Proverbs 4:14-27

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁴ Keep off the path of the wicked;^(A)
don’t proceed on the way of evil ones.
¹⁵ Avoid it; don’t travel on it.
Turn away from it, and pass it by.
¹⁶ For they can’t sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep
unless they make someone stumble.^(B)
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,^(C)
shining brighter and brighter until midday.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;^(D)
they don’t know what makes them stumble.^(E)

²⁰ My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.^(F)
21 Don’t lose sight of them;^(G)
keep them within your heart.
²² For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Guard your heart above all else,^[a]
for it is the source of life.^(H)
24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,^(I)
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
²⁵ Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze^[b] straight ahead.^(J)
26 Carefully consider the path^[c] for your feet,^(K)
and all your ways will be established.
²⁷ Don’t turn to the right or to the left;^(L)
keep your feet away from evil.