Proverbs Chapter 4
The Path of the Just and the Way of the Wicked
A. A Father Teaches His Children
(Proverbs 4:1–2)
“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.”
Solomon begins this chapter with a tender and earnest appeal to his children, urging them to listen to his instruction. Previously in Proverbs, Solomon often addressed “my son,” perhaps emphasizing the principal heir, but now the call is widened to “my children.” This shows that wisdom is not restricted to one successor or favored child, but is a heritage to be passed to all. The family, as established by God, remains the primary place where instruction and discipline should be given. Solomon models the biblical pattern of the home as the center of spiritual formation, consistent with the command of Deuteronomy 6:6–9: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”
The command to “give attention to know understanding” implies that Solomon’s hearers were not naturally inclined to receive instruction. Human pride resists correction, even when it comes from a loving father. Yet godly parents must persist, patiently teaching and appealing to their children’s hearts. The responsibility to train children remains, even when they seem unwilling to listen, because God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
Solomon then says, “For I give you good doctrine.” He was confident that what he taught was not merely his opinion, but sound, scriptural truth rooted in divine wisdom. Because of this, he could command with authority, “Do not forsake my law.” The word “law” here (Hebrew torah) refers to instruction or guidance, meaning that the wisdom of a godly parent mirrors God’s own instruction when it is rooted in His Word. Fathers who walk with God can rightly urge their children to obey, for they are transmitting not their own ideas but God’s revealed principles of life and righteousness.
(Proverbs 4:3–5)
“For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.”
Solomon looks back to his own upbringing under his father, King David. This remembrance carries emotional and moral weight, for David was Israel’s greatest earthly king and a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Solomon recalls the tender care of his mother, Bathsheba, and the spiritual training of his father. Though Bathsheba bore other sons (1 Chronicles 3:5), Solomon was uniquely chosen by God to inherit the throne. His position as “the only one in the sight of my mother” speaks of the special affection and divine purpose surrounding his birth, similar to how Isaac was uniquely called Abraham’s “only son” in Genesis 22:2.
Solomon emphasizes that his father “taught” him. David’s instructions carried both affection and authority, revealing that genuine fatherhood combines love with guidance. As the psalmist said in Psalm 34:11, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” David taught Solomon that obedience to divine commands leads to life: “Keep my commandments, and live.” This principle echoes Deuteronomy 30:19–20: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: that thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.”
David’s first charge to Solomon was not the imparting of knowledge, but the cultivation of the heart—“Let thine heart retain my words.” The heart must be prepared before wisdom can take root. An unreceptive heart is like hard soil where no seed can grow (Matthew 13:19). Every father, therefore, must labor not only to instruct his children’s minds but to shape their hearts toward obedience and reverence.
David then urged, “Get wisdom, get understanding.” This is a call to active pursuit, not passive reception. The word “get” in Hebrew (qanah) means “to acquire” or “to buy.” It implies cost and sacrifice. True wisdom must be sought intentionally, even at great personal expense. As Proverbs 16:16 declares, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” The greatest treasure is not material wealth but divine insight into life’s spiritual realities.
Waltke observes that “get wisdom” carries the sense of acquiring through deliberate transaction, meaning one must be willing to give up lesser things for the sake of spiritual gain. Likewise, Wiersbe notes that there is always a price to pay for the knowledge of God, whether in time, humility, or discipline. Yet the cost is incomparable to its reward. James 1:5 assures, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Finally, Solomon warns, “Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” Wisdom once gained must be guarded. It is possible to begin in truth and later turn aside from it, as the tragic example of Solomon’s own later years shows (1 Kings 11:1–10). Early wisdom and divine favor can be forfeited through disobedience. This is why the pursuit of wisdom must be lifelong, rooted in daily obedience and remembrance of God’s Word.
The Path of the Just and the Way of the Wicked
B. The Benefits and Security of Wisdom
(Proverbs 4:6–9)
“Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.”
