Proverbs 4:20 kjv

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Proverbs 4:20 nkjv

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.

Proverbs 4:20 niv

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

Proverbs 4:20 esv

My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

Proverbs 4:20 nlt

My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 20 Meaning

Proverbs 4:20 serves as a direct, imperative call from a wisdom teacher, likely a father, to a student or son, urging complete and deliberate attention to his instruction. It emphasizes that truly understanding and benefiting from wisdom requires more than passive hearing; it demands active mental engagement and a willing posture to receive, internalize, and obey foundational principles. This verse is an entry point, demanding the proper mindset for all subsequent wisdom and instruction to be effective.

Proverbs 4 20 Context

Proverbs 4 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Proverbs, presenting a fervent appeal for wisdom from a parental perspective. The chapter is framed as a father imparting crucial life lessons to his son, echoing the instructions he himself received from his parents. This instruction emphasizes the surpassing value of wisdom, urging the son to "get wisdom" (v. 5) and embrace her as the pathway to life, honor, and security, contrasting it sharply with the path of the wicked (vv. 14-19). Proverbs 4:20 specifically initiates a new section (vv. 20-27) that focuses on the practical application of wisdom by guarding the various aspects of one's being: words (mouth), eyes, heart, and feet. The verse serves as a crucial preface, emphasizing the prerequisite for the son to first genuinely listen and attend to the forthcoming instructions so they may take root and yield "life" and "health" (v. 22). Culturally, this reflects the foundational role of family in education and the transmission of values in ancient Israel, where oral instruction and direct exhortation were primary teaching methods. The context establishes the serious, life-determining nature of the instruction being given.

Proverbs 4 20 Word analysis

• My son (בְּנִ֣י - bə·nî): This direct address is a common literary device throughout Proverbs (e.g., Prov 1:8; 2:1; 3:1). It establishes an intimate, authoritative, and affectionate relationship, emphasizing that the instruction comes from a place of love and genuine concern. It speaks to a learner, disciple, or anyone open to receiving wisdom.
• attend (הַקְשֵׁ֣ב - haq·šêḇ): An imperative verb meaning "to listen attentively," "to give heed," or "to pay close attention." It suggests more than simply hearing sound; it implies an active, intentional engagement of the mind and will. It denotes an inner willingness to receive and comply.
• to my words (אֲמָרָ֑י - ’ă·mā·rāy): Refers to utterances or spoken commands, typically authoritative instructions or principles. This is not casual speech but significant teaching, containing truth vital for life.
• incline (הַטֵּ֥ה - haṭ·ṭêh): An imperative verb, "to stretch out," "to bend," or "to turn." When used with "ear," it denotes a physical posture of leaning forward or turning one's head, indicative of a person making a deliberate effort to catch every sound. It signifies receptivity and earnestness.
• thine ear (אָזְנְךָ - ’oz·nə·ḵā): The physical organ of hearing, but used metaphorically to represent the faculty of understanding and inner receptivity. It implies hearing not just audibly but spiritually and mentally, allowing the words to penetrate deeply.
• unto my sayings (לַאֲמִירָֽי - la·’ă·mî·rāy): Similar to "words," but often emphasizes declarations, weighty pronouncements, or authoritative maxims. The use of a second, synonymous term (parallelism) reinforces the breadth and importance of the instruction, urging comprehensive listening to all the wisdom imparted.
• "My son, attend to my words": This initial command sets the tone. It is a loving summons, emphasizing the personal relevance of the instruction. "Attend" signifies the necessary active mental and volitional engagement needed to grasp and benefit from the wisdom being offered.
• "incline thine ear unto my sayings": This parallel phrase intensifies the preceding command. "Incline thine ear" highlights the physical posture reflecting an internal attitude of eagerness and full receptivity. "Unto my sayings" underscores that this dedicated listening applies to all the teachings, leaving no room for selective hearing or dismissiveness. Together, these two parallel injunctions underscore the absolute necessity of wholehearted and deliberate attentiveness to receive wisdom’s benefits.

Proverbs 4 20 Bonus section

The pairing of "words" ('amaray) and "