Proverbs 4:14 (LSB)

Passage

Do not enter the path of wicked men And do not step into the way of evil men.

Nearby Context

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.

Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, do not pass by it; Stray from it and pass on.

Proverbs 4:16 For they do not sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "enter", "path", "wicked", "step", and "evil". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "enter" and "path", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 13's "Seize discipline do not let go Guard..." into verse 15's "Avoid it do not pass by it...", so "enter" and "path" 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 "enter" and "path" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.