What is the meaning of Proverbs 4:15? Avoid it “Avoid it” (Proverbs 4:15) calls for a deliberate refusal to enter the path of the wicked mentioned in verse 14. • Proverbs 4:14 warns, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked.” Avoidance means choosing ahead of time to steer clear of temptation. • Psalm 1:1 paints the same picture—blessing follows the one who “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:22 urges believers to “abstain from every form of evil,” reinforcing that godliness begins with a clear no. • Practical takeaway: identify people, places, and media that lure you toward sin and pre-decide to bypass them. Do not travel on it The command intensifies: “do not travel on it.” Even a short trip down the wrong road is dangerous. • Proverbs 1:10 cautions, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield,” showing how quickly curiosity can turn into participation. • 1 Corinthians 15:33 reminds us that “bad company corrupts good character,” so continuing on a sinful path will shape us for the worse. • Romans 13:14 counsels to “make no provision for the flesh,” meaning refuse all logistics that make sin easy. • Action point: break routines that place you on sinful ground—change your commute, schedule, or circle if needed. Turn from it If you find yourself near or on that path, Scripture’s solution is immediate course correction. • Isaiah 55:7 calls the wicked to “forsake his way” and promises mercy for those who turn back. • James 4:7–8 urges, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil…Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Proverbs 28:13 adds, “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” • Application: repentance is more than regret; it is a decisive pivot toward God. Pass on by Finally, “pass on by.” The picture is of continuing forward, unentangled, along the path of wisdom. • Hebrews 12:1–2 calls believers to “run with endurance the race set out for us,” keeping eyes fixed on Jesus. • Philippians 3:13–14 presses us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead,” refusing detours. • Psalm 119:101 testifies, “I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might keep Your word.” • Tip: replace forbidden paths with purposeful steps—service, fellowship, worship, and Scripture meditation keep momentum toward righteousness. summary Proverbs 4:15 strings together four rapid commands—avoid, don’t travel, turn, and pass on—that together form a comprehensive strategy for holiness. The verse urges advance planning to shun evil, rejection of any flirtation with it, swift repentance if we wander, and ongoing pursuit of the righteous road. Obedience to these imperatives shelters us from the ruin of sin and keeps our feet steady in the way of life. |
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