Proverbs 4:16
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New International Version (©1984)
For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

New Living Translation (©2007)
For evil people can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day. They can't rest until they've caused someone to stumble.

English Standard Version (©2001)
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Wicked people cannot sleep unless they do wrong, and they are robbed of their sleep unless they make someone stumble.

King James Bible
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

American King James Version
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

American Standard Version
For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

Bible in Basic English
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.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For they sleep not except they have done evil: and their sleep is taken away unless they have made some to fall.

Darby Bible Translation
For they sleep not except they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away unless they have caused some to fall.

English Revised Version
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

Webster's Bible Translation
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

World English Bible
For they don't sleep, unless they do evil. Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.

Young's Literal Translation
For they sleep not if they do not evil, And their sleep hath been taken violently away, If they cause not some to stumble.

Geneva Study Bible

For they {f} sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

(f) Meaning that to do evil is more proper and natural to the wicked than to sleep, eat or drink.

Wesley's Notes

4:16 For - They cannot sleep with quietness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16, 17. The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pr 6:4; Ps 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pr 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; 34:7).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:14-27 The 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 great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.


Psalm 36:4 He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil.
Micah 2:1 Woe to those who scheme iniquity, Who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, For it is in the power of their hands. (NASB ©1995)

Cause Caused Evil Except Fall Mischief Robbed Sleep Slumber Someone Someone's Stumble Unless Violently Wrong


For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

1:16 Ps 36:4 Isa 57:20 Mic 2:1 Lu 22:66 Joh 18:28 2Pe 2:14

Bible Gateway: Proverbs Chapter 4 Verse 16 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: And are cannot do evil fall For make of robbed sleep slumber someone stumble they till unless

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