Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

PROVERBS 4:15KJV
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Proverbs 4:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 4:15 mean?

Proverbs 4:15 urges the reader to completely avoid the path of evil, making it clear not to even go near it, but instead to deliberately turn away and keep moving past it. The verse uses strong language to emphasize that wisdom means not just resisting temptation, but actively steering clear of situations where evil is present.

In this section, a father is speaking to his child, giving practical advice about how to live wisely and avoid trouble. The verse is part of a larger warning about the dangers of following wicked people or getting caught up in their ways. The language is direct and repetitive to stress just how important it is to keep away from anything that could lead to harm or wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 4:15

  • "Avoid" (פָּרַע, pāraʿ, H6544) often means to stay away from or to let go of something. Here, it suggests a deliberate act of separating oneself from the path of evil, not just a passive avoidance.
  • "Pass" (עָבַר, ʿāvar, H5674) is used twice in this verse, meaning to go past or move beyond. The repetition underlines the idea of not lingering or being curious, but moving right along without getting involved.
  • "Turn" (שָׂטָה, sāṭāh, H7847) means to turn aside or deviate. In this context, it adds another layer, telling the listener not just to walk past, but to actively change direction to avoid the danger.

Why Proverbs 4:15 matters

  • Proverbs 4:15 makes it clear that wisdom involves more than just saying "no" to evil; it means taking real steps to avoid even the opportunity for trouble.
  • The verse's strong, repeated commands show that the writer sees the danger as serious and urgent, not something to be taken lightly or approached casually.
  • This advice fits into the wider message of Proverbs 4, where the father is urging his child to value wisdom and make careful choices, highlighting the importance of both intention and action in living wisely.

Where else these words appear

“turn” Hebrew H7847 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 5:12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,
  • Numbers 5:19 And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:
  • Numbers 5:29 This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;

“Avoid” Hebrew H6544 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.