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Proverbs 4:27

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Proverbs 4:27

Proverbs chapter 4 serves as a passionate appeal from a father (likely Solomon) to his son, urging him to embrace and pursue wisdom above all else. This chapter builds upon the foundational teachings of earlier chapters, emphasizing wisdom not as mere knowledge, but as a guiding principle for life that leads to life, prosperity, and peace. Verse 27 acts as a concluding summary and a powerful exhortation following specific instructions to guard one's heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23), and to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips (Proverbs 4:24). It's the practical culmination of the advice given earlier in the chapter about walking in the path of righteousness, specifically advising to ponder the path of thy feet (Proverbs 4:26).

Key Themes in Proverbs 4:27

  • Unwavering Focus on Righteousness: The command "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" signifies a call for absolute commitment and singularity of purpose. It implies a need to stay strictly on the path of wisdom and righteousness, avoiding any deviation or compromise. This echoes the sentiment found in Deuteronomy 5:32 concerning adherence to God's commandments.
  • Active Avoidance of Evil: "Remove thy foot from evil" is a direct, imperative instruction to physically and morally distance oneself from anything that is sinful, harmful, or morally corrupt. It's not passive avoidance, but an active, decisive step away from sin and its influences. This theme resonates with the concept of not walking in the counsel of the ungodly found in Psalm 1:1.
  • The Straight Path: The imagery of not turning right or left reinforces the biblical concept of a clear, narrow path of life that leads to good, contrasting with the broad ways that lead to destruction. This is powerfully illustrated in the New Testament by Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate and the broad way in Matthew 7:13-14.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left" is lo' tiṭṭeh yemîn ûśemō'l, which literally means "do not incline/turn aside right or left." This emphasizes a precise and direct adherence to the prescribed way, without wavering. The phrase "remove thy foot from evil" comes from haṣēr raglekā mēra‘, meaning "turn away your foot from evil" or "keep your foot from evil." It conveys a proactive and decisive action to withdraw from or prevent engagement with evil.

Practical Application for Today

Proverbs 4:27 offers timeless wisdom for navigating modern life. It calls believers to:

  • Maintain Moral Integrity: In a world filled with moral ambiguities and temptations, this verse urges a firm stance against compromise. It encourages making choices that align with biblical principles, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
  • Guard Against Distractions: The "right hand nor to the left" can represent the countless distractions, temptations, and philosophies that pull us away from God's truth. This includes digital temptations, unhealthy relationships, or worldly pursuits that divert us from a life of purpose and righteousness.
  • Actively Shun Evil: "Remove thy foot from evil" means being intentional about disengaging from harmful content, conversations, or activities. It's a call to identify and decisively step away from anything that could lead to sin or spiritual decay, fostering a life of holiness and purity (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 5:32 (14 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (7 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 1:16 (5 votes)

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

  • Romans 12:9 (3 votes)

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