Proverbs 4:16

KJV

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they sleep {H3462} not, except they have done mischief {H7489}; and their sleep {H8142} is taken away {H1497}, unless they cause some to fall {H3782}{H3782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they can't sleep if they haven't done evil, they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.

Berean Standard Bible

For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.

American Standard Version

For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:16 offers a stark and unsettling portrayal of the wicked, revealing their profound spiritual restlessness and insatiable drive to commit evil. It describes individuals so consumed by malice that they find no peace or repose until they have successfully executed their harmful intentions, actively causing mischief and leading others into ruin. This verse serves as a potent warning, highlighting the relentless and destructive nature of those who choose the path of wickedness, implicitly contrasting their turmoil with the tranquility promised to those who walk in wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4 is a pivotal chapter within the larger parental discourse found in [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom"), where a father earnestly instructs his son on the paramount importance of embracing wisdom. The chapter begins by extolling wisdom as the "principal thing," leading to life, honor, and security (as seen in [Proverbs 4:1-13](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1-13 - The Value of Wisdom")). Following this commendation, the narrative sharply contrasts the "path of the wicked" with the "path of the just" (a dichotomy explored in [Proverbs 4:14-19](/proverbs/4-14 "Proverbs 4:14-19 - Two Paths Before You")). Proverbs 4:16 specifically describes the character and compulsive nature of those on the wicked path, providing a vivid illustration of the spiritual darkness and destructive intent that defines the antithesis of wisdom, thereby giving concrete reasons why the son must "avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away" from this way, as urged in [Proverbs 4:15](/proverbs/4-15 "Proverbs 4:15 - Avoid the Path of the Wicked").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects ancient Israelite wisdom tradition, often presented in a didactic, father-to-son format, underscoring the vital role of intergenerational transmission of moral and spiritual truth for societal well-being. In this patriarchal society, the concept of "sleep" as peace or rest was culturally understood, contrasting sharply with the toil, anxiety, and spiritual turmoil often associated with the wicked. "Mischief" and "causing to fall" relate to actions that disrupt communal harmony, violate covenant obligations, or lead individuals into moral transgression, all of which were grave concerns in a society built on shared responsibility and adherence to divine law. The imagery of distinct "paths" or "ways" (the way of the wicked versus the way of the just) is a common ancient Near Eastern motif symbolizing life choices and their inevitable consequences, emphasizing that one's actions have direct and unavoidable outcomes.
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Nature of Wickedness:** This verse profoundly illustrates that wickedness is not merely passive wrongdoing but an active, restless, and compulsive drive to inflict harm. The wicked are depicted as being unable to find internal peace or "sleep" until their malevolent desires are fulfilled, echoing the spiritual turmoil described in [Isaiah 57:20-21](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20-21 - The Wicked are Like the Troubled Sea"). Their very being is oriented towards destruction, a stark contrast to the tranquility found in wisdom.
* **The Contrast of Paths:** Proverbs 4:16 stands in sharp opposition to the "path of the just" (as described in [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Just")), which is portrayed as shining "more and more unto the perfect day." The wicked's path, by implication, leads to darkness, perpetual unrest, and ruin. This thematic contrast is central to the book of Proverbs, which consistently presents life as a choice between two fundamental ways of living, one leading to life and blessing, the other to death and ruin.
* **The Importance of Discernment:** By vividly portraying the wicked's internal compulsion, the verse underscores the necessity for the wise to discern and avoid such individuals. It provides a compelling reason for the father's urgent warnings in [Proverbs 4:14-15](/proverbs/4-14-15 "Proverbs 4:14-15 - Avoiding the Path of the Wicked"), emphasizing that association with those whose "feet run to evil" (a characteristic also noted in [Proverbs 1:16](/proverbs/1-16 "Proverbs 1:16 - Their Feet Run to Evil")) will inevitably lead to one's own downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sleep (Hebrew, _yâshên'_ / _shênâh'_):** The root _yâshên_ (H3462) means to be slack or languid, implying physical sleep but also figuratively, to die or to grow old. The noun _shênâh_ (H8142) simply means "sleep." In this context, it signifies not just physical rest but also inner peace, tranquility, and contentment. The wicked are depicted as being deprived of this peace, indicating a profound spiritual restlessness driven by their malevolent desires. Their inability to sleep highlights a deep-seated spiritual and psychological turmoil that only finds a perverse "rest" in the act of wrongdoing.
* **mischief (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H7489) broadly encompasses the concept of evil. It means to spoil, to make or be good for nothing, bad (physically, socially, or morally). It signifies active wrongdoing, causing harm, vexing, or behaving wickedly. The wicked are restless until they have successfully perpetrated such evil acts, highlighting their destructive intent and the compulsive nature of their malevolence. Their very being is oriented towards causing detriment to others.
* **fall (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** The root _kâshal_ (H3782) means to totter, waver, stumble, faint, or fall. In this context, it refers to causing others to stumble, often morally or spiritually, leading them into sin, ruin, or destruction. It highlights the active, predatory nature of the wicked in seeking to corrupt or destroy others rather than building them up. This is not merely a passive observation of someone falling, but an active, intentional effort to bring about another's downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they sleep not, except they have done mischief":** This clause reveals the insatiable nature of the wicked's malevolence. Their inner state is one of perpetual unrest, a profound spiritual insomnia. They are unable to find peace, satisfaction, or psychological repose until they have actively engaged in wrongdoing or caused harm to others. Their very being is disturbed by the absence of evil, making its perpetration their ultimate, albeit perverse, form of "rest." This indicates a deep moral corruption where tranquility is found only in transgression.
* **"and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the first, using a synonymous parallelism common in Hebrew poetry. The phrase "their sleep is taken away" (from H1497, _gâzal_, meaning to pluck off, strip, or rob by force) emphasizes that their rest is forcibly withheld from them by their own internal compulsion. This deprivation continues until they have successfully led someone astray, caused them to stumble morally or physically, or brought about their ruin. It underscores their predatory intent and the active pursuit of others' downfall as their primary objective, demonstrating a profound spiritual bondage to destructive impulses.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:16 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its unsettling message. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is prominently featured in the two clauses that essentially repeat and reinforce the same idea: the wicked's inability to rest without committing evil. The phrases "sleep not, except they have done mischief" and "their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall" function as a powerful **synonymous parallelism**, deepening the emphasis on the wicked's compulsive and destructive nature. **Metaphor** is also at play, as "sleep" is used metaphorically to represent not just physical rest but also inner peace, tranquility, and contentment. The absence of sleep thus symbolizes a profound spiritual and psychological restlessness and turmoil, indicating a soul devoid of true peace. The verse also uses **hyperbole** to some extent, exaggerating the wicked's compulsion to emphasize their extreme dedication to evil, portraying them as literally unable to rest until their malevolent desires are fulfilled. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the profound difference between the path of the wise and the path of the wicked, making the father's warning all the more urgent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:16 highlights a fundamental theological truth about the nature of sin and wickedness: it is not merely an passive lapse but can become a consuming, restless force within an individual. This verse reveals that the wicked are not at peace but are driven by an internal compulsion to inflict harm, finding their only "rest" in the perpetration of evil. This contrasts sharply with the peace and rest promised to the righteous who trust in God and walk in His ways. The relentless pursuit of mischief and the active desire to cause others to stumble underscore humanity's fallen nature and the profound spiritual bondage that results from choosing a path alienated from divine wisdom. It speaks to the spiritual emptiness that evil ultimately creates, an emptiness that can only be temporarily (and perversely) filled by further acts of malice, leading to a vicious cycle of unrest and destruction. The verse implicitly warns against the seductive nature of sin, which promises satisfaction but delivers only perpetual disquiet and a compulsive drive towards further depravity.

