Proverbs 4:14-17 Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
‘Enter not into the path of the wicked.’ Do not follow others in their wicked ways, hence the warning about having worldly friendships (1Jn. 2:15-17) and to be in friendship or partnerships with those who do not obey God’s Word in every area of their lives (Ps. 1:1; Jer. 17:5-6; 1Cor. 5:11-13; 2Cor. 6:14-18; 2Jn. 1:9-11).
Three examples of avoiding wicked paths: are the Rechabites (Jer. 35:1-19); Joseph (Gen. 39:7-23); and Jesus (Heb. 4:14-16). Three examples of entering wicked paths: Lot (Gen. 13:10-13); Solomon (1Kin. 11:1-8); and Jehoshaphat (2Chr. 18:1; 21:6).
‘Avoid it’ – a warning not to walk in sin [live in sin], the Word warns us to stay away from sin, no one has an excuse for living in sin whatsoever.
‘For they sleep not, except they have done mischief.’ The wicked will not rest if they can not fulfil their wicked calling, thus should we exercise the consecration laws and stay away from them otherwise we will carry the consequences of their sins (Ps. 1:1; 6:8; 26:4-5; Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 2Cor. 6:14 – 7:1; 2Tim. 3:2-5; 2Jn. 1:9-11; etc.).
Living the Word 