Proverbs 4:16

“For they sleep not, except they have done mischief, etc.] 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…”

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

“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…”

“For - They cannot sleep with quietness. Proverbs 4:17”

“4:16 The wicked stay up at night to plan evil (Ps 36:4; Mic 2:1).”

“Pro 1:16; Psa 36:4; Isa 57:20; Mic 2:1; Luk 22:66; Joh 18:28; Pe2 2:14 Proverbs 4:17”