Proverbs 4:14
Verse
Context
Sermons
Denny Kenaston
Chuck Smith
Thomas BrooksThomas Brooks
J.B. Galloway
Ignatius of Antioch
Catherine BoothSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Psa 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Enter not into the path of the wicked,.... Which leads to eternal death; join not with them in their wicked ways and practices; have no fellowship, keep no company, with them; do not set one foot in the path they tread, lest thou shouldest be tempted to proceed to more ungodliness; you do not know where and when there will be a stop, when once you begin, therefore enter not. The Vulgate Latin version is, "do not delight in the paths of the ungodly": but this supposes not only entrance, but progress and continuance in them, whereas the first is dehorted from in these words: and go not in the way of evil men; if tempted and prevailed upon to take a step and make a trial, do not proceed; withdraw at once, do not go on. Some render it, seeing the word used has sometimes the signification of blessedness in it, "do not esteem the way of evil men blessed" (y); nor reckon thyself or them happy that walk in such ways; they are far from it: hence the Targum, Septuagint, and Syriac versions are, "do not envy the ways of wicked men"; their seeming pleasure will end in bitterness: the Arabic version is, "do not imitate" them; do not follow their example, and do as they do. (y) "in via malorum ne te beatum existimes", Tiguriue version; "ne beatam praedices viam malorum", Michaelis.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Pro 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable that Solomon begins here again, if not sooner. In these verses, having exhorted us to walk in the paths of wisdom, he cautions us against the path of the wicked. 1. We must take heed of the ways of sin and avoid them, every thing that looks like sin and leads to it. 2. In order to this we must keep out of the ways of sinners, and have no fellowship with them. For fear of falling into wicked courses, we must shun wicked company. Here is, I. The caution itself, Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15. 1. We must take heed of falling in with sin and sinners: Enter not into the paths of the wicked. Our teacher, having like a faithful guide shown us the right paths (Pro 4:11), here warns us of the by-paths into which we are in danger of being drawn aside. Those that have been well educated, and trained up in the way they should go, let them never turn aside into the way they should not go; let them not so much as enter into it, no, not to make trial of it, lest it prove a dangerous experiment and difficult to retreat with safety. "Venture not into the company of those that are infected with the plague, no, not though thou think thyself guarded with an antidote." 2. If at any time we are inveigled into an evil way, we must hasten out of it. "If, ere thou wast aware, thou didst enter in at the gate, because it was wide, go not on in the way of evil men. As soon as thou art made sensible of thy mistake, retire immediately, take not a step more, stay not a minute longer, in the way that certainly leads to destruction." 3. We must dread and detest the ways of sin and sinners, and decline them with the utmost care imaginable. "The way of evil men may seem a pleasant way and sociable, and the nearest way to the compassing of some secular end we may have in view; but it is an evil way, and will end ill, and therefore if thou love thy God and thy soul avoid it, pass not by it, that thou mayest not be tempted to enter into it; and, if thou find thyself near it, turn from it and pass away, and get as far off it as thou canst." The manner of expression intimates the imminent danger we are in, the need we have of this caution, and the great importance of it, and that our watchmen are, or should be, in good earnest, in giving us warning. It intimates likewise at what a distance we should keep from sin and sinners; he does not say, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance, the further the better; never think you can get far enough from it. Escape for thy life: look not behind thee. II. The reasons to enforce this caution. 1. "Consider the character of the men whose way thou art warned to shun." They are mischievous men (Pro 4:16, Pro 4:17); they not only care not what hurt they do to those that stand in their way, but it is their business to do mischief, and their delight, purely for mischief-sake. They are continually designing and endeavouring to cause some to fall, to ruin them body and soul. Wickedness and malice are in their nature, and violence is in all their actions. They are spiteful in the highest degree; for, (1.) Mischief is rest and sleep to them. As much satisfaction as a covetous man has when he has got money, an ambitious man when he has got preferment, and a good man when he has done good, so much have they when they have said or done that which is injurious and ill-natured; and they are extremely uneasy if they cannot get their envy and