Proverbs 4

13. (Compare Proverbs 3:18 ). The figure of laying hold with the hand suggests earnest effort.

14. (Compare Psalms 1:1 ). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.

16, 17. The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted ( Proverbs 6:4 , Psalms 36:5 ). They live by flagrant vices ( Proverbs 1:13 ). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16 , 34:7 ).

18, 19. As shining light increases from twilight to noonday splendor, so the course of the just increases in purity, but that of the wicked is as thickest darkness, in which one knows not on what he stumbles.

20-22. (Compare Proverbs 4:10 Proverbs 4:13 , Proverbs 3:8 , &c.).

22. health . . . flesh--by preserving from vices destructive of health.

23. with all diligence--or, "above," or "more than all," custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Ezekiel 38:7 ), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character ( Matthew 12:35 , 15:19 ).

24. a froward mouth--that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used ( Proverbs 2:15 , 3:32 ).
perverse--or, "quarreling."
lips--or, "words."

25. Let . . . before thee--that is, pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations.

26. Ponder--Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.

27. (Compare Proverbs 4:25 ). Avoid all by-paths of evil ( Deuteronomy 2:27 , 17:11 ). A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct.