DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Proverbs 4:19

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:19

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The way of the wicked is as darkness. In contrast with the path of the just is the way of the wicked, which is described as darkness itself: i.e. so deeply enveloped in gloom that the wicked are not able even to see the obstacles and impediments against which they stumble, and which are the cause of their ruin.

It is a way dark throughout—a via tenebrosa (Vulgate)—terminating at length in "the blackness of darkness." As light is emblematical of knowledge, holiness, and joy, so darkness represents ignorance, unholiness, and misery (see ).

Darkness (aphelah); strictly, thick darkness, midnight gloom, the entire absence of light. It is the word used of the plague of "thick darkness" that settled over all the land of Egypt, even a darkness that "might be felt," when the Egyptians "saw not one another, nor any arose from his place for three days" ().

It occurs again in , "in the black and dark night." In this darkness the wicked cannot help but stumble. Compare our Lord's teaching, "But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him" (; cf.

). The expression, they know not at what they stumble, carries with it the idea that they are so ignorant that they neither know wickedness as wickedness, nor do they apprehend the destruction which it involves.

"Sins, however great and detestable they may be, are looked upon as trivial, or as not sins at all, when men get accustomed to them". On "stumble" (kashal), see ; and on the destruction of the wicked implied in the stumbling, see , seq; ; .

Recommended reading

More for Proverbs 4:19

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27Proverbs 4:1-27 · The Pulpit Commentary7. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24. This group…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27Proverbs 4:1-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONMatthew Henry on Proverbs 4:14-27Proverbs 4:14-27 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a grea…Cautions against Bad CompanyProverbs 4:14-19 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleCAUTIONS AGAINST BAD COMPANY. Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Proverbs 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-19Proverbs 4:14-19 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH. It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1. Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2. We have a choice of paths before u…The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:19Proverbs 4:19 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe way of darkness The way of sin is in all respects one of darkness. It is dark in its origin, dark in its course, and dark in its end. I. THE WAY OF SIN STARTS FROM A DARK ORIGIN. 1. Ignorance. Most criminals are dep…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-27EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-277. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24. This group…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Proverbs 4:14-27The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a grea…Matthew HenrycommentaryCautions against Bad CompanyCAUTIONS AGAINST BAD COMPANY. Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Proverbs 4:4, to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-19The two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH. It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1. Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2. We have a choice of paths before u…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 4:19The way of darkness The way of sin is in all respects one of darkness. It is dark in its origin, dark in its course, and dark in its end. I. THE WAY OF SIN STARTS FROM A DARK ORIGIN. 1. Ignorance. Most criminals are dep…Joseph S. Exell and contributors