Solomon continues his recollection of the godly instruction he received from his father David, passing the same truths to his own children. The command “Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee” expresses a covenant relationship between the seeker and wisdom. Wisdom, personified here as a noble woman, will guard and sustain those who remain loyal to her. To “love her” is to treasure God’s truth, to cling to it with affection and faithfulness. The verb “keep” means to guard or protect; thus, Solomon teaches that love for divine wisdom results in divine protection.
In this passage, wisdom is portrayed both as a beloved bride to be cherished and as a powerful protector who rewards her companion. This feminine personification underscores intimacy and loyalty. The believer’s relationship to wisdom is not cold or intellectual but heartfelt and relational. When one forsakes wisdom, he steps outside of the boundaries of divine protection and exposes himself to the snares of folly and sin. As Proverbs 2:11–12 teaches, “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.”
When Solomon declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing,” he asserts its supreme value above all earthly pursuits. People often chase after wealth, recognition, or pleasure, believing these to be the highest good. Yet God’s Word teaches that wisdom, which begins with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7), is the most essential possession. Everything else is secondary. The phrase “with all thy getting get understanding” means that no matter what one acquires in life, understanding of God’s ways should remain the foremost pursuit. Material success without spiritual discernment leads to ruin, but understanding governed by the fear of God leads to righteousness and peace.
“Exalt her, and she shall promote thee.” Those who honor wisdom will themselves be honored. True exaltation comes from God, not from self-promotion. When one elevates divine truth in his priorities, God in turn exalts that person in due time. This is consistent with James 4:10, which declares, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The rewards of wisdom include promotion, honor, grace, and glory. Solomon knew this firsthand, for his own early reign was blessed with wisdom, wealth, and peace as a result of his humble request for understanding (1 Kings 3:9–13).
“She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” The imagery here evokes a coronation. Wisdom bestows dignity and divine favor upon those who embrace her. The “ornament of grace” refers to beauty and spiritual adornment that flows from righteous living. The “crown of glory” symbolizes lasting honor that comes from walking in God’s truth. As 2 Timothy 4:8 reminds believers, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” The world crowns its heroes with temporary splendor, but wisdom grants eternal honor to those who love and obey her.
(Proverbs 4:10–13)
“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Having recounted the wisdom handed down from his father David, Solomon now turns to his own son and resumes his personal exhortation. The appeal begins again with, “Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings.” True wisdom begins with a teachable spirit. To “receive” is to accept not only the words but the authority and correction behind them. The promise that “the years of thy life shall be many” is both a general truth and a moral principle. A life governed by righteousness tends toward peace, health, and longevity, while a life of sin leads to destruction. This principle echoes Exodus 20:12: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Solomon could confidently say, “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.” A wise parent not only speaks truth but also walks in it. Solomon modeled what he taught, showing his son the way through his own life and experience. The phrase “way of wisdom” suggests a deliberate, well-traveled path marked by God’s direction. As Psalm 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” To lead a child in right paths is to provide both instruction and example, shaping not only the intellect but the character.
“When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.” This imagery conveys stability and freedom. To walk in wisdom is to move confidently through life without hindrance. The word “straitened” means restricted or confined, implying that wisdom broadens the path and clears obstacles from the way. In contrast, sin and folly lead to entanglement and ruin. As Psalm 119:45 declares, “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” When one runs with divine understanding, he moves swiftly and surely toward God’s purposes, unhindered by the snares of error or pride.
Solomon concludes this section with a strong exhortation: “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Wisdom must be gripped tightly because the world, the flesh, and the devil all conspire to make men let go of her. The call to “take fast hold” conveys determination and endurance. It reflects the same spiritual perseverance described in Philippians 3:13–14: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
To “keep her, for she is thy life” emphasizes that wisdom is not optional—it is vital. It is the breath and strength of the soul, preserving spiritual vitality and moral direction. Without it, man wanders aimlessly toward destruction. Bridges aptly observes that this exhortation recognizes the constant struggle to retain our principles; novelty may excite temporary interest, but only a steadfast heart will endure in the path of wisdom. Therefore, Solomon urges his reader to guard wisdom as one would guard his own life.