* [Isaiah 57:20-21](/isaiah/57-20-21 "Isaiah 57:20-21 - There is No Peace for the Wicked")
* [Romans 3:15-17](/romans/3-15-17 "Romans 3:15-17 - Their Feet are Swift to Shed Blood")
* [Psalm 36:4](/psalm/36-4 "Psalm 36:4 - They Devise Mischief on Their Beds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:16 serves as a profound spiritual mirror, inviting us to examine the true source of our own peace and restlessness. It challenges us to consider whether our actions are driven by a desire for good, leading to genuine rest, or by a subtle, perhaps even unconscious, compulsion towards negative or destructive behaviors that ultimately leave us unfulfilled. The verse calls us to guard our hearts and minds against the insidious creep of malice, recognizing that true contentment is found not in causing harm but in walking in wisdom and righteousness. It also encourages us to be discerning about the company we keep, understanding that those who find "rest" in causing others to stumble are dangerous influences that can corrupt our own path. Our application must extend to actively cultivating a heart that seeks peace and builds up, rather than tears down, allowing God's wisdom to guide our steps and bring true repose to our souls. This proactive pursuit of righteousness is our defense against the spiritual insomnia that plagues the wicked.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or those around me, be tempted to find "rest" or satisfaction in negative or destructive actions, even subtly?**
* **How does the relentless nature of the wicked described here highlight the importance of actively choosing and guarding the "path of the just" daily?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that seeks peace and builds up others, rather than being driven by malice or the desire to cause harm?**
* **How does understanding the spiritual restlessness of the wicked deepen my appreciation for the profound peace offered through faith and obedience to God's wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Does "sleep" in this verse refer only to physical sleep?**

Answer: While physical sleep is certainly implied, the context and the nature of wisdom literature suggest a deeper meaning. "Sleep" here functions as a **metaphor** for inner peace, tranquility, and spiritual contentment. The wicked are depicted as being unable to achieve this state of rest until their malevolent desires are fulfilled. This spiritual restlessness contrasts sharply with the promised peace and sound sleep of the righteous, as seen in [Proverbs 3:24](/proverbs/3-24 "Proverbs 3:24 - Sweet Sleep for the Wise"), where the wise are assured of peaceful slumber.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Proverbs?**

Answer: Proverbs 4:16 is a critical component of the book's overarching theme: the stark contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of folly. It provides a vivid and unsettling description of the character of those who choose folly, demonstrating their inherent spiritual corruption and their active pursuit of evil. This serves as a powerful warning to the reader, urging them to "avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away" from the way of evil men, as explicitly instructed in [Proverbs 4:15](/proverbs/4-15 "Proverbs 4:15 - Avoid the Path of the Wicked"). The verse underscores the existential choice presented throughout Proverbs, where one path leads to life and peace, and the other to destruction and perpetual unrest, reinforcing the urgency of choosing wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:16, with its chilling depiction of the wicked's insatiable drive to cause harm, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The restless, destructive nature of sin, so vividly portrayed in this proverb, is precisely what Christ came to overcome. While the wicked find no rest until they cause others to fall, Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, the Prince of Peace"), offers true rest to the weary and burdened (as promised in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). He did not come to cause others to fall into sin or ruin, but rather to lift them up, to heal the broken, and to reconcile humanity to God. His mission was to dismantle the very power of sin and mischief that enslaves the wicked, offering liberation from its compulsive grip. The "sleep" that is taken away from the wicked due to their malice is replaced by the profound spiritual peace available through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, which brings reconciliation and true rest for the soul, a rest that the world cannot give, as Jesus Himself promised His disciples in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give to You"). He is the ultimate wisdom, whose path leads not to restless destruction, but to abundant life and eternal peace, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart for true repose.

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 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Luke 22:66

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.