revenge gratified, as Haman, to whom every thing was unpleasant as long as Mordecai was unhanged. It intimates likewise how restless and unwearied they are in their mischievous pursuits; they will rather be deprived of sleep than of the pleasure of being vexatious. (2.) Mischief is meat and drink to them; they feed and feast upon it. They eat the bread of the wickedness (they eat up my people as they eat bread, Psa 14:4) and drink the wine of violence (Pro 4:17), drink iniquity like water, Job 15:16. All they eat and drink is got by rapine and oppression. Do wicked men think the time lost in which they are not doing hurt? Let good men make it as much their business and delight to do good. Amici, diem perdidi - Friends, I have lost a day. And let all that are wise, and wish well to themselves, avoid the society of the wicked; for, [1.] It is very scandalous; for there is no disposition of mind that is a greater reproach to human nature, a greater enemy to human society, a bolder defiance to God and conscience, that has more of the devil's image in it, or is more serviceable to his interests, than a delight to do mischief and to vex, and hurt, and ruin every body. [2.] It is very dangerous. "Shun those that delight to do mischief as thou tenderest thy own safety; for, whatever friendship they may pretend, one time or other they will do thee mischief; thou wilt ruin thyself if thou dost concur with them (Pro 1:18) and they will ruin thee if thou dost not." 2. "Consider the character of the way itself which thou art warned to shun, compared with the right way which thou art invited to walk in." (1.) The way of righteousness is light (Pro 4:18): The path of the just, which they have chosen, and in which they walk, is as light; the light shines on their ways (Job 22:28) and makes them both safe and pleasant. Christ is their way and he is the light. They are guided by the word of God and that is a light to their feet; they themselves are light in the Lord and they walk in the light as he is in the light. [1.] It is a shining light. Their way shines to themselves in the joy and comfort of it; it shines before others in the lustre and honour of it; it shines before men, who see their good works, Mat 5:16. They go on in their way with a holy security and serenity of mind, as those that walk in the light. It is as the morning-light, which shines out of obscurity (Isa 58:8, Isa 58:10) and puts an end to the works of darkness. [2.] It is a growing light; it shines more and more, not like the light of a meteor, which soon disappears, or that of a candle, which burns dim and burns down, but like that of the rising sun, which goes forward shining, mounts upward shining. Grace, the guide of this way, is growing; he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. That joy which is the pleasure of this way, that honour which is the brightness of it, and all that happiness which is indeed its light, shall be still increasing. [3.] It will arrive, in the end, at the perfect day. The light of the dayspring will at length be noon-day light, and it is this that the enlightened soul is pressing towards. The saints will not be perfect till they come to heaven, but there they shall themselves shine as the sun when he goes forth in his strength, Mat 13:43. Their graces and joys shall be all consummate. Therefore it is our wisdom to keep close to the path of the just. (2.) The way of sin is as darkness, Pro 4:19. The works he had cautioned us not to have fellowship with are works of darkness. What true pleasure and satisfaction can those have who know no pleasure and satisfaction but what they have in doing mischief? What sure guide have those that cast God's word behind them? The way of the wicked is dark, and therefore dangerous; for they stumble and yet know not at what they stumble. They fall into sin, but are not aware which way the temptation came by which they were overthrown, and therefore know not how to avoid it the next time. They fall into trouble, but never enquire wherefore God contends with them; they consider not that they do evil, nor what will be in the end of it, Psa 82:5; Job 18:5, Job 18:6. This is the way we are directed to shun.
Proverbs 4:14
A Father’s Instruction
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. 15Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Crowns of Eternal Reward
By Denny Kenaston1.4K1:30:25RewardsPRO 4:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a goal and being determined to achieve it. He uses the example of a young man who was determined to make it to the Olympic soccer team, highlighting the focus and dedication required to reach a goal. The speaker then challenges the audience to reflect on their own goals and priorities for the year ahead. He also discusses the significance of living a purposeful Christian life, not just going through the motions, but actively seeking to fulfill God's calling and making disciples. The sermon encourages believers to persevere through challenges and not shy away from the "pain" that comes with following Christ.
The Benefits of Wisdom
By Chuck Smith1.2K25:04WisdomPRO 3:13PRO 3:34PRO 4:14PRO 4:18PRO 4:23PRO 4:26PRO 6:16PRO 10:22PRO 10:27PRO 11:2PRO 11:24In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions of a father. Pastor Chuck explains that the discovery of wisdom leads to happiness and that it is more valuable than silver. He also emphasizes the importance of doing good to others when one has the ability to do so. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Chuck references biblical passages, particularly from the book of Proverbs, to support his teachings on wisdom and righteousness.
The Worst & Most Infectious Plague in the World
By Thomas Brooks0SinTemptationPRO 4:142CO 2:11Thomas Brooks warns about the dangers of sin, describing it as the worst and most infectious plague in the world. He emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from sin and avoiding the temptations that Satan presents, using the examples of Joseph's wisdom and David's downfall to illustrate the consequences of proximity to sin. Brooks highlights that sin not only affects the individual but can also spread and infect others, urging believers to recognize its serious nature and to flee from all appearances of evil.
Flee From the Occasions of Sin!
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual WarfareAvoiding TemptationPRO 4:14MAT 26:411TH 5:22JAS 4:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the critical need to avoid even the slightest appearance of evil, urging believers to shun occasions of sin as they would avoid a serpent or poison. He warns that attempting to pray for deliverance from temptation while engaging with sin's occasions is futile, akin to playing with fire. Brooks asserts that true victory over sin requires a conscious effort to turn away from its temptations, as those who flirt with sin are likely to be ensnared by it. He reminds the congregation of their past struggles with sin when they did not heed this warning, encouraging them to flee from sin's occasions to achieve spiritual victory.
The First Church Manuals and Liturgies
By J.B. Galloway0PRO 4:14ACT 6:31CO 6:11GAL 5:221TH 5:231TI 3:81TI 4:141TI 4:161PE 1:151PE 4:10J.B. Galloway preaches on 'The Didache,' the oldest church manual in existence, believed to be from the first century. It contains instructions on church rites, baptism, fasting, and the Lord's Prayer. The document emphasizes holiness, urging believers to flee from evil and embrace meekness, long-suffering, and goodness. The 'Didache' highlights the sanctified ones as the true Church of God, praying for deliverance from evil and perfection in love. Additionally, Apostolic Constitutions and Canons provide insights on ecclesiastical ordinances, emphasizing spiritual worthiness and the importance of the Holy Spirit in church officers.
Beware of False Teachers
By Ignatius of Antioch0PRO 4:14Ignatius of Antioch warns against those who carry the name of Jesus Christ but live in wickedness, promoting destructive doctrines that must be avoided like wild beasts. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding such individuals to safeguard one's faith and salvation. Ignatius contrasts these false teachers with the true Physician, God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, who took on human form to heal and save humanity from sin and corruption.
Halting Between Two Opinions
By Catherine Booth01KI 18:21PRO 4:14MAT 6:24HEB 3:15JAS 4:8Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of making a decisive choice between serving God or following worldly idols, using the story of Elijah confronting the people of Israel who were wavering between worshiping God and Baal. She emphasizes the consequences of influencing others towards sin and rebellion, highlighting the need for courage and boldness in standing for the truth. Catherine urges the listeners to consider the urgency of their spiritual decision, as halting between two opinions spiritually leads to a dangerous downward progression towards sin and eternal damnation.
Ii Kings 14:8
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual WarfareThe Dangers of MeddlingPRO 4:14Chuck Smith warns against the dangers of meddling, using the example of King Amaziah who, after a spiritual victory, sought unnecessary challenges and ultimately faced defeat. He emphasizes that overconfidence can lead us to put ourselves in harmful situations, ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Smith illustrates that meddling with sin can have dire consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. The sermon concludes with the reminder that yielding to temptation can lead to a loss of virtue and spiritual captivity.
(I) the Gospel of God's Great Love - Part 10 (The Destiny of the Damned)
By Robert Wurtz II0PSA 101:3PRO 4:14MAT 5:28ROM 6:23REV 21:27Robert Wurtz II delivers a powerful sermon on the solemn warnings of God and the distractions that prevent people from considering the consequences of their actions, using historical references like the Valley of Hinnom to illustrate the horrors of Hell. He emphasizes how Satan uses various means to drown out the voice of conscience and lead people astray, highlighting the importance of preparing for the consequences of sin. Wurtz explores the wisdom behind God's plan to eliminate sin and suffering by containing and destroying it, ensuring that heaven remains a place of purity and rest.
