Proverbs 4:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 4:16 mean?

Proverbs 4:16 describes people who are so committed to doing wrong that they cannot rest until they have caused trouble or led someone else into harm. Their desire to do mischief is so strong that it keeps them awake at night unless they succeed in making someone stumble.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is warning his son to avoid the path of the wicked. The verse paints a vivid picture of people whose lives revolve around wrongdoing, showing just how deeply some can be drawn into harmful behavior. This warning is meant to highlight the seriousness of evil influences and the importance of steering clear of them.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 4:16

• sleep (יָשֵׁן, yashen): This word refers to the act of sleeping, but here it is used to show that the wicked are restless until they have done wrong. The verse emphasizes their lack of peace.
• mischief (רָעַע, ra‘a‘): This word often means to do evil or harm. In this context, it points to intentional wrongdoing, not just a casual mistake.
• sleep (שֵׁנָה, shenah): This is another word for sleep, highlighting that even their basic rest is disturbed by their drive to cause trouble.
• away (גָּזַל, gazal): This word means to be taken away or robbed. The verse uses it to show that their sleep is stolen from them unless they make someone fall.
• fall (כָּשַׁל, kashal): This word means to stumble or fall, often used for causing someone else to trip up or fail. The verse stresses that the wicked are not content until they have brought someone else down.

Why Proverbs 4:16 matters

• Proverbs 4:16 clears up the idea that wickedness is just occasional or accidental; it shows that some people are deeply committed to doing harm and even lose sleep over it.
• The verse emphasizes how dangerous it is to associate with those who are set on wrongdoing, reinforcing the father's warning to his son in the surrounding verses.
• By describing the restless nature of the wicked, Proverbs 4:16 highlights the contrast between the peace of the righteous and the turmoil of those who pursue evil.