1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only [beloved] in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 4
Proverbs Chapter 4 is a significant passage in the Book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and the pursuit of understanding. It is a father’s exhortation to his children, highlighting the value of adhering to wise teachings and the consequences of neglecting them.
Key Themes
- Parental Instruction: The chapter begins with a call for children to listen to their father’s teachings and to embrace wisdom as a guiding principle in life.
- The Value of Wisdom: Wisdom is portrayed as a precious and protective asset that leads to a fulfilling life.
- Path of Righteousness vs. Path of Wickedness: The text contrasts the paths of the righteous and the wicked, encouraging readers to choose the former for a prosperous life.
- Guarding One’s Heart: The chapter emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s heart, as it is the source of life and influences one’s actions and decisions.
Structure of the Chapter
- Exhortation to Listen (Verses 1-4):
The chapter opens with a plea for children to hear the instruction of their father. It emphasizes the continuity of wisdom passed down through generations.
- Value of Wisdom (Verses 5-9):
Here, wisdom is personified and portrayed as a woman who offers life and favor to those who seek her diligently. The verses highlight the benefits of acquiring wisdom.
- The Path of the Righteous (Verses 10-19):
This section contrasts the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous path is described as a shining light, while the wicked path leads to darkness and stumbling.
- Guarding the Heart (Verses 20-27):
The chapter concludes with a strong admonition to guard one’s heart and to be mindful of one’s words and actions, reinforcing the idea that inner integrity leads to outward righteousness.
Detailed Analysis
Exhortation to Listen (Verses 1-4)
The opening verses set the tone for the chapter, where the father urges his children to pay attention to his words. This call to listen signifies the importance of wisdom and the necessity of heeding parental guidance. The father recalls his own experience of receiving wisdom from his parents, establishing a lineage of knowledge that is to be respected and followed.
Value of Wisdom (Verses 5-9)
In these verses, wisdom is depicted as something to be actively sought after. The father encourages his children to acquire wisdom and understanding, promising that doing so will lead to honor and life. The imagery of wisdom as a crown of glory serves to illustrate its high value and the esteem it brings to those who embrace it.
The Path of the Righteous (Verses 10-19)
This section presents a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous path is characterized by light and clarity, leading to a fulfilling life, while the wicked path is shrouded in darkness, resulting in confusion and downfall. The metaphor of light versus darkness serves to emphasize the moral choices individuals must make and the consequences of those choices.
Guarding the Heart (Verses 20-27)
The final verses focus on the importance of the heart as the wellspring of life. The father instructs his children to guard their hearts diligently, as it influences their thoughts and actions. The emphasis on speech and behavior reflects the belief that what is in the heart ultimately manifests in one’s life. The chapter concludes with a reminder to be vigilant in maintaining integrity and righteousness.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 4 serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of wisdom, the necessity of listening to wise counsel, and the importance of making righteous choices. The chapter encapsulates key principles that are foundational for a life of virtue and fulfillment, urging readers to prioritize wisdom and guard their hearts against influences that lead to destruction.
