14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men]: 15 avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not except they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away unless they have caused [some] to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart more than anything that is guarded; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee perverseness of mouth, and corrupt lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be well-ordered. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27
Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-27
(Read Proverbs 4:14-27)
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.