Proverbs 23:26 kjv

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:26 nkjv

My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:26 niv

My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

Proverbs 23:26 esv

My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:26 nlt

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 26 Meaning

Proverbs 23:26 is a profound appeal from the personification of Wisdom (or God through His wisdom) to an individual, often addressed as "my son." It urges a complete and sincere devotion of the inner self, the "heart," which encompasses one's will, intellect, and affections, to the instructor. This inward commitment is coupled with a call for attentive observation and diligent adherence to the "ways" or principles of wisdom, implying a life of practical obedience and conduct aligned with divine instruction.

Proverbs 23 26 Context

Proverbs 23 is a segment of the "sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), specifically framed as parental instruction from a father to a son. The broader context of the chapter offers practical warnings against various pitfalls such as greed (vv. 1-8), envy of sinners (vv. 17-18), drunkenness and gluttony (vv. 19-21), and immoral women (vv. 27-28).

Verse 26, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways," serves as a central appeal for a fundamental disposition of sincere devotion and obedience before these specific warnings. It's a call for the foundational attitude needed to heed all subsequent instructions. The "father" here represents not only a human parent but ultimately, Divine Wisdom itself, calling for total commitment to God's ways. The chapter emphasizes the joy a wise child brings to parents (vv. 24-25), setting the stage for this request for full commitment to the path of wisdom.

Proverbs 23 26 Word analysis

• My son (Hebrew: bĕnî - בְּנִי): A tender and intimate form of address, characteristic of the didactic nature of Proverbs. It signifies a beloved disciple or mentee, not just a biological child. It establishes a relationship of trust and authority, framing the wisdom imparted as coming from a benevolent and caring source.
• give me (Hebrew: tēnâ-lī from the root nātan - תְּנָה־לִּ֑י): An imperative command, indicating an active, deliberate surrender. It implies that the "heart" is something that must be intentionally offered, not merely stumbled upon or passively lost. The responsibility rests on the individual to grant this request.
• thine heart (Hebrew: lībhekhā from lev/levav - לִבְּךָ): In Hebrew thought, the lev (heart) is far more than just the seat of emotions. It encompasses the entirety of the inner person: intellect, will, conscience, reasoning, memory, and emotions. To give one's heart means to give one's innermost self, one's central decision-making faculty, one's allegiance, affection, and loyalty. This is a call for total commitment.
• and let thine eyes (Hebrew: wĕʿêneykhā - וְעֵינֶיךָ): The conjunction "and" (wĕ) links the internal commitment (heart) with the external expression (eyes). "Eyes" here symbolize perceptive observation, close attention, and discerning vision. It's about what one focuses on and takes in.
• observe (Hebrew: tiṣṣōr from nāṣar - תִּצֹּֽרְנָה): The verb nāṣar is crucial. While "observe" is a possible translation, it often means much more: to guard, keep, protect, preserve, watch over, be attentive to, or adhere to. It implies careful watching with the intent to obey and uphold. It's not a casual glance but a committed adherence to.
• my ways (Hebrew: dĕrākhāy - דְּרָכָֽי): Refers to the paths, conduct, lifestyle, principles, teachings, and moral standards of the speaker (Wisdom/God). This encompasses ethical guidelines, commands, and the general course of life prescribed by divine instruction.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "My son, give me thine heart": This phrase encapsulates the primary request: a call for absolute inner devotion and surrender of the entire personality. It underlines that true wisdom begins with an inward, relational commitment to the source of wisdom. This is the foundation upon which all other obedience rests. Without the heart, external compliance is superficial.
• "and let thine eyes observe my ways": This second part complements the first, showing the outward manifestation of the inner commitment. It demonstrates that the giving of the heart is not an abstract concept but leads to tangible, observable behavior. One's discerning gaze and diligent attention must be directed toward the righteous paths of wisdom, implying careful learning and persistent application of these principles in daily life. This forms a spiritual "one-two punch": an inward surrender and an outward expression of obedient adherence.

Proverbs 23 26 Bonus section

This verse can be understood as an encapsulation of the Shema from Deut 6:5 – the command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and might. The "father" here represents not just human authority but speaks as a proxy for God or personified Wisdom, underscoring that the ultimate recipient of the heart's devotion is God Himself. This demands for the "whole heart" implies that a divided heart (cf. Hos 10:2; Jas 1:8) is unacceptable and ultimately leads away from wisdom's path. The focus on both internal disposition and external behavior provides a holistic model for spiritual living, challenging believers to live consistently with their declared faith. It stands in contrast to merely ritualistic or external obedience, prioritizing sincerity and intentionality over superficial adherence. The demand for the lev (heart) as the control center of thought, emotion, and decision makes this verse a foundational principle for cultivating spiritual discernment and steadfastness in life.

Proverbs 23 26 Commentary

Proverbs 23:26 is a pivotal verse, embodying the essence of covenant living and discipleship within the biblical framework. The plea to "give me thine heart" is not a mere suggestion but an urgent request for the whole person – the will, intellect, and affections. This commitment of the "heart" (Hebrew lev or levav), the control center of one's being, is paramount, indicating that true religion is internal before it is external. It signifies complete trust, loyalty, and affection toward the Divine Instructor.

The accompanying command, "let thine eyes observe my ways," serves as the outward demonstration and consequence of this inner dedication. "Observe" (nāṣar) is stronger than just looking; it means to watch carefully, guard, preserve, and actively keep the paths (dĕrākhāy) or principles of wisdom. This highlights that genuine faith translates into a life of obedience and ethical living. The relationship is not passive; it demands constant attentiveness and a steadfast commitment to walking in the prescribed ways. Together, the two clauses emphasize the indivisible nature of genuine devotion: a sincere internal relationship that produces consistent, intentional obedience.

Practical Usage Examples:

• A young person deciding what values to adopt: "My son, give me your heart (dedicate your core being to God's truth), and let your eyes observe my ways (carefully follow the principles of righteousness taught)."
• Facing temptation: "My son, give me your heart (maintain loyalty to God's holiness), and let your eyes observe my ways (turn away from sin, focusing on the righteous path)."
• Learning about God's will: "My son, give me your heart (seek God's perspective wholeheartedly), and let your eyes observe my ways (diligently study and apply His Word to your life)."