The Path of the Just and the Way of the Wicked
C. Keeping the Heart Away from the Path of the Wicked
(Proverbs 4:14–15)
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”
Solomon now turns from describing the blessings of wisdom to warning against the dangers of wickedness. He commands his children, “Enter not into the path of the wicked.” The emphasis is preventative—wisdom does not merely call us to resist evil once we are entangled in it, but to avoid ever stepping onto that path at all. The surest way to remain pure is to never begin in compromise. Once the first step is taken toward sin, momentum and temptation make the next steps easier and more destructive. Thus, Solomon’s warning is absolute: “Do not walk in the way of evil.”
The Hebrew phrasing intensifies the call: avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. This repetition conveys urgency and complete separation. To “avoid” means to turn aside deliberately, while “pass not by it” warns against curiosity or casual proximity. Sin’s first invitation is always subtle and appealing, but it leads down a treacherous road from which it becomes increasingly hard to depart. The Apostle Paul expresses the same truth in Romans 13:14: “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” The wise man takes no chances with evil; he flees from it before its grip can tighten.
As Clarke rightly notes, one should never associate with those whose lives are marked by sin or rebellion against God. The company we keep shapes our course. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Sin spreads by influence and imitation, and the only sure safeguard is to turn decisively away. The one who obeys this command walks in safety; the one who toys with evil will soon find himself ensnared.
(Proverbs 4:16–19)
“For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
Here Solomon explains why the path of the wicked must be shunned—it consumes those who walk it. “For they sleep not, except they have done mischief.” The wicked are enslaved to their sin; evil becomes their obsession and sustenance. Their rest depends on doing harm. This is not mere exaggeration but an intentional use of hyperbole to portray the compulsive nature of sin. Just as a starving man cannot sleep until he eats, so the sinner cannot rest until he indulges his corruption. They “eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence,” meaning sin is their daily nourishment. Their pleasure and sustenance are found in cruelty, deceit, and destruction.
The Psalmist observed this same depravity in Psalm 36:4: “He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.” This addiction to evil reveals the depth of man’s fallen nature. As Kidner notes, Scripture does not hide the fact that some men become as zealous for wickedness as others are for righteousness. Sin, once cultivated, rules with tyrannical power. It enslaves the mind, corrupts the affections, and blinds the conscience. Trapp aptly compares this to slavery under a cruel taskmaster—Satan drives his servants mercilessly, giving them no peace until they have done his bidding.
In contrast, “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” The life of the righteous is compared to the sunrise. At first, the light is faint, but it grows steadily stronger until the full brightness of day. This is the progression of sanctification in the believer’s life. The longer one walks with God, the clearer his understanding, the stronger his faith, and the brighter his testimony. Each day brings greater illumination as he draws nearer to the perfect day—either the fullness of maturity in Christ or the eternal day when the redeemed dwell in the light of His glory.
This beautiful image portrays the difference between the righteous and the wicked in terms of spiritual vision and growth. Clarke describes it as the grand illumination of heaven, not the fleeting spark of a meteor or candle. Waltke observes that the Hebrew word nogah denotes the brilliance of celestial light, free from clouds or shadows. In the life of the just, there is continual increase of spiritual clarity, peace, and joy. As 2 Samuel 23:4 declares, “And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.”
By contrast, “the way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” Darkness represents ignorance, confusion, and danger. The wicked are blind to both their sin and its consequences. They stumble through life without discernment, unable to see what lies ahead or why they fall. One of the enemy’s chief deceptions is to hide the end of the path—to make sin seem harmless and appealing while concealing its ruin. The Apostle John summarizes this truth in John 3:19–20: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
Therefore, Solomon’s admonition is clear and urgent: stay far from the path of the wicked, for it leads only to blindness and destruction. Choose instead the path of the just, where each step grows brighter in the light of God’s wisdom until it reaches its full and glorious perfection.
The Path of the Just and the Way of the Wicked
D. A Plea to Listen and Guard the Heart
(Proverbs 4:20–22)
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”
Once again Solomon pleads tenderly, “My son, attend to my words.” He emphasizes the need for intentional listening, not casual hearing. Wisdom requires attention, focus, and reverence toward the truth of God. The phrase “incline thine ear” pictures a deliberate effort to lean in toward instruction. The heart of a wise learner is eager to understand and humble enough to listen. This is not the passive hearing of one who merely acknowledges sound, but the active reception of divine truth.
