Proverbs 4:12
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ
H1980
בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵצַ֣ר
shall not be straitened
H3334
יֵצַ֣ר
shall not be straitened
Strong's:
H3334
Word #:
3 of 8
to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ
and when thou runnest
H7323
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ
and when thou runnest
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
6 of 8
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
Cross References
Proverbs 3:23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.Psalms 18:36Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.2 Samuel 22:37Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Proverbs 4:19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Historical Context
Ancient travel involved literal dangers - rough terrain, obstacles, predators. The metaphor would resonate powerfully. Spiritually, Israel's wilderness journey illustrated that following God's guidance brings safe passage despite hazardous conditions. Psalm 119:105 similarly describes God's Word as lamp guiding footsteps.
Questions for Reflection
- When life's pace increases, what wisdom helps you avoid stumbling?
- How does wisdom provide sure-footedness that circumstances alone cannot?
- What obstacles threaten to trip you, and how does divine wisdom help you navigate them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Walking wisdom's path provides unhindered progress; running brings no stumbling. The Hebrew 'halak' (walk) and 'ruwts' (run) describe normal and hurried pace. Whether moving deliberately or quickly, wisdom keeps you from falling. This promises that wise living provides spiritual sure-footedness regardless of life's pace. Hurried circumstances don't excuse unwise choices; wisdom guides in all situations.