Proverbs 4:15

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Avoid {H6544} it, pass {H5674} not by it, turn {H7847} from it, and pass away {H5674}.

Avoid it, don't go on it, turn away from it, and pass on.

Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.

Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.

Proverbs 4:15 is a powerful injunction from a father figure (representing wisdom) to his son, urging absolute separation from the path of evil. It continues the theme of contrasting the way of the wise with the way of the wicked, which began in earlier verses of this chapter.

Context

This verse follows a vivid description of the "path of the wicked" in Proverbs 4:14, which is characterized by darkness and stumbling (Proverbs 4:19). The preceding verses (Proverbs 4:11-13) emphasize staying on the path of wisdom and understanding. Therefore, "it" in verse 15 unequivocally refers to this dangerous and destructive way of life that leads to sin and ruin.

Key Themes

  • Decisive Separation from Evil: The verse uses four strong, active verbs – "Avoid," "pass not by," "turn from," and "pass away" – to emphasize the absolute necessity of a complete and deliberate detachment from evil influences, temptations, and practices. There is no room for lingering or curiosity.
  • Prudence and Discernment: It calls for a wise and discerning approach to life, recognizing the dangers of unrighteousness and actively choosing to steer clear. This isn't just about not doing evil, but about avoiding even the proximity to it.
  • Protection and Safety: By shunning the wicked path, one ensures personal safety and preserves integrity, safeguarding against the pitfalls and consequences that befall those who walk in darkness.
  • Commitment to Righteousness: The strong commands imply a profound commitment to the path of the righteous, which is described as shining "more and more unto the perfect day."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used are highly emphatic, conveying a sense of urgency and totality:

  • "Avoid it" (פְּרָעֵהוּ, *pĕrāʿēhū*): Implies breaking away, shunning, or turning aside from something repulsive.
  • "pass not by it" (אַל־תַּעֲבָר־בּוֹ, *ʾal-taʿăḇār-bō*): A direct prohibition against even stepping onto or through it.
  • "turn from it" (הֲטֵה מֵעָלָיו, *hăṭēh mēʿālāw*): To incline away, to deviate sharply from its direction.
  • "and pass away" (וַעֲבֹר, *waʿăḇōr*): To go on, to move past it entirely, putting distance between oneself and the danger.

Together, these phrases form a crescendo of commands, instructing not just to refrain from evil actions, but to maintain a significant distance from anything that might lead one astray.

Practical Application

For believers today, Proverbs 4:15 serves as a timeless warning to be proactive in safeguarding our spiritual and moral lives. It encourages us to:

  • Choose our associations wisely: Be mindful of the company we keep, as negative influences can subtly draw us away from God's will (1 Corinthians 15:33).
  • Flee temptation: When faced with situations that could lead to sin, the wisest course of action is often to remove ourselves entirely, as Joseph did from Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12).
  • Guard our minds and hearts: Actively reject harmful thoughts, media, or ideologies that contradict biblical truth. This involves cultivating a mind focused on what is pure and honorable (Philippians 4:8).

This verse is a call to vigilance and decisive action, ensuring that we remain firmly on the path of righteousness and wisdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 5:11

    And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    Abstain from all appearance of evil.

  • Job 22:23

    If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

  • Exodus 23:7

    Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

  • Job 11:14

    If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

  • Isaiah 33:15

    He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

  • Proverbs 6:5

    Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

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