Proverbs 4:14-27

Common English Bible

¹⁴ Don’t go on the way of the wicked;
    don’t walk on the path of evil people.
¹⁵ Avoid it! Don’t turn onto it;
    stay off of it and keep going!
¹⁶ They don’t sleep unless they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of evil,
    and they drink the wine of violence.
¹⁸ The way of the righteous is like morning light
    that gets brighter and brighter till it is full day.
¹⁹ The path of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they don’t know where they will stumble.

²⁰ My son, pay attention to my words.
    Bend your ear to my speech.
²¹ Don’t let them slip from your sight.
    Guard them in your mind.
²² They are life to those who find them,
    and healing for their entire body.
²³ More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.
²⁴ Have nothing to do with a corrupt mouth;
    keep devious lips far from you.
²⁵ Focus your eyes straight ahead;
    keep your gaze on what is in front of you.
²⁶ Watch your feet on the way,
    and all your paths will be secure.
²⁷ Don’t deviate a bit to the right or the left;
    turn your feet away from evil.