Proverbs 4:15

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 4:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.
Proverbs 4:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Avoid it, etc.] As dangerous and pernicious, as abominable and detestable; or, “flee from it”, as the Vulgate Latin version: Jarchi and Gersom interpret it, “make it void”; cause it to cease, destroy it, do all you can to hinder the wicked from accomplishing their designs; pass not by it; do not come near it; keep at a distance from it, that you may not be drawn into it; abstain from all appearance of evil, and everything that may lead to it; turn from it, and pass away; the Targum adds, “from them”, from wicked men. This heap of words is used to show the danger of bad company; to dissuade from the least approach to it; and to express the vehement desire of the wise man to preserve his son,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 15:1-5; Psalms 24:1-10; Psalms 37:0. Proverbs 4:7 Or, “The beginning of wisdom is - get wisdom.” To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain. Proverbs 4:12 The ever-recurring parable of the journey of life. In the way of wisdom the path is clear and open, obstacles disappear; in the quickest activity (“when thou runnest”) there is no risk of falling. Proverbs 4:13 She is thy life - Another parallel between personified Wisdom in this book and the Incarnate Wisdom in John 1:4. Proverbs 4:16 A fearful stage of debasement. Sin is the condition without…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 5:8, Pro 6:5; Exo 23:7; Job 11:14, Job 22:23; Isa 33:15; Eph 5:11; Th1 5:22 Proverbs 4:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification