Proverbs 4:10-19

Proverbs 4:10-19

[10] Hear,  O my son,  and receive  my sayings;  and the years  of thy life  shall be many.  [11] I have taught  thee in the way  of wisdom;  I have led  thee in right  paths.  [12] thy steps  shall not be straitened;  and when thou runnest,  thou shalt not stumble.  [13] Take fast hold  of instruction;  let her not go:  keep  her; for she is thy life.  [14] Enter  not into the path  of the wicked,  and go  not in the way  of evil  [15] Avoid  it, pass  not by it, turn  from it, and pass away.  [16] For they sleep  not, except they have done mischief;  and their sleep  is taken away,  unless they cause some to fall.  [17] For they eat  the bread  of wickedness,  and drink  the wine  of violence.  [18] But the path  of the just  is as the shining  light,  that shineth  more  and more unto the perfect  day.  [19] The way  of the wicked  is as darkness:  they know  not at what they stumble. 

What does Proverbs 4:10-19 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In Proverbs 4:10-19, two paths again lie before the youth: the way of wisdom ( Proverbs 4:10-13) and the way of folly (the way of the wicked; Proverbs 4:14-17). [1]
"Upright" paths ( Proverbs 4:11) are straightforward ways of behaving, morally and practically. God"s way is the best route to take (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). It offers the fewest potholes, detours, and dangers. God"s commands are similar to the lines on modern highways. They help travelers stay on the proper part of the road so they do not have accidents, but instead arrive safely at the right destination.
"The road metaphor does not depict life from the cradle to the grave, but the road to eternal life versus the road to eternal death." [2]
One writer restated Proverbs 4:14-15 as follows.
"Don"t take the first step, for you may not be master of your destiny thereafter." [3]
A person can become as zealous for evil as for good. However, this is upside down morality ( Proverbs 4:16; cf. Romans 14:21). Another writer commented on Proverbs 4:16-17 in these words.
"How sick to find peace only at the price of another man"s misfortune!" [4]
This section closes with another summary comparison ( Proverbs 4:18-19; cf. Proverbs 1:32-33; Proverbs 2:21-22; Proverbs 3:35).
"With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures." [5]
The main opposing elements set in contrast in Proverbs 4:10-19 alternate between safety and danger, and between certainty and uncertainty.