Proverbs 4:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:15 delivers a series of urgent, emphatic commands from a father to his son, unequivocally demanding a complete and radical separation from the "path of the wicked." It is a powerful injunction to not merely avoid evil actions but to maintain a decisive distance from any influence, environment, or thought pattern that could lead one astray, emphasizing that true wisdom involves actively shunning the way of folly and sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:15 stands as a critical pivot within a larger discourse on the two paths—the way of wisdom and the way of wickedness. The preceding verses, particularly [Proverbs 4:11-13](/proverbs/4-11 "Proverbs 4:11-13 - The Path of Wisdom"), commend the pursuit and embrace of wisdom, portraying it as a guiding light that leads to life and understanding. Immediately prior to this verse, [Proverbs 4:14](/proverbs/4-14 "Proverbs 4:14 - Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked") explicitly warns against entering the "path of the wicked." Therefore, "it" in verse 15 directly refers to this dangerous, destructive "path of the wicked" and "way of evil men" that has just been described. The subsequent verses, like [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and the Wicked"), further elaborate on the stark contrast between the shining path of the righteous and the dark, stumbling way of the wicked, reinforcing the imperative for absolute separation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, deeply rooted in ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, often employs the metaphor of "the way" or "the path" to represent a person's entire course of life, their moral conduct, and their destiny. This didactic approach, typically from a father to a son, reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society where the transmission of moral and spiritual wisdom was a primary responsibility of the head of the household. The emphasis on avoiding evil was not merely a philosophical exercise but a practical guide for survival and flourishing in a world where moral boundaries were constantly tested. The "wicked" were not just abstract concepts but often referred to those who actively engaged in injustice, violence, and deceit, posing real threats to communal harmony and individual well-being. The geographical context of paths and roads would have been highly relatable to an agrarian society where travel and daily life involved navigating physical routes.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 4:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Decisive Separation from Evil**, asserting that wisdom demands not just refraining from evil acts but actively disassociating from its very presence and influence. This is a call to radical holiness and purity. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prudence and Discernment**, urging the wise individual to recognize the inherent dangers of the wicked path and to proactively steer clear of it. This isn't passive avoidance but an active, discerning choice. Thirdly, the verse implicitly speaks to the theme of **Protection and Preservation of Life**, as shunning the wicked path is presented as a means of safeguarding oneself from the negative consequences and spiritual decay that inevitably accompany it. This aligns with the broader promise that wisdom leads to life and folly to death, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1-2 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Long Life Through Wisdom"). Finally, the strong commands imply a profound **Commitment to Righteousness**, reinforcing the idea that choosing the path of wisdom is an active, ongoing commitment that requires vigilance and intentionality, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of the path described in [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Darkness of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avoid (Hebrew, _pâraʻ'_):** From H6544, a primitive root meaning "to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin; avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover." In this context, "avoid" carries the sense of loosening oneself from, dismissing, or setting at nought the path of evil. It implies a deliberate act of disengagement, a breaking away from any entanglement or connection with it. The command is to actively refuse to be associated with or influenced by the wicked way.

* **pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, a primitive root meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath." This versatile verb appears twice in the verse ("pass not by it" and "pass away"). Its core meaning of "crossing over" or "transitioning" is here used negatively ("pass not by it") to forbid even a momentary or casual engagement with the wicked path, and positively ("pass away") to command a complete and decisive movement *away* from it, putting distance between oneself and the danger. It signifies a complete severance of connection, not just a momentary detour.

* **turn (Hebrew, _sâṭâh'_):** From H7847, a primitive root meaning "to deviate from duty; decline, go aside, turn." This word emphasizes a deliberate change of direction, a sharp swerve away from the wicked path. It implies a conscious decision to reorient one's course, not merely to avoid a direct encounter but to actively move in the opposite direction. It speaks to a moral and spiritual re-alignment, turning away from what is wrong towards what is right.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Avoid it":** This initial command sets the tone for radical separation. It is an imperative to actively dismiss, reject, and disengage from the path of evil. It's not passive indifference but an intentional act of shunning and setting aside.
* **"pass not by it":** This phrase intensifies the previous command, prohibiting even a casual proximity or fleeting encounter with the wicked way. It implies that one should not even allow oneself to be near it, to observe it, or to be tempted by its presence. There is no room for curiosity or lingering.
* **"turn from it":** This command calls for a decisive change of direction. If one finds themselves even remotely oriented towards the path of evil, they are to immediately and sharply turn away, reorienting their entire bearing. It signifies a moral and spiritual U-turn.
* **"and pass away":** The final command escalates the injunction to its fullest extent. It means to go on, to move far beyond it, to put significant distance between oneself and the wicked path. This is not just a turning *from* but a passing *away* from, ensuring no return and no lingering influence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:15 is a masterclass in the use of **Imperative Mood**, employing four strong commands ("Avoid," "pass not by," "turn from," "pass away") to convey a sense of urgency and non-negotiable action. This series of direct orders leaves no room for ambiguity or hesitation. The verse also utilizes **Repetition and Intensification** through its cumulative structure. Each successive command builds upon the previous one, creating a powerful crescendo that emphasizes the totality and decisiveness of the required separation. It moves from general avoidance to forbidding proximity, then to a sharp reorientation, and finally to a complete removal from the sphere of influence. This rhetorical strategy ensures the message is clear and impactful. Furthermore, the entire verse operates within a pervasive **Metaphorical Language**, where "it" refers to the "path of the wicked" or "way of evil men" introduced in preceding verses. This metaphor of a "path" represents a person's entire life course, their moral choices, and their ultimate destiny, making the commands to avoid, not pass by, turn from, and pass away, deeply symbolic of a comprehensive moral and spiritual disengagement from all forms of evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:15 articulates a profound theological truth: genuine wisdom is inseparable from radical holiness and an uncompromising stance against evil. It teaches that spiritual integrity is not maintained by merely refraining from overt sin, but by actively creating distance from any influence, environment, or thought pattern that could lead one astray. This proactive separation is a testament to one's commitment to God's ways and a recognition of the insidious nature of sin, which often begins with subtle compromises or casual proximity. The verse underscores the biblical principle that our associations and environments profoundly shape our character and destiny, making decisive disengagement from ungodly influences a vital aspect of walking in righteousness. It is a call to vigilance, discernment, and an unwavering resolve to pursue purity, recognizing that true flourishing comes from aligning one's entire life path with divine wisdom.

* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:15 serves as a timeless and urgent call for believers today to exercise extreme caution and decisive action in safeguarding their spiritual lives. In a world saturated with temptations and influences that subtly erode moral and spiritual foundations, this verse challenges us to go beyond mere passive resistance to evil. It demands a proactive and radical separation from anything that could compromise our walk with God. This means thoughtfully evaluating our entertainment choices, social circles, online interactions, and even our thought patterns. Are there "paths" we are lingering near, perhaps out of curiosity or a desire to "fit in," that are subtly leading us away from righteousness? The wisdom of Proverbs 4:15 encourages us to be ruthless in cutting ties with anything that hinders our spiritual growth, to flee temptation, and to intentionally cultivate environments and habits that foster godliness. It's a reminder that our spiritual safety often lies not in our ability to withstand temptation, but in our willingness to avoid the path where temptation resides altogether.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "paths" or influences in my life might I be lingering near that Proverbs 4:15 would urge me to "avoid" and "pass away" from?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more decisive in "turning from" evil, rather than merely trying to resist it once I'm already in its proximity?**
* **How does the call to radical separation in this verse challenge my current understanding of engaging with the world while remaining holy?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to implement the commands of Proverbs 4:15 more fully in my daily choices and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What does "it" refer to in Proverbs 4:15?**

Answer: In Proverbs 4:15, "it" unequivocally refers to the "path of the wicked" or "way of evil men" explicitly mentioned in the preceding verse, [Proverbs 4:14](/proverbs/4-14 "Proverbs 4:14 - Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked"). This "path" is a metaphor for a lifestyle characterized by unrighteousness, sin, and folly, which ultimately leads to destruction and spiritual darkness, as further described in [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Darkness of the Wicked"). The commands in verse 15 are therefore a strong injunction to completely disassociate from such a way of life and its influences.

**Why is such extreme separation necessary according to this verse?**

Answer: The extreme commands in Proverbs 4:15 ("Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away") highlight the insidious and destructive nature of evil. Wisdom literature consistently teaches that even proximity to evil can be dangerous because it can subtly draw one in, corrupting character and leading to spiritual ruin. The emphasis is on proactive prevention rather than reactive resistance. By demanding complete separation, the verse underscores that there is no safe middle ground or compromise with wickedness; true wisdom lies in recognizing its danger and maintaining absolute distance to preserve one's integrity and remain on the path of righteousness, which is contrasted as shining "more and more unto the perfect day" in [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Righteous").

**How does this verse apply to modern temptations and influences?**

Answer: Proverbs 4:15 is profoundly relevant to modern life. It calls believers to exercise discernment and radical self-control in an age of pervasive digital influences, social media, and easily accessible content. The "path of the wicked" can manifest today as harmful online communities, corrupting entertainment, unethical business practices, or even subtle ideologies that contradict biblical truth. The verse instructs us not to merely dabble in or observe such things, but to actively "avoid," "pass not by," "turn from," and "pass away" from them. This means setting boundaries, unfollowing harmful accounts, choosing edifying content, and carefully selecting our closest associations, recognizing that "bad company corrupts good character" as stated in [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals"). It’s a call to proactive spiritual hygiene and intentional living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:15, with its urgent call to turn away from the path of the wicked, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom literature warns against the destructive "way of evil men," the New Testament reveals Jesus as the singular, true "Way" (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life")). To "avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away" from the path of wickedness is, for the believer, to turn decisively *to* Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, and following Him means abandoning the broad road that leads to destruction for the narrow path that leads to life ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")). Our separation from sin is not merely an act of moral discipline but a consequence of our union with Christ, who has already conquered sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Victory Over Sin")). The Spirit of Christ empowers us to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")), enabling us to actively turn away from evil and walk in the newness of life He provides. Thus, the imperative to shun evil is ultimately a profound invitation to embrace and walk in the light of Christ, the only true path to life and righteousness.

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

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.