Proverbs 4:12-1964 bbe — When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall. Take learning in your hands, do not…

Proverbs 4:12-1964 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall. Take learning in your hands, do not let her go: keep her, for she is your life. Do not go in the road of sinners, or be walking in the way of evil men. Keep far from it, do not go near; be turned from it, and go on your way. For they take no rest till they have done evil; their sleep is taken away if they have not been the cause of someone's fall. The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink. But the way of the upright is like the light of early morning, getting brighter and brighter till the full day. The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall. My son, give attention to my words; let your ear be turned to my sayings. Let them not go from your eyes; keep them deep in your heart. For they are life to him who gets them, and strength to all his flesh. And keep watch over your heart with all care; so you will have life. Put away from you an evil tongue, and let false lips be far from you. Keep your eyes on what is in front of you, looking straight before you. Keep a watch on your behaviour; let all your ways be rightly ordered. Let there be no turning to the right or to the left, keep your feet from evil.”

Proverbs 4:12-1964 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 4, verses 12–1964.

Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.

Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.

Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 4:12-1964.

Proverbs 4:12-1964 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

Proverbs 4:12-1964 reads (BBE): “When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall. Take learning in your hands, do not let her go: keep her, for she is your life. Do not go in the road of sinners, or be walking in the way of evil men. Keep far from it, do not go near; be turned from it, and go on your way. For they take no rest till they have done evil; their sleep is taken away if they have not been the cause of someone's fall. The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink. But the way of the upright is like the light of early morning, getting brighter and brighter till the full day. The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall. My son, give attention to my words; let your ear be turned to my sayings. Let them not go from your eyes; keep them deep in your heart. For they are life to him who gets them, and strength to all his flesh. And keep watch over your heart with all care; so you will have life. Put away from you an evil tongue, and let false lips be far from you. Keep your eyes on what is in front of you, looking straight before you. Keep a watch on your behaviour; let all your ways be rightly ordered. Let there be no turning to the right or to the left, keep your feet from evil.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.