Matthew Henry on Proverbs 4:14-27

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it.

The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness.

The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it.

This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul.

Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life.

Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master.

Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.

More for Proverbs 4:14-27

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27Proverbs 4:1-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27Proverbs 4:1-27 · The Pulpit Commentary7. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24. This group…Cautions against Bad CompanyProverbs 4:14-19 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleCAUTIONS AGAINST BAD COMPANY. Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Proverbs 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14Proverbs 4:14 · The Pulpit CommentaryFrom admonition the father passes to warning. The connection with the preceding section is obvious. There are two ways diametrically opposite—the way of wisdom and the way of evil; the one the way of life, the other fra…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-19Proverbs 4:14-19 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH. It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1. Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2. We have a choice of paths before u…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-277. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24. This group…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryCautions against Bad CompanyCAUTIONS AGAINST BAD COMPANY. Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Proverbs 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-19The two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH. It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1. Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2. We have a choice of paths before u…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14From admonition the father passes to warning. The connection with the preceding section is obvious. There are two ways diametrically opposite—the way of wisdom and the way of evil; the one the way of life, the other fra…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:15Avoid 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; Pro…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:16This verse exhibits the extreme depravity and debasement into which "the wicked" (r'shaim) and "the evil" (raim) of Proverbs 4:14 have fallen. Their sins are not sins of frailty, but arise from premeditation and from th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:17For (ki, equivalent to the Greek γὰρ) is here explanatory. It serves not so much to introduce another independent statement, as one which accounts for the statement made in the preceding verse, that the wicked sleep no…Joseph S. Exell and contributors