Proverbs - 4:12



12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 4:12.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Which when thou shalt have entered, thy steps shall not be straitened, and when thou runnest thou shalt not meet a stumblingblock.
In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.
When you go, your steps shall not be straitened; and when you run, you shall not stumble.
When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall.
When thou goest, thy step shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When you have entered by these, your steps will not be constrained, and when running, you will have no obstacle.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

The ever-recurring parable of the journey of life. In the way of wisdom the path is clear and open, obstacles disappear; in the quickest activity ("when thou runnest") there is no risk of falling.

Thy steps shall not be straitened - True wisdom will teach thee to keep out of embarrassments. A man under the influence of true religion ponders his paths, and carefully poises occurring circumstances; and as the fear of God will ever lead him to act an upright and honest part, so his way in business and life is both clear and large. He has no by-ends to serve; he speculates not; he uses neither trick nor cunning to effect any purpose. Such a man can never be embarrassed. His steps are not straitened; he sees his way always plain; and when a favorable tide of Providence shows him the necessity of increased exertion, he runs, and is in no danger of stumbling.

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be (e) straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
(e) You will walk at liberty without offence.

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened,.... By enemies, or attended with difficulties and obstructions, or subject to dangers, but be at freedom and liberty in walking; for though saints do not walk in the broad road with sinners, yet they are brought into a large place, and their steps are enlarged under them, and their hearts are enlarged to run the way of God's commandments; and a wide field of truth and duty such have to walk in, who are taught and led in the ways of wisdom and righteousness, Psalm 18:19;
and when thou runnest, thou shall not stumble; such that make haste to keep the commandments of God, that run with alacrity and cheerfulness in their Christian race, and in the way of their duty, shall not stumble, through the deceitfulness of sin, the snares of the world, and the temptations of Satan, so as to fall and perish.

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