Solomon warns, “Let them not depart from thine eyes.” The eyes represent focus and constancy. What we continually look upon shapes our desires and direction. As Psalm 119:37 prays, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.” When the eyes are fixed upon God’s Word, the path remains straight. In like manner, “keep them in the midst of thine heart.” The heart here represents the inner person—the seat of thought, will, and affection. True wisdom is not external compliance but internal transformation. If the Word of God is not hidden in the heart, it will soon be forgotten in life.
The reason for this command is clear: “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” The teachings of divine wisdom bring both spiritual vitality and physical well-being. The Word of God nourishes the soul and, through its moral influence, often promotes peace of mind and physical strength. As Deuteronomy 32:46–47 declares, “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day... For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” A neglected Bible leads to a weakened spirit, but a heart filled with God’s Word thrives in life and godliness. Bridges wisely remarks, “A neglected Bible is the melancholy proof of a heart alienated from God.” The one who treasures God’s Word within his heart finds that it becomes both his strength and his healing.
(Proverbs 4:23)
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
This verse stands as one of the most central and profound statements in the entire book of Proverbs. It is both a command and a principle—a command to guard the heart and a principle explaining why such vigilance is essential. “Keep thy heart” means to watch over, guard, and preserve it. The heart, in biblical thought, is not merely the seat of emotion but the core of one’s being—the control center of thought, conscience, desire, and decision. Everything flows from it. Solomon’s instruction connects directly with the prior verse: since wisdom must dwell “in the midst of thine heart,” the heart must be protected from all that could corrupt it.
The command comes “with all diligence.” The Hebrew phrase implies continuous effort, constant vigilance, and careful defense. The heart is a battleground where spiritual life and death are decided. Every temptation seeks access through it. As Bridges observes, “As Satan keeps special watch here, so must we keep special watch as well. If the citadel is taken, the whole town must surrender.” The imagery is military: the heart is the fortress of the soul. To lose it to the enemy is to lose everything.
This command also assumes a heart worth guarding. Under the New Covenant, God promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). The believer, therefore, guards not the old, deceitful heart of sin, but the renewed heart transformed by grace—a heart indwelt by the Holy Spirit and capable of true obedience. The duty of the Christian is to protect this heart from corruption and distraction so that it remains wholly devoted to God.
“For out of it are the issues of life.” The heart is the source and fountain of every word, thought, and action. Just as a spring determines the purity of the stream that flows from it, so the condition of the heart determines the quality of one’s life. If the spring is polluted, every outflow will be contaminated. As Waltke notes, “The metaphor implies not only that life has its fountains in the heart, but also that the direction which it takes is determined by the heart.” Jesus echoed this truth in Luke 6:45: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Wiersbe further warns that the heart must be guarded against a double heart (Psalm 12:2), a hard heart (Proverbs 28:14), a proud heart (Proverbs 21:4), an unbelieving heart (Hebrews 3:12), a cold heart (Matthew 24:12), and an unclean heart (Psalm 51:10). To neglect this vigilance is to invite moral collapse. If the wellspring of the soul becomes contaminated, the infection spreads to every area of life—private and public alike. As Wiersbe soberly puts it, “If we pollute that wellspring, the infection will spread; before long, hidden appetites will become open sins and public shame.”
This command to keep the heart also exposes the false promise of sin. The wicked path appears fun, pleasant, and satisfying, but it leads only to bondage and ruin. God’s commandments are not barriers to happiness—they are boundaries for blessing. The same God who designed man’s heart knows what brings it true joy. Therefore, though guarding the heart may sometimes mean saying “no” to fleeting pleasures, it is the only way to sustain a life of lasting peace and delight. As Psalm 119:2 declares, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
The believer who diligently guards his heart enjoys a life that flows like a pure, bountiful spring—clear, refreshing, and full of vitality. The heart set upon wisdom is not confined but liberated; it becomes the fountain of spiritual strength and joy. In contrast, the unguarded heart becomes a stagnant pool of corruption. Only by constant watchfulness, guided by God’s Word and strengthened by His Spirit, can the believer maintain a heart that is truly alive unto God.
The Path of the Just and the Way of the Wicked
E. A Plea to Stay on the Right Path
(Proverbs 4:24–27)
“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”
Having spoken of guarding the heart, Solomon now turns to the outward expressions of life—the mouth, the eyes, and the feet. Each of these reflects what is already in the heart, and together they determine the course of a person’s path. To remain steadfast in righteousness, one must exercise discipline over every part of the body, yielding each member to the Lord’s control.
“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” The first instruction concerns speech. The mouth reveals the state of the heart, for as the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 12:34, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Deceitful and corrupt words spring from a corrupt nature. Therefore, the believer who desires to stay on the straight path must discipline his tongue to speak truth and purity. Falsehood, flattery, gossip, and perverse speech are not merely idle words—they are indicators of inward deviation from wisdom. When deceitful talk becomes habitual, it erodes integrity and leads one into further wickedness.
Solomon’s admonition is consistent with Ephesians 4:29, which commands, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.” When speech is restrained by righteousness, the heart remains protected, for words shape thought. As Ross rightly observed, “Righteousness will control the tongue, avoiding twisted and crooked speech.” Kidner insightfully adds that careless or cynical speech hardens into lasting patterns of thought. Indeed, speech and conduct are bound together; the man who guards his mouth also guards his life (Proverbs 13:3).
“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” This verse deals with focus and direction. Many fall from the path of righteousness not because of outright rebellion, but through distraction. The eyes represent the windows of desire and intention; where they look, the body follows. If the gaze wanders toward temptation, the steps will soon follow. Thus Solomon exhorts his son to fix his vision firmly forward, undistracted by the enticements of the world or the allurements of sin.
Jesus applied this principle in Luke 9:62: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The one who constantly glances backward or sideways cannot walk straight. In the same way that horses wear blinders to maintain focus on the road ahead, the believer must keep his spiritual eyes fixed upon Christ. Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to be “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Only by maintaining this steadfast gaze can we avoid veering from the path of life.
“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” To ponder means to weigh carefully or consider thoughtfully. It is the habit of the wise to examine where each step leads before taking it. Many spiritual shipwrecks occur not because men choose open rebellion, but because they act without reflection. The godly life demands vigilance and self-examination. David prayed in Psalm 119:59, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” When we pause to consider whether our current course aligns with God’s truth, we establish our ways in righteousness.
The imagery of “feet” emphasizes progress and daily conduct. Waltke notes that “Your foot calls attention to every step taken in the road of life.” The believer’s journey is not one of occasional decisions but a continual walk. Each step should be measured by the standard of divine wisdom. When one’s path is carefully considered, the result is stability: “let all thy ways be established.” This means that our course is made firm and reliable, guided by God’s unchanging truth rather than fleeting emotion or worldly influence.
Finally, Solomon concludes with a comprehensive command: “Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” The way of wisdom is straight and narrow, not broad or shifting. To turn aside even slightly invites deviation and compromise. As Garrett notes, this instruction echoes 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.” Similarly, Joshua 23:6 warns, “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”
The wise man walks with precision and purity, refusing to be distracted or seduced by sin. To “remove thy foot from evil” is to take decisive action when temptation presents itself. It is not enough to admire righteousness; one must act upon it. When evil appears on the path, the godly man withdraws his steps immediately, as Joseph did when fleeing from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12). In so doing, his feet remain steadfast, his eyes remain clear, and his heart remains pure.
In these final verses of the chapter, Solomon paints a vivid portrait of the life directed by divine wisdom: a guarded mouth, focused eyes, deliberate steps, and unwavering direction. Such a life honors God, resists corruption, and walks confidently in the light of righteousness. The believer who follows this counsel will find his way secure and his path illuminated, walking steadily toward the perfect day of divine fellowship and eternal reward.