Avoid and Abstain
By Ed Wrather0PRO 4:14PRO 13:20ROM 12:21CO 10:131CO 15:33GAL 5:16EPH 5:111TH 5:22JAS 4:71PE 5:8Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of abstaining from every form of evil, using real-life examples like a deputy sheriff getting into trouble while soliciting a prostitute and the high number of injuries in bar fights involving alcohol or drugs. He highlights the practical wisdom in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, urging listeners to avoid situations that may lead to trouble and to abstain from anything that even appears to be evil. Wrather stresses the need to make wise choices, such as avoiding pornography by using filters and changing circles of friends to steer clear of illegal substances, even if it means giving up comfortable friendships.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Psa 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Enter not into the path of the wicked,.... Which leads to eternal death; join not with them in their wicked ways and practices; have no fellowship, keep no company, with them; do not set one foot in the path they tread, lest thou shouldest be tempted to proceed to more ungodliness; you do not know where and when there will be a stop, when once you begin, therefore enter not. The Vulgate Latin version is, "do not delight in the paths of the ungodly": but this supposes not only entrance, but progress and continuance in them, whereas the first is dehorted from in these words: and go not in the way of evil men; if tempted and prevailed upon to take a step and make a trial, do not proceed; withdraw at once, do not go on. Some render it, seeing the word used has sometimes the signification of blessedness in it, "do not esteem the way of evil men blessed" (y); nor reckon thyself or them happy that walk in such ways; they are far from it: hence the Targum, Septuagint, and Syriac versions are, "do not envy the ways of wicked men"; their seeming pleasure will end in bitterness: the Arabic version is, "do not imitate" them; do not follow their example, and do as they do. (y) "in via malorum ne te beatum existimes", Tiguriue version; "ne beatam praedices viam malorum", Michaelis.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Pro 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable that Solomon begins here again, if not sooner. In these verses, having exhorted us to walk in the paths of wisdom, he cautions us against the path of the wicked. 1. We must take heed of the ways of sin and avoid them, every thing that looks like sin and leads to it. 2. In order to this we must keep out of the ways of sinners, and have no fellowship with them. For fear of falling into wicked courses, we must shun wicked company. Here is, I. The caution itself, Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15. 1. We must take heed of falling in with sin and sinners: Enter not into the paths of the wicked. Our teacher, having like a faithful guide shown us the right paths (Pro 4:11), here warns us of the by-paths into which we are in danger of being drawn aside. Those that have been well educated, and trained up in the way they should go, let them never turn aside into the way they should not go; let them not so much as enter into it, no, not to make trial of it, lest it prove a dangerous experiment and difficult to retreat with safety. "Venture not into the company of those that are infected with the plague, no, not though thou think thyself guarded with an antidote." 2. If at any time we are inveigled into an evil way, we must hasten out of it. "If, ere thou wast aware, thou didst enter in at the gate, because it was wide, go not on in the way of evil men. As soon as thou art made sensible of thy mistake, retire immediately, take not a step more, stay not a minute longer, in the way that certainly leads to destruction." 3. We must dread and detest the ways of sin and sinners, and decline them with the utmost care imaginable. "The way of evil men may seem a pleasant way and sociable, and the nearest way to the compassing of some secular end we may have in view; but it is an evil way, and will end ill, and therefore if thou love thy God and thy soul avoid it, pass not by it, that thou mayest not be tempted to enter into it; and, if thou find thyself near it, turn from it and pass away, and get as far off it as thou canst." The manner of expression intimates the imminent danger we are in, the need we have of this caution, and the great importance of it, and that our watchmen are, or should be, in good earnest, in giving us warning. It intimates likewise at what a distance we should keep from sin and sinners; he does not say, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance, the further the better; never think you can get far enough from it. Escape for thy life: look not behind thee. II. The reasons to enforce this caution. 