Proverbs 4:12 (LSB)

Passage

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 4:10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings And the years of your life will be many.

Proverbs 4:11 I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright tracks.

Proverbs 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:13 Seize discipline; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.

Proverbs 4:14 Do not enter the path of wicked men And do not step into the way of evil men.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "walk", "steps", "impeded", and "stumble". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "walk" and "steps", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "I have instructed you in the way..." into verse 13's "Seize discipline do not let go Guard...", so "walk" and "steps" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "walk" and "steps" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.