Proverbs 4:16 (BSB)

For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.

From Proverbs 4. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 4:16

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 4:14-19: Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Pro 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 that Solomon begins here again, if not sooner. In these verses, having exhorted us to walk in the paths of wisdom, he cautions us against the path of the wicked. 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 4:16: For they sleep not, except they have done mischief,.... Or they cannot sleep, as Jarchi and Gersom interpret it. Oftentimes they cannot sleep on their beds for devising mischief, their thoughts are so intensely set on contriving wicked schemes; and when they have so done, they cannot sleep until they have executed them; they are continually restless and uneasy day and night, like the troubled...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 4:16: The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pro 6:4; Psa 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pro 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; Job 34:7).
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 4:16: For they 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.