Proverbs 4:27

KJV

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H5186} not to the right hand {H3225} nor to the left {H8040}: remove {H5493} thy foot {H7272} from evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then deviate neither right nor left; and keep your foot far from evil.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.

American Standard Version

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:27 serves as a climactic and definitive exhortation within a father's comprehensive instruction to his son, urging an unwavering commitment to the path of wisdom and righteousness. It commands absolute steadfastness, prohibiting any deviation or compromise from the prescribed course, and insists on a decisive, active disengagement from all forms of evil, ensuring that one's life walk remains pure, purposeful, and fully aligned with divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:27 functions as the culminating practical directive in a passionate paternal appeal that spans the entirety of Proverbs chapter 4. The chapter commences with an earnest plea for the son to "hear, ye children, the instruction of a father" [Proverbs 4:1](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1 - Hear Instruction"), establishing wisdom as the paramount pursuit for life and understanding. Building upon this foundation, the father issues a series of specific, vital commands designed to safeguard the son's moral and spiritual integrity. These include the profound charge to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"), followed by directives concerning speech ("put away from thee a froward mouth" [Proverbs 4:24](/proverbs/4-24 "Proverbs 4:24 - Guard Your Speech")) and focus ("let thine eyes look right on" [Proverbs 4:25](/proverbs/4-25 "Proverbs 4:25 - Focus Your Gaze")). Immediately preceding verse 27, Proverbs 4:26 instructs the son to "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." Thus, Proverbs 4:27 provides the ultimate, concise imperative for maintaining these "established ways" by actively and decisively avoiding any form of deviation or engagement with evil, serving as a final, comprehensive charge for living a life consistently guided by wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where the transmission of practical and moral guidance from elders (typically fathers or respected sages) to the younger generation was a cornerstone of societal and religious education. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely theoretical knowledge but a practical skill for living a righteous, flourishing, and covenant-faithful life before God. The pervasive imagery of a "path" or "way" was highly pertinent in a geographical context where travel often occurred on unpaved, winding roads, making any deviation potentially perilous. Culturally, the "right hand" (Hebrew *yâmîyn*) frequently symbolized strength, honor, correctness, and favorable direction, while the "left hand" (Hebrew *sᵉmôʼwl*) could denote weakness, misfortune, or an improper course. The Hebrew term for "evil" (*raʻ*) was expansive, encompassing not only moral wickedness and sin but also misfortune, calamity, and anything that brought harm, distress, or divine disfavor. This holistic worldview meant that actions had direct, often immediate, consequences, and paternal instruction aimed to equip the son to navigate life's complexities successfully, ensuring he remained within the boundaries of divine expectation and societal well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 4:27 powerfully reinforces several core themes that permeate the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. The overarching theme is the **paramount pursuit and preservation of wisdom**, which is explicitly declared as "the principal thing" [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). This verse underscores the **singularity of purpose** and unwavering focus required for walking in wisdom's path, emphasizing that true wisdom permits no moral or spiritual deviation or compromise. It highlights the theme of **righteous living** as a deliberate, active choice, where one must not only embrace the good but also actively and decisively **avoid evil**. The recurring imagery of the "path" is a central motif, representing one's entire life journey and moral conduct, starkly contrasting the "path of the just" [Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Just") with the "way of the wicked" [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Way of the Wicked"). Finally, the verse speaks profoundly to **personal responsibility** in maintaining one's moral integrity and spiritual purity, necessitating a conscious and intentional redirection of one's steps away from anything that would corrupt, defile, or lead astray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** From H5186, this primitive root fundamentally means "to stretch or spread out," but crucially, it also carries the implication "to bend away" or "incline," encompassing moral deflection. In Proverbs 4:27, it conveys the imperative to avoid deviating from a straight path, emphasizing the need for direct, unwavering adherence to wisdom's way. It speaks to both physical and, more significantly, moral departure, urging the avoidance of any departure from the prescribed course of righteousness.
* **Remove (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** From H5493, this word signifies "to turn off" or "take away." It implies a decisive, active withdrawal, separation, or disengagement. Here, it is an imperative to physically and morally distance oneself from evil, not merely to avoid it passively, but to actively disengage and prevent any involvement, proximity, or lingering connection to sin. It demands a deliberate act of severance.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this comprehensive term describes anything bad, wicked, or harmful, whether in a natural or moral sense. It refers to that which is contrary to God's character and commands, leading to adversity, distress, grief, or destruction. The instruction is to remove one's foot from anything that falls under this broad category of moral corruption, destructive influence, or anything that displeases God, highlighting the comprehensive nature of what must be shunned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn not to the right hand nor to the left":** This injunction employs the vivid imagery of a straight path, urging the hearer not to deviate from the established course of righteousness and wisdom. It signifies a call for unwavering focus, singular devotion, and steadfast adherence to God's principles, avoiding any form of moral, spiritual, or doctrinal compromise or distraction. The "right hand" and "left hand" represent all possible deviations or extremes, implying that the path of wisdom is narrow, precise, and requires vigilant navigation.
* **"remove thy foot from evil":** This command is a direct, active imperative to decisively distance oneself from sin and its corrupting influences. The "foot" symbolically represents one's walk, actions, steps, and overall life's journey and conduct. To "remove thy foot from evil" means to proactively and decisively withdraw from any behavior, relationship, situation, or thought pattern that is morally corrupt, harmful, contrary to God's will, or leads to sin. It is a powerful call to active avoidance and complete separation from all forms of wickedness, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's moral trajectory and spiritual purity.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where life and moral conduct are consistently depicted as a "path" or "way." The instruction "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" uses this metaphor to represent the necessity of avoiding moral and spiritual deviation from the straight and narrow course of righteousness. This is further reinforced by the vivid **Imagery** of the "foot," which symbolizes one's actions, steps, and overall conduct in life. The phrase "remove thy foot from evil" is a powerful **Imperative** command, directly urging decisive and immediate action. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** in its structure, with the first clause (the prohibition against turning aside) setting up and reinforcing the second (the command to remove one's foot from evil), both underscoring the central theme of steadfastness and separation from sin. The overall tone is one of earnest **Exhortation**, a passionate and authoritative plea from a father to a son, designed to impress upon him the critical importance of unwavering moral integrity and spiritual vigilance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:27 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on holiness, separation, and the diligent pursuit of righteousness. Theologically, it underscores the truth that God's ways are distinct, pure, and demand exclusive adherence, allowing no room for compromise with the world's values, deceptive ideologies, or the insidious allure of sin. This verse calls believers to a life of intentional and active discipleship, where every step and decision is carefully weighed against divine standards, and evil is not merely passively avoided but actively and decisively shunned. It reflects the overarching biblical narrative of a covenant people called to be set apart, walking in obedience and purity, understanding that true flourishing and blessedness come from aligning one's entire being—thoughts, words, and actions—with God's perfect and holy will.

* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:27 offers profound and timeless guidance for navigating the complexities and temptations of modern life, urging believers to cultivate an unwavering commitment to God's truth amidst a world saturated with distractions, moral ambiguities, and competing narratives. In an age of information overload and relentless cultural pressures, the command "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" calls us to maintain a singular, undistracted focus on Christ and His authoritative teachings, resisting the pervasive temptation to compromise our convictions for popularity, personal comfort, or worldly success. This imperative demands active discernment of what influences our minds, shapes our hearts, and directs our actions—whether through media consumption, relationships, career pursuits, or leisure activities—and ensuring that these align unequivocally with biblical principles. Furthermore, "remove thy foot from evil" is a powerful call to proactive holiness and decisive moral action. It is not enough to passively avoid sin; we are commanded to decisively disengage from and physically or morally distance ourselves from anything that could lead us astray—unhealthy relationships, corrupting content, deceptive practices, or any form of spiritual compromise. This requires spiritual vigilance, courage to say a firm "no," and a daily, intentional commitment to walk in purity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and guard our hearts against every form of evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "right" or "left" deviations—subtle compromises or distractions—in my life might be pulling me away from God's intended path of righteousness?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to more actively and decisively "remove my foot from evil," rather than passively tolerating its presence or influence?**
* **How does my daily walk reflect a singular focus on Christ, and what practical, intentional steps can I take to strengthen this focus and commitment?**

