Proverbs 4:11 kjv
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
Proverbs 4:11 nkjv
I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
Proverbs 4:11 niv
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Proverbs 4:11 esv
I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
Proverbs 4:11 nlt
I will teach you wisdom's ways
and lead you in straight paths.
Proverbs 4 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 2:6 | For the Lord gives wisdom... | God is the ultimate source of true wisdom. |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the Lord... He will make your paths straight. | God's leading makes one's life direction clear. |
| Prov 6:23 | For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. | Divine instruction guides to life. |
| Ps 25:4 | Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. | A plea for divine instruction and direction. |
| Ps 32:8 | I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go... | God promises personal instruction and counsel. |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's Word illuminates and guides one's life. |
| Isa 48:17 | I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. | God leads His people on beneficial paths. |
| Deut 6:7 | You shall teach them diligently to your children... | Parents are commanded to diligently teach divine ways. |
| Deut 8:6 | So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, walking in his ways... | Emphasizes living according to God's instructions. |
| Jn 14:6 | I am the way, and the truth, and the life... | Jesus embodies the very "way" and ultimate wisdom. |
| Jn 16:13 | When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth... | The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth. |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching... | Scripture is God's divinely inspired instruction. |
| Matt 7:24 | Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man... | Wisdom is demonstrated by obeying Christ's teachings. |
| Eph 2:10 | For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. | God pre-ordains paths for righteous living. |
| Jer 6:16 | Ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it... | Seek and walk in established good ways. |
| Ps 23:3 | He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. | The Lord guides into righteous living. |
| Ps 16:11 | You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy... | God reveals the path leading to true life and joy. |
| Prov 8:20 | I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice... | Personified Wisdom embodies righteous and just ways. |
| Col 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ is the treasury of all divine wisdom. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God... | Encouragement to seek wisdom directly from God. |
| Prov 1:3 | to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and uprightness... | The purpose of wisdom literature is for right living. |
| Ps 119:35 | Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. | A desire for God's guidance in obeying His commands. |
| Isa 30:21 | And your ears shall hear a word... 'This is the way, walk in it...' | Divine guidance gives clear direction. |
Proverbs 4 verses
Proverbs 4 11 Meaning
Proverbs 4:11 is a declaration of committed instruction and guidance. The speaker, traditionally a father or divine wisdom, asserts that they have diligently taught and led the listener in the principles and practical application of wisdom. This guidance is not merely intellectual but involves leading one's entire life journey along paths that are straight, upright, and conducive to a flourishing, righteous existence. It highlights active, personal guidance towards moral and spiritual integrity.
Proverbs 4 11 Context
Proverbs chapter 4 serves as a passionate and emphatic address from a father to his son, urging him to grasp, retain, and live by wisdom. This verse sits within a larger discourse where the father shares the wisdom he himself received from his own father (v. 3-4), emphasizing a generational transfer of vital instruction. The "way of wisdom" is presented as a distinct and superior alternative to the "way of the wicked" (v. 14-19), underscoring the vital choice that must be made for life and safety. Culturally, the transmission of wisdom from elder to younger, often orally, was central to education and the perpetuation of moral order in ancient Israel. The call to walk in "right paths" implicitly contrasts with the chaotic, destructive, and ethically "crooked" ways associated with folly and wickedness.
Proverbs 4 11 Word analysis
- I have taught thee (הוֹרֵיתִיךָ֙ horey·ṯî·ḵā): From the Hebrew verb yarah, meaning "to teach, to instruct, to direct, to point the way." It implies a consistent, guiding instruction. The form is a Hifil perfect, emphasizing a completed action of thorough instruction, like shooting an arrow or pointing out a target, suggesting precise guidance towards a goal.
- in the way (בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ bə·ḏe·reḵ): The Hebrew word derekh is a common and potent metaphor in biblical wisdom literature, signifying a course of life, a manner of living, or a specific path of conduct. It encompasses one's entire life journey and moral direction.
- of wisdom (חָכְמָה ḥāḵ·māh): More than mere intellectual knowledge, chokhmah denotes practical skill, discernment, and prudence in living according to divine principles. It is the ability to apply truth effectively in everyday life, leading to successful and godly outcomes.
- I have led thee (הִדְרַכְתִּיךָ֗ hiḏ·raḵ·tî·ḵā): From the Hebrew verb darak, meaning "to tread, to march, to lead, to bend." In the Hifil perfect, it implies an active, persistent leading along a path, often by accompanying or demonstrating. This reinforces the instructor's personal involvement and commitment to the student's journey.
- in right paths (בְּמַעְגְּלֵי־יֹֽשֶׁר׃ bə·ma‘·gə·lê-yō·še̱r):
- paths (מַעְגְּלֵי ma'gal): This term often refers to the track left by a wagon wheel, implying a clearly defined, smooth, and consistent course. It suggests established and dependable routes rather than haphazard wandering.
- of uprightness (יֹשֶׁר yosher): Signifies straightness, integrity, moral rectitude, and fairness. These paths are not crooked, deceptive, or deviating; they are characterized by ethical soundness and truth, leading to safety and blessing.
Proverbs 4 11 Bonus section
The "teaching" (from yarah) in this verse has strong resonances with the concept of Torah, which means "instruction" or "law." This indicates that the wisdom being imparted is rooted in divine revelation and principles, not mere human philosophy. The use of "I" highlights the personal nature of discipleship – whether the speaker is a father, King Solomon, or even wisdom personified, the teaching is direct and intentional. The double phrase "I have taught" and "I have led" emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, showing that true wisdom involves not only knowing the right way but actively walking in it under guidance. This verse encapsulates the entire purpose of the book of Proverbs: to give knowledge and discretion (Prov 1:2-4) leading to a life lived in harmony with God's will.
Proverbs 4 11 Commentary
Proverbs 4:11 powerfully articulates the essence of spiritual and moral discipleship. It reveals an instructor's profound commitment to actively impart divine wisdom and to guide the recipient along a defined course of integrity. This "way of wisdom" is not an abstract philosophy but a practical, righteous walk in daily life, contrasted sharply with crooked or evil paths. The instruction promises safety and success, as the "right paths" lead to flourishing, reflecting God's own desire to lead His children in truth and righteousness. The teaching is personal, consistent, and aims at cultivating character that reflects divine order and justice, preparing the individual for a life marked by stability and blessed outcomes.