Proverbs 4:13 kjv

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:13 nkjv

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.

Proverbs 4:13 niv

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Proverbs 4:13 esv

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

Proverbs 4:13 nlt

Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 13 Meaning

Proverbs 4:13 implores the student of wisdom to grasp tightly onto instruction, not letting it go, and to guard it carefully. The reason given is profound: this instruction, which is synonymous with wisdom itself, is not merely beneficial but is intrinsically tied to one's life. It signifies that embracing and preserving divine guidance is essential for true, flourishing existence and well-being.

Proverbs 4 13 Context

Proverbs 4 is structured as a paternal appeal, a father (likely Solomon) passing on the wisdom he himself received from his father. It forms a central part of a larger unit of paternal instruction in Proverbs 1-9. This specific chapter urges the "son" to value and pursue wisdom above all else. Verse 13 builds on the exhortations to acquire, embrace, and cherish wisdom (vv. 5-8). The surrounding verses describe wisdom as a path, a lamp, and a crown. The verse stands as a direct command to proactively retain wisdom, linking its possession to one's very existence, contrasting it with the dangerous and dark paths of folly mentioned later in the chapter (vv. 14-19). Historically and culturally, such instructions were vital in ancient Israelite society where oral transmission and familial teaching were foundational for moral and spiritual formation. This wisdom (Hokmah) was distinct from secular cunning, implicitly warning against seeking life through self-reliance or forbidden practices, asserting instead that true life stems from adherence to divine instruction.

Proverbs 4 13 Word analysis

• Hold fast (חֲזַק – ḥāzaq): This Hebrew verb signifies to be strong, to take hold of, to seize firmly, or to grasp with determination. It often conveys a sense of strength, resolution, and intentional effort. It implies not a casual touch, but a forceful, unwavering grip, much like clinging to something precious to prevent its loss or to secure one's own safety. The active effort required is paramount.
• Instruction (מוּסָר – mûsār): This term translates as discipline, moral instruction, correction, or rebuke. It is not merely information or facts, but a comprehensive training that shapes character and behavior, often involving reproof or chastisement. In the context of Proverbs, mûsār is presented as a vital part of acquiring wisdom, distinct from human learning or secular knowledge; it stems from God's teaching, often channeled through parents or wise mentors.
• Do not let go (אַל־תֶּ֥רֶף – ʾal-terreph): From the root rāphâ, meaning to relax, slacken, release, or let drop. This is a negative command reinforcing the prior positive one. It emphasizes perseverance and vigilance. It implies that letting go is a temptation or a natural tendency, and thus active resistance is needed to maintain the grip on instruction. It is a warning against spiritual apathy or negligence.
• Guard her (נְצֹרֶ֥הָ – nəṣorehā): From the root nāṣar, meaning to keep, watch, preserve, protect, or observe. This implies careful maintenance and protection from harm, decay, or theft. "Her" refers to instruction/wisdom, which is personified as precious and vulnerable, needing vigilant preservation to prevent corruption or abandonment. It suggests an active, continuous responsibility to safeguard truth in one's heart and mind.
• for she is your life (כִּֽי־הִ֥יא חַיֶּֽיךָ – kî-hîʾ ḥayyeyḵā):
  • For she is (kî-hîʾ): The particle kî (for) introduces the reason or justification for the commands given. "She" (hîʾ) continues the personification of wisdom as feminine, a common literary device in Proverbs 1-9.
  • your life (ḥayyeyḵā): The Hebrew noun for life is ḥayyîm, which is often used in the plural to convey a full, abundant, prosperous, and flourishing existence, rather than mere biological vitality. This is shalom-life, life in its fullest sense, encompassing spiritual, physical, and relational well-being, longevity, and closeness to God. It indicates that true life is found in wisdom, not merely obtained by it. Without this instruction, life would be deficient or nonexistent. This makes wisdom an existential necessity.

Proverbs 4 13 Bonus section

The personification of Wisdom as a feminine figure throughout Proverbs 1-9 adds poetic depth and urgency to the calls for embracing her. She is portrayed as accessible, valuable, and ultimately, a source of life. The term "life" (ḥayyîm) in Hebrew encompasses more than just breath; it points to a quality of existence characterized by wholeness, completeness, and alignment with God's divine order, often referred to as "shalom." Therefore, when the verse states "she is your life," it means wisdom enables one to experience the full, rich life that God intends. The emphasis on holding fast and guarding also subtly suggests the potential for spiritual laxity or distraction in daily life, against which a vigilant heart must contend.

Proverbs 4 13 Commentary

Proverbs 4:13 serves as an urgent plea for discipleship to wisdom. The powerful double imperative, "Hold fast... do not let go," underscores the active, continuous effort required. Wisdom is not passively acquired but must be actively grasped and tenaciously retained. This 'holding fast' implies not just mental assent but also practical obedience and personal commitment. The subsequent command, "guard her," emphasizes protecting this wisdom from neglect, forgetfulness, or external corrupting influences, as one would a valuable treasure. The pivotal justification, "for she is your life," reveals the profound stake involved. Wisdom is presented not as a mere add-on or a helpful tool, but as the very essence of genuine human existence, leading to spiritual vitality, flourishing relationships, and a blessed future. Neglecting it leads to a diminished or corrupted existence. This passage compels the reader to see divine instruction as the non-negotiable foundation of all true life.