### FAQ
**What does "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" mean in practical terms for a believer today?**

Answer: In practical terms, "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" means maintaining an unwavering, undiluted focus on God's revealed will and the path of righteousness, without deviation or compromise. For a believer today, this translates to:
1. **Moral Steadfastness:** This involves resisting the pervasive temptation to compromise biblical principles for convenience, social acceptance, or personal gain. It's about upholding truth, integrity, and ethical conduct in all circumstances, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly.
2. **Spiritual Focus:** This means actively avoiding distractions that pull one away from a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. This includes worldly pursuits, excessive entertainment, or even good things that, when idolized, become ultimate things, diverting attention from the "one thing needful" [Luke 10:42](/luke/10-42 "Luke 10:42 - The One Thing Needful").
3. **Doctrinal Purity:** It necessitates adhering faithfully to sound biblical doctrine and resisting false teachings or philosophies that subtly shift one's understanding of God, His Word, and His redemptive plan. It means staying firmly on the "apostles' doctrine" [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - Devotion to the Apostles' Doctrine") and the truth of the Gospel.

**How does "remove thy foot from evil" relate to personal responsibility?**

Answer: "Remove thy foot from evil" places a direct and profound emphasis on personal responsibility for one's moral and spiritual conduct. It implies that individuals possess agency and are fully accountable for the choices they make and the paths they choose to walk. This command is not a passive suggestion but an active, urgent imperative, highlighting that:
1. **Active Disengagement:** We are called to proactively identify and physically or morally distance ourselves from anything that is sinful, harmful, or contrary to God's will. This is not about waiting for evil to be removed from us, but about us decisively removing ourselves from its influence and presence.
2. **Conscious Choices:** It requires intentional, deliberate decision-making to avoid situations, relationships, or activities that could lead to sin, spiritual decay, or compromise. It's about vigilantly guarding our "walk" (our behavior, lifestyle, and overall trajectory) to ensure it aligns perfectly with God's holiness.
3. **Holiness as a Pursuit:** This command underscores that holiness is not merely the absence of sin but an active, dynamic pursuit of righteousness, involving decisive steps away from anything that defiles. It aligns powerfully with biblical calls to "flee fornication" [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") or "flee from idolatry" [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry"), demonstrating a personal and unwavering commitment to purity and devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:27 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the singular "Way, the Truth, and the Life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way"). While the Old Testament sage instructs his son to avoid turning "to the right hand nor to the left" and to "remove thy foot from evil," Jesus perfectly lived out this command in every aspect of His earthly existence. He never deviated from the Father's perfect will, even in the face of the most intense temptations in the wilderness [Matthew 4:1](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1 - Temptation in the Wilderness") or the agonizing prospect of the cross in Gethsemane [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Gethsemane Prayer"). His "foot" was never stained by evil; He was utterly "without sin" [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest"), offering Himself as the spotless Lamb. For believers, this proverb points us to Christ not only as our perfect example but, more profoundly, as our empowering Lord. We are called to "walk in the Spirit" [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk in the Spirit") and to "walk as Christ also walked" [1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Walk as Christ Walked"), empowered by His indwelling presence to turn from evil and stay resolutely on the narrow path that leads to eternal life [Matthew 7:14](/matthew/7-14 "Matthew 7:14 - The Narrow Way"). He is the one who enables us to remove our feet from evil's deceptive grip, having triumphed over sin, death, and all spiritual principalities through His cross [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities").

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

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Deuteronomy 28:14

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Proverbs 16:17

¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.