Proverbs 1:15
My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנִ֗י
My son
H1121
בְּנִ֗י
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּלֵ֣ךְ
H1980
תֵּלֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
not thou in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
not thou in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִתָּ֑ם
H854
אִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מְנַ֥ע
with them refrain
H4513
מְנַ֥ע
with them refrain
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
6 of 8
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
Cross References
Psalms 119:101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.Proverbs 4:27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,Proverbs 5:8Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
Historical Context
Ancient roads were literal gathering places where gangs and bandits operated. Solomon's warning had immediate practical application while also serving as metaphor for all moral choices about companionship and influence.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'paths' in your life require more decisive separation from worldly thinking?
- How do you balance engaging culture while maintaining moral distinctiveness?
Analysis & Commentary
Separation from evil requires decisive action, not gradual distancing. The Hebrew 'al-telekh' (do not walk) commands complete abstention from the wicked's path. Reformed theology recognizes believers are called to antithesis—living distinctly from the world's wisdom while engaging it missionally. The 'foot' imagery suggests avoiding even the first step toward compromise.