.
צַעֲדֶ֑/ךָ
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִכָּשֵֽׁל
kâshal
H3782
"to stumble"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:12
Context — A Father’s Instruction
10Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.
11I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.
12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
13Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. 14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:23 | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:36 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:8 | and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 22:37 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 5 | John 11:9–10 | Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world. But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light.” |
| 6 | 1 John 2:10–11 | Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. |
| 7 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 8 | Psalms 91:11–12 | 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. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:165 | Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing can make them stumble. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 31:9 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” |
Proverbs 4:12 Summary
[This verse is telling us that when we follow God's guidance and wisdom, we can move forward in life with confidence and freedom, without being held back by unnecessary obstacles or challenges. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 37:23-24, where it says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. As we trust in God's guidance, we can run with endurance and perseverance, knowing that He will direct our steps and help us navigate through life's challenges. By trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, we can experience a sense of freedom and confidence in our daily lives, as promised in Proverbs 3:26.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for our steps to not be impeded when we walk?
This means that when we follow God's guidance and wisdom, as promised in Proverbs 4:11, we can move forward in life without unnecessary obstacles or hindrances, similar to the promise in Isaiah 40:31 where those who wait on the Lord will run and not be weary.
Is this verse promising that we will never experience difficulties or challenges?
No, this verse is not promising a life without challenges, but rather that with God's guidance, we can navigate through life's challenges without being completely overwhelmed or stuck, as seen in Psalm 121:3 where God promises to not let our foot slip.
How does this verse relate to our spiritual walk with God?
This verse is encouraging us to trust in God's guidance and wisdom, and as we do, we can confidently move forward in our spiritual walk, knowing that He will direct our steps, as promised in Proverbs 3:6.
Can this verse be applied to our physical lives as well?
While the primary focus of this verse is our spiritual walk, the principles of trusting in God's guidance and wisdom can also be applied to our physical lives, as we see in Jeremiah 29:11 where God promises to give us a future and a hope.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like my steps are being impeded, and how can I apply God's guidance and wisdom to move forward?
- How can I practically trust in God's guidance and wisdom in my daily life, especially when faced with challenging decisions or circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can 'run' with endurance and perseverance, as mentioned in this verse, and not stumble or give up?
- In what ways can I surrender my need for control and trust in God's sovereignty to direct my steps?
- How can I use this verse to encourage and support others who may be struggling with feeling stuck or overwhelmed in their own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:12
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened,.... By enemies, or attended with difficulties and obstructions, or subject to dangers, but be at freedom and liberty in walking; for though saints
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:12
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
Thy steps shall not be straitened; thou shalt manage thine affairs with great facility, and safety, and success. It is a metaphor from those who walk in a strait and uneven path, where they are apt to stumble and fall. Not stumble; not miscarry.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.Ver. 12. And when thou runnest.] Having a good mixture of zeal and knowledge; so that thy zeal doth quicken thy knowledge, and thy knowledge guide thy zeal. For that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; "And he that (so) hasteth with his feet (being indiscreetly zealous) sinneth." Thou shalt not stumble.] Or if thou do, thou shalt recover thy stumbling, and so get ground. But say thou do so stumble as to fall; in falling forwards is nothing so much danger as backward. So he that is earnest in good, though he may carry some things indiscreetly, yet is far better than an apostate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
Verse 12. Thy steps shall not be straitened] True wisdom will teach thee to keep out of embarrassments. A man under the influence of true religion ponders his paths, and carefully poises occurring circumstances; and as the fear of God will ever lead him to act an upright and honest part, so his way in business and life is both clear and large. He has no by-ends to serve; he speculates not; he uses neither trick nor cunning to effect any purpose. Such a man can never be embarrassed. His steps are not straitened; he sees his way always plain; and when a favourable tide of Providence shows him the necessity of increased exertion, he runs, and is in no danger of stumbling.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:12
12. goest … runnest] The figure of Pro 4:11 is continued. straitened] “His firm, wide steps of prosperity and security, when he walked in a wide place (Psalms 4:1), become narrowed and hampered.” Widening of the steps is a usual Oriental figure for the bold and free movements of one in prosperity, as straitening of them is for the constrained and timid action of one in adversity. Comp. Proverbs 4:12; Psalms 18:36; and note on Job 18:7, in this Series.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:12
12. Straitened — Restrained, confined, embarrassed. When — Rather, if. Thou runnest — In the greatest activity these teachings shall keep thee from stumbling.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 22. One Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker uses an illustration of a child falling into a pit to explain the concept of forgiveness and salvation. He emphasizes that forgiveness and salvation are |
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The Discipline of Detour by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the destructive emotion of frustration, likening it to a conflict that causes anger and disappointment. He delves into the concept of spiritual detours, c |
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Step Out Boldly by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in f |
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The Pathway of Increasing Light by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in increasing light on the path of God's will, which is illuminated by His Word. He warns against elevating human traditions to the |
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Avoid That Slip by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom and holiness to avoid spiritual slips and stumbles. He illustrates that while we may not travel luxuriously, walking in |
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July 30. 1678. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the call to move away from polluted places and strive to behold the glory of the promised land for those who belong to the Lamb. She emphasizes the importa |
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Unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ by A.B. Simpson | Greek Word Studies for a sermon on stumbling spiritually, focusing on the literal and figurative meanings of 'proskopto' (to stumble against an obstacle). The preacher delves into |