1. "Consider the character of the men whose way thou art warned to shun." They are mischievous men (Pro 4:16, Pro 4:17); they not only care not what hurt they do to those that stand in their way, but it is their business to do mischief, and their delight, purely for mischief-sake. They are continually designing and endeavouring to cause some to fall, to ruin them body and soul. Wickedness and malice are in their nature, and violence is in all their actions. They are spiteful in the highest degree; for, (1.) Mischief is rest and sleep to them. As much satisfaction as a covetous man has when he has got money, an ambitious man when he has got preferment, and a good man when he has done good, so much have they when they have said or done that which is injurious and ill-natured; and they are extremely uneasy if they cannot get their envy and revenge gratified, as Haman, to whom every thing was unpleasant as long as Mordecai was unhanged. It intimates likewise how restless and unwearied they are in their mischievous pursuits; they will rather be deprived of sleep than of the pleasure of being vexatious. (2.) Mischief is meat and drink to them; they feed and feast upon it. They eat the bread of the wickedness (they eat up my people as they eat bread, Psa 14:4) and drink the wine of violence (Pro 4:17), drink iniquity like water, Job 15:16. All they eat and drink is got by rapine and oppression. Do wicked men think the time lost in which they are not doing hurt? Let good men make it as much their business and delight to do good. Amici, diem perdidi - Friends, I have lost a day. And let all that are wise, and wish well to themselves, avoid the society of the wicked; for, [1.] It is very scandalous; for there is no disposition of mind that is a greater reproach to human nature, a greater enemy to human society, a bolder defiance to God and conscience, that has more of the devil's image in it, or is more serviceable to his interests, than a delight to do mischief and to vex, and hurt, and ruin every body. [2.] It is very dangerous. "Shun those that delight to do mischief as thou tenderest thy own safety; for, whatever friendship they may pretend, one time or other they will do thee mischief; thou wilt ruin thyself if thou dost concur with them (Pro 1:18) and they will ruin thee if thou dost not." 2. "Consider the character of the way itself which thou art warned to shun, compared with the right way which thou art invited to walk in." (1.) The way of righteousness is light (Pro 4:18): The path of the just, which they have chosen, and in which they walk, is as light; the light shines on their ways (Job 22:28) and makes them both safe and pleasant. Christ is their way and he is the light. They are guided by the word of God and that is a light to their feet; they themselves are light in the Lord and they walk in the light as he is in the light. [1.] It is a shining light. Their way shines to themselves in the joy and comfort of it; it shines before others in the lustre and honour of it; it shines before men, who see their good works, Mat 5:16. They go on in their way with a holy security and serenity of mind, as those that walk in the light. It is as the morning-light, which shines out of obscurity (Isa 58:8, Isa 58:10) and puts an end to the works of darkness. [2.] It is a growing light; it shines more and more, not like the light of a meteor, which soon disappears, or that of a candle, which burns dim and burns down, but like that of the rising sun, which goes forward shining, mounts upward shining. Grace, the guide of this way, is growing; he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. That joy which is the pleasure of this way, that honour which is the brightness of it, and all that happiness which is indeed its light, shall be still increasing. [3.] It will arrive, in the end, at the perfect day. The light of the dayspring will at length be noon-day light, and it is this that the enlightened soul is pressing towards. The saints will not be perfect till they come to heaven, but there they shall themselves shine as the sun when he goes forth in his strength, Mat 13:43. Their graces and joys shall be all consummate. Therefore it is our wisdom to keep close to the path of the just. (2.) The way of sin is as darkness, Pro 4:19. The works he had cautioned us not to have fellowship with are works of darkness. What true pleasure and satisfaction can those have who know no pleasure and satisfaction but what they have in doing mischief? What sure guide have those that cast God's word behind them? The way of the wicked is dark, and therefore dangerous; for they stumble and yet know not at what they stumble. They fall into sin, but are not aware which way the temptation came by which they were overthrown, and therefore know not how to avoid it the next time. They fall into trouble, but never enquire wherefore God contends with them; they consider not that they do evil, nor what will be in the end of it, Psa 82:5; Job 18:5, Job 18:6. This is the way we are directed to shun.