Proverbs 4:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

NIV: For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

NASB: For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

CSB: For they can’t sleep unless they have done what is evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

NLT: For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

KJV: For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

NKJV: For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.

Solomon is condemning the lifestyle of those who ignore godly wisdom: those he earlier referred to as "the evil" (Proverbs 4:14). This verse presents a picture of those trapped by sin which is almost pitiable. It shows how rejecting our Creator doesn't lead to peace; it makes us miserable. Following God, on the other hand, gives us great peace (John 10:10; Proverbs 3:24).

This verse uses another feature common to wisdom literature, and to ancient writing. This technique is hyperbole, or "exaggeration for effect." Solomon is not saying that evildoers literally have insomnia until they corrupt someone else. Rather, the point is that "the evil" are so driven by their sin and depravity that it consumes their lives. The following verse expands on that symbolism by referring to food (Proverbs 4:17). Worse, wrongdoers aren't content to travel the broad road to destruction alone; they want to entice others to travel with them.

In the days leading up to Noah's flood, wickedness was not confined to one or two groups. The entire civilization, excepting Noah and his family, was steeped in sin. Wickedness had become contagious. When God surveyed humanity, he saw "that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). As the return of the Lord approaches, the wicked will not only follow the evil dictates of their hearts but will also lead others astray (2 Timothy 3:1–6). In the tribulation period, the false prophet will force others to engage in the wicked act of worshiping the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:13–17).

Proverbs 4:10–19 contains both positive and negative counsel: ''do'' and ''do not'' statements. Solomon urges his son to choose the positive path of wisdom and avoid the negative ways of wickedness. Those caught in evil are portrayed as overcome, addicted, and desperate. Solomon concludes this section by comparing the path of the righteous to bright light and the way of the wicked to deep darkness.

Common for the first nine chapters of Proverbs, Solomon urges his sons—possibly also other students—to listen to his words. He recalls his early years, when he heard some of these words from his father, David. Wisdom is upheld as the most beneficial thing a person can acquire in life. It brings honor and safety. In contrast, the wicked are perpetual wrongdoers whose goal is to lead others astray. They live for wickedness and violence, and they stumble in the darkness. Solomon urges his sons not to deviate from the path of godly wisdom, either ''to the right or to the left.''

The first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs focus on extolling the value of godly wisdom. In this chapter King Solomon continues to pass along this message to his son. His advice to his sons—possibly also meaning his students—in chapter 4 is similar to what he says in Proverbs 1:8–9; 2:1–6; 3:1–2, 21–26; 5:1–2; 6:20–22; 7:1–3, 24; and 8:22–36. The words of this chapter are partly taken from advice Solomon recalls hearing from his own father, David.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.