Proverbs 4:16

16 For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is taken away, and they rest not.

Proverbs 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief
Or they cannot sleep, as Jarchi and Gersom interpret it. Oftentimes they cannot sleep on their beds for devising mischief, their thoughts are so intensely set on contriving wicked schemes; and when they have so done, they cannot sleep until they have executed them; they are continually restless and uneasy day and night, like the troubled sea, constantly casting up mire and dirt. Who would keep such company as these? and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall;
into the snares and traps they lay for them, or into sin and calamity by it; the former of which they endeavour by all means to draw men into, and the latter is the unavoidable consequence of it. They imitate their father the devil, both delight in sin, and in the ruin of their fellow creatures; it is a sport to thereto do mischief, and they have no pleasure without it; see ( Proverbs 11:23 ) . What company are such!

Proverbs 4:16 In-Context

14 Go not in the ways of the ungodly, neither covet the ways of transgressors.

15 In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, go not thither; but turn from them, and pass away.

16 For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is taken away, and they rest not.

17 For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with wine of transgression.

18 But the ways of the righteous shine like light; they go on and shine, until the day be fully come.