When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;
This phrase emphasizes the guidance and protection that comes from following wisdom. In biblical context, "walking" often symbolizes living one's life or conducting oneself in daily activities. The assurance that steps will not be impeded suggests a life free from unnecessary obstacles, which aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom leads to a smoother path (Proverbs 3:6). Historically, walking was the primary mode of transportation, and clear paths were essential for safe travel. This imagery would resonate with an ancient audience familiar with the dangers of travel. Theologically, this can be seen as a promise of divine guidance, akin to Psalm 119:105, where God's word is described as a lamp to one's feet.

when you run, you will not stumble.
Running implies urgency or a more intense phase of life. The promise of not stumbling suggests that wisdom provides stability even in challenging or fast-paced situations. In the cultural context of the Bible, running could also symbolize pursuing goals or fulfilling one's calling with zeal. This assurance is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:31, where those who hope in the Lord are promised renewed strength to run and not grow weary. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and strength, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges without falling. The imagery of not stumbling is also echoed in Jude 1:24, where God is able to keep believers from falling.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The Path of Wisdom
This metaphorical path represents living according to God's wisdom and guidance, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs.

3. The Audience
The primary audience is Solomon's son, but by extension, it includes all who seek wisdom and understanding from God.The Assurance of God's Guidance
When we walk in God's wisdom, we can trust that our path will be clear and unobstructed. This assurance comes from a life aligned with God's principles.

The Importance of Spiritual Readiness
Just as a runner prepares for a race, we must prepare spiritually by immersing ourselves in God's word and prayer, ensuring we do not stumble in our faith journey.

The Role of Faith in Overcoming Obstacles
Faith in God's promises allows us to move forward confidently, knowing that He will guide us through challenges without falling.

The Continuous Journey of Growth
Walking and running imply movement and progress. Our spiritual journey is ongoing, requiring continual growth and reliance on God's wisdom.Verse 12. - In this verse the father depicts the benefits and advantages which shall follow from "receiving his words" (ver. 10), i.e. from attending to his counsels and imbibing the principles of wisdom. The whole course of life shall be freed from obstacles or impediments, from anxiety, perplexity, or difficulty, or from vacillation. When thou goest may refer to the daily walk, to the common and ordinary events or circumstances incidental to life, just as the corresponding when thou runnest may refer to cases of emergency when promptness and decisive action are called for. In both cases Wisdom, by inspiring unity of principle, gives freedom of movement; in ordinary cases it removes embarrassment and perplexity arising from conflicting interests drawing now in one direction, now in another, and in extraordinary cases it supplies a rule of conduct which prevents our falling into mistakes and errors. Or the verse may refer to the prosperity which shall attend all the undertakings of those who are in Wisdom's ways, whether they advance slowly or rush forward with the impetuosity of youth, whether they act with deliberation or with haste. Shall not be straitened (lo-yetsar); i.e. shall not be narrowed or confined; Vulgate, non arctabuntur; LXX., οὑ συγκλεισθήσεται, The future yetsar only occurs four times in the Scriptures - here, and Job 18:7; Job 20:22; Isaiah 49:19. It is usually derived from the root yatsar, which, however, is not found, cognate with tsur, "to straiten," "to be narrow." Yetsar, however, always occurs in the passive sense, though an active signification is given it by the Rabbi Nathan ben Jechiel, quoted by Delitzsch, in loc., who renders, "Thou shall not need to bind together, or hedge up thy way." The roots yatsar and tsur partake more or less of the idea of binding up, oppressing, putting into narrow and confined circumstances and limits. By the expression that "the steps are straitened" we may understand, therefore, that there is a want of freedom for their movements, and consequently that they are impeded or cramped. The Arabic expression. "to contract the feet," signifies the diminishing of good fortune. Compare the similar expression in Job 18:7, "The steps of his strength shall be straitened." The psalmist presents the idea of the verse under a different form, "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet did not slip" (Psalm 17:36). Thou shalt not stumble; lo-thik-kashel, hiph. future. The niph. nikshal, equivalent to the kal kadshal, signifies properly "to totter," "to sink down," used of one about to fall. The primary idea, however, usually disregarded, of kashal, is "to totter in the ankles," equivalent to the Latin talipedare. It occurs again in Proverbs 4:16, and is a different verb from "stumble" in Proverbs 3:23 (which see).

Parallel Commentaries ...


When you walk,
בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ (bə·leḵ·tə·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

your steps
צַעֲדֶ֑ךָ (ṣa·‘ă·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6806: A pace, regular step

will not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be impeded;
יֵצַ֣ר (yê·ṣar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3334: Be distressed, be narrow, be straitened in straits, be vexed

when
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you run,
תָּ֝ר֗וּץ (tā·rūṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7323: To run

you will not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

stumble.
תִכָּשֵֽׁל׃ (ṯik·kā·šêl)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:12 When you go your steps will not (Prov. Pro Pr)