Avoid it;
This phrase emphasizes the importance of actively steering clear of the path of the wicked. In biblical context, the "it" refers to the way of evil or sinful behavior. The Book of Proverbs often contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of folly, urging believers to choose the former. The Hebrew word for "avoid" suggests a deliberate action, indicating that one must make a conscious decision to stay away from sin. This aligns with the teachings found in Psalm 1:1, which advises against walking in the counsel of the wicked.

do not travel on it.
This part of the verse reinforces the idea of not engaging with or participating in sinful activities. The imagery of traveling suggests a journey or a lifestyle choice. In ancient times, roads and paths were significant as they connected cities and people, symbolizing the direction of one's life. The instruction here is to not even begin a journey on the path of wickedness. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14, where He speaks of the narrow gate and the difficult path that leads to life, contrasting it with the broad road that leads to destruction.

Turn from it
The call to "turn" implies repentance, a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Repentance involves a change of mind and direction, moving away from sin and towards God. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, such as in Ezekiel 18:30, where God calls His people to repent and turn from their offenses. The act of turning away from evil is a proactive step in pursuing righteousness and aligns with the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus, who both preached repentance as essential for entering the Kingdom of God.

and pass on by.
This final phrase suggests not only avoiding and turning from the path of wickedness but also continuing on one's journey without delay. It implies perseverance in the pursuit of righteousness. The idea of passing by can be seen in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, where they were instructed to avoid certain nations and continue on their God-ordained path (Deuteronomy 2:4-6). In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call to focus on the heavenly goal, as Paul describes in Philippians 3:13-14, pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1. Solomon
The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, is traditionally believed to have written this book to impart wisdom and guidance.

2. The Path of the Wicked
This metaphorical path represents the way of life that leads away from God and righteousness.

3. The Righteous Path
Implicit in the text, this is the path that believers are encouraged to follow, in contrast to the path of the wicked.Discernment in Choices
As believers, we must exercise discernment in the paths we choose, ensuring they align with God's will.

Active Avoidance
The verse emphasizes not just avoiding evil but actively turning away and passing by, indicating a proactive stance against sin.

The Importance of Vigilance
Constant vigilance is necessary to recognize and avoid the subtle temptations that lead us astray.

The Role of Wisdom
Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture helps us identify and avoid the paths that lead to destruction.

Community Support
Engaging with a community of believers can provide accountability and encouragement to stay on the righteous path.Verse 15. - Avoid it; p'raehu, the kal imperative of para, properly, "to let go," hence "to reject, or abhor." (On the verb, see Proverbs 1:25, where it is rendered, "set at naught.") The same verb also occurs in Proverbs 8:33; Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:32. It; i.e. the way. The suffix of the verb in the original is feminine, "avoid her;" derek, "the way," being common. Turn from it (s'teh mealayv). The original is a pregnant expression equivalent to "turn aside from it, so that you do not come to stand upon it." The word mealayv, equivalent to the Latin desuper ea, has much the same force as the French de dessus and the Italian di sopra (Delitzsch). The verb satah is, as in the Authorized Version, "to turn, or go aside." Pass away; avor, kal imperative of avar, "to pass over," equivalent to Latin transire, here means "to pass on, or along," "to go beyond," like the German Ger weiter gehn. The counsel of the father is not only "turn aside from," but "put the greatest possible distance between you and it." The injunction, so absolutely stated, to have nothing to do with sin, is required, if not indeed prompted, by the knowledge of the fact that youth, confident in its own power of resistance, frequently indulges in the fatal mistake of imagining that it can dally with sin with impunity. The only course compatible with safety is to entirely avoid it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Avoid it;
פְּרָעֵ֥הוּ (pə·rā·‘ê·hū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6544: To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

travel on it.
תַּעֲבָר־ (ta·‘ă·ḇār-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

Turn
שְׂטֵ֖ה (śə·ṭêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7847: To deviate from duty

from it
מֵעָלָ֣יו (mê·‘ā·lāw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and pass on by.
וַעֲבֽוֹר׃ (wa·‘ă·ḇō·wr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it and don't pass by it (Prov. Pro Pr)