Proverbs 4:14

KJV

¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].

KJV (with Strong's)

Enter {H935} not into the path {H734} of the wicked {H7563}, and go {H833} not in the way {H1870} of evil {H7451} men.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't follow the path of the wicked or walk on the way of evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.

American Standard Version

Enter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:14 delivers a potent paternal warning, urging the son to proactively and decisively avoid the lifestyle, influence, and company of those who disregard God's moral and spiritual standards. It is a dual prohibition against even the slightest engagement with the destructive patterns of the unrighteous, emphasizing that true wisdom dictates a complete separation from paths that lead to spiritual and moral ruin. This verse serves as a foundational call to discernment and intentionality in one's life choices, recognizing that proximity to wickedness inevitably leads to its adoption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:14 is situated within a larger discourse (Proverbs 1-9) where wisdom is personified as a guiding force and presented as a father's earnest instruction to his son. This particular chapter, Proverbs 4, is a passionate plea from the father for his son to "get wisdom" and understanding ([Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - The Call to Acquire Wisdom")). The father implores the son to guard his heart above all else, for from it flow the springs of life ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). Verses 14-19 form a distinct section that sharply contrasts the path of the wicked with the path of the righteous, highlighting their divergent characteristics and ultimate destinies. Verse 14 serves as the initial, emphatic command within this contrast, setting the tone for the absolute necessity of preventative separation from evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of "the way" (Hebrew: _derek_ or _ʼôrach_) was a powerful metaphor for one's entire life course, moral conduct, and destiny. This wisdom tradition, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship with God, frequently presented life as a choice between two distinct paths: the way of righteousness, leading to life and blessing, and the way of wickedness, leading to destruction and death. Paternal instruction was a primary mode of transmitting moral and spiritual values, reflecting the patriarchal structure of society and the emphasis on intergenerational wisdom. The warnings against "wicked" and "evil men" were not merely about avoiding specific individuals but about rejecting the entire societal and moral framework that stood in opposition to God's revealed will, which could lead to communal and individual downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. It underscores the critical importance of **Discernment and Choice**, presenting life as a series of moral decisions that determine one's ultimate trajectory. The dual prohibition highlights the **Influence of Association**, implicitly warning against the corrupting power of bad company and the subtle ways in which adopting the "path" or "way" of the wicked can lead to internal moral decay and external sinful actions, as seen in [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - Do Not Consent to Sinners"). Furthermore, the command emphasizes **Moral Purity and Separation**, advocating for a clear and intentional distancing from sinful practices and those who embody them, aligning with a call to holiness and integrity. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Proverbs consistently links choices of path with corresponding **Consequences of Choices**, warning against the inevitable pitfalls and destruction that await those who persist in evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **path (Hebrew, _ʼôrach'_):** This term refers to a well-trodden road, often used metaphorically to describe a course of life or manner of conduct. Its usage here, alongside "way," emphasizes a habitual, established pattern of living rather than an isolated act. It implies a journey or trajectory that one embarks upon.
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This word describes individuals who are morally wrong, guilty, unrighteous, or actively hostile to God's law. It characterizes a person whose very being and actions are contrary to divine standards, implying a state of rebellion and condemnation. The term points to a person's character, not just their actions.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This general term signifies what is bad, harmful, morally corrupt, or displeasing. When used in "way of evil men," it refers to the practices, customs, and the inherent nature of their conduct. It encompasses the destructive and corrupting quality of their lifestyle, impacting both themselves and those around them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Enter not into the path of the wicked":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition. The verb "enter" (Hebrew: _bôwʼ_) suggests the initial step, the very beginning of association or adoption of a lifestyle. The "path of the wicked" refers to their established course of life, their habits, values, and moral trajectory. The command is to not even set foot on this journey.
* **"and go not in the way of evil [men]":** This clause reinforces the first through synonymous parallelism, intensifying the warning. The verb "go" (Hebrew: _ʼâshar_) implies continuing along a chosen direction or being guided by it. "The way of evil men" broadly encompasses their practices, customs, and the inherent corrupt nature of their conduct. The repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the instruction: not only avoid the initial step, but also do not continue or persist in any aspect of their lifestyle.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and go not in the way of evil men") largely reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Enter not into the path of the wicked"). This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute nature of the prohibition and to ensure the message is clearly understood and deeply impressed upon the listener. The terms "path" (_ʼôrach_) and "way" (_derek_) are used **Metaphorically** to represent a person's entire course of life, moral conduct, and destiny. This metaphor transforms an abstract moral concept into a tangible, relatable journey, making the choice between righteousness and wickedness vivid and concrete. The verse also functions as a direct **Admonition** or **Imperative**, presented as a father's authoritative and loving command to his son, highlighting the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:14 stands as a vital theological statement on the necessity of moral discernment and separation for those who seek wisdom. It articulates the biblical principle of "the two ways," a foundational concept throughout Scripture that posits humanity's existence as a choice between paths leading to life or death, blessing or curse. The command to avoid the wicked's path is not merely about external behavior but about cultivating an internal disposition that rejects evil at its root, aligning one's heart and actions with divine righteousness. This proactive avoidance is a demonstration of wisdom and a commitment to holiness, recognizing that spiritual integrity demands a clear boundary between the sacred and the profane.

* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Path") describes the blessed man as one who "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful," echoing the Proverbial call for separation from wicked influences.
* [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - Do Not Consent to Sinners") provides a similar direct warning: "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not," reinforcing the need for active resistance to temptation and negative peer pressure.
* [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Contrasting Paths") further elaborates on the contrast, stating, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble," illustrating the divergent outcomes of choosing either path.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:14 serves as a timeless and urgent call for believers to cultivate intentional discernment in every facet of life. In a world saturated with diverse influences, this verse compels us to critically evaluate not just our actions, but the very "paths" we are tempted to enter or continue upon. This includes the company we keep, the media we consume, the values we absorb from culture, and the ethical standards we uphold in our professions and personal dealings. The admonition to "enter not" implies a proactive, preventative stance, recognizing that even a single step onto a compromised path can lead to a slippery slope. It challenges us to build strong moral boundaries, to be vigilant against subtle temptations, and to prioritize spiritual purity over worldly acceptance or perceived gain. Ultimately, this verse is a profound reminder that our external walk is a reflection of our internal heart, urging us to guard our hearts diligently and ensure our life's trajectory aligns with God's wisdom rather than the destructive ways of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "paths of the wicked" or "ways of evil men" might be subtly influencing my life today (e.g., social media trends, entertainment, workplace ethics, friendships)?**
* **Am I actively discerning and setting boundaries, or am I passively allowing certain influences to shape my values and decisions?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "enter not" or "go not" in a specific area where I feel compromised or tempted?**
* **How does my commitment to avoiding the path of the wicked reflect my deeper desire to walk in God's wisdom and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why is the instruction repeated with "path" and "way"?**

Answer: The repetition of "path" (Hebrew: _ʼôrach_) and "way" (Hebrew: _derek_) is a common literary device in Hebrew poetry known as synonymous parallelism. It serves to emphasize and intensify the warning. "Path" often refers to a more specific, well-trodden route, while "way" can be a broader term for a course of life or manner of action. By using both, the proverb underscores the comprehensive nature of the prohibition: do not even take the first step onto a wicked course, nor continue to walk in any aspect of an evil lifestyle. It's a call for absolute and complete separation from unrighteousness.

**Does this verse mean I should avoid all non-believers?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for complete isolation from non-believers. The "path of the wicked" refers to a moral and spiritual trajectory that is fundamentally opposed to God's wisdom and righteousness. It's about avoiding sinful practices, corrupt values, and destructive influences, not about avoiding people who do not share your faith. Believers are called to be salt and light in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")), which often requires interaction with those outside the faith. The key is to avoid adopting their ungodly ways or being corrupted by their influence, while still seeking to love and serve them, sharing the truth of the Gospel. The warning is against participation in evil, not against interaction with those who practice it, provided that interaction does not lead to compromise.

**How does "evil men" relate to "wicked"?**

Answer: In Proverbs 4:14, "wicked" (Hebrew: _râshâʻ_) generally refers to individuals who are morally guilty and actively hostile to God's law, characterized by their unrighteousness. "Evil" (Hebrew: _raʻ_) is a broader term for what is bad, harmful, or morally corrupt. When the verse speaks of "the way of evil men," it refers to the collective practices, customs, and inherent corrupt nature of those who are wicked. So, "wicked" describes the person, and "evil" describes the nature of their actions and lifestyle. The two terms work together to paint a comprehensive picture of the destructive moral landscape that the son is commanded to avoid.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:14, with its stark warning against the "path of the wicked," finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. Humanity, apart from Christ, is inherently on the path of sin and rebellion, alienated from God and destined for destruction ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life")). He is not merely a guide to the right path; He *is* the path itself. To "enter not into the path of the wicked" is to turn from sin and, by faith, enter into Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, He bore the consequences of our wicked ways, offering us forgiveness and a new life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Believers are called to walk "in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")), no longer conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of their minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). The call to "go not in the way of evil men" becomes a joyful surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance, enabling us to live a life set apart for God's glory, empowered by the One who has overcome the world and its evil ways ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Has Overcome the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:15

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

Proverbs 9:6

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 2:11

Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: