Proverbs 4:12

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

When thou goest {H3212}, thy steps {H6806} shall not be straitened {H3334}; and when thou runnest {H7323}, thou shalt not stumble {H3782}.

when you walk, your step won't be hindered; and if you run, you won't stumble.

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 if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Commentary

Proverbs 4:12, part of a father's earnest instruction to his son, offers a profound promise of stability and progress to those who embrace and follow divine wisdom. This verse assures the seeker of wisdom that their journey through life will be free from unnecessary hindrance and failure.

Context

This verse is nestled within Proverbs chapter 4, which serves as a powerful call from a father to his son to prioritize and acquire wisdom above all else. The father recounts how he himself received similar instruction from his own parents, emphasizing the generational importance of this pursuit. The preceding verses, such as Proverbs 4:7, declare that "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom." The promises in verse 12 are direct benefits for those who heed this advice, choosing the "path of the just" contrasted with the "way of the wicked" described later in the chapter (Proverbs 4:18, Proverbs 4:19).

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Protection: The verse promises that wisdom acts as a guide, ensuring one's path is not restricted or difficult. It suggests a divine hand protecting and directing the steps of those who follow its precepts.
  • Unimpeded Progress: "Thy steps shall not be straitened" means one's movement will not be cramped, confined, or hindered. This speaks to freedom, ease, and efficiency in one's life journey.
  • Stability and Security: "Thou shalt not stumble" assures the individual of steadfastness and prevention from moral or practical failure. It implies a firm footing even when moving quickly or facing challenges.
  • Consequences of Wisdom: This verse highlights a tangible, positive outcome of choosing a life governed by godly wisdom, demonstrating its practical value in navigating life's complexities.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "straitened" is tsarar (Χ¦Χ¨Χ¨), which means to be narrow, distressed, or hemmed in. In this context, it conveys the idea of not being restricted or encountering difficulties that impede progress. The word for "stumble" is kashal (Χ›Χ©Χœ), meaning to totter, stumble, or fall. The combination of these terms emphasizes that wisdom provides both freedom of movement and security from tripping up, whether metaphorically or literally, on life's journey.

Practical Application

Proverbs 4:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that seeking and applying God's wisdom in our daily decisions leads to a more stable and productive life. When we align our choices with biblical principles, we can trust that the Lord will clear our path, preventing unnecessary obstacles and helping us avoid pitfalls. This doesn't mean life will be without challenges, but that our steps will be guided and protected from ultimate failure or being trapped. It encourages us to acknowledge Him in all our ways, allowing His wisdom to direct us and ensure our progress, even when we "run" through life's faster-paced moments.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 3:23 (11 votes)

    Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

  • Psalms 18:36 (8 votes)

    Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

  • 1 Peter 2:8 (6 votes)

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • 2 Samuel 22:37 (6 votes)

    Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.

  • John 11:9 (6 votes)

    Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

  • John 11:10 (6 votes)

    But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

  • 1 John 2:10 (5 votes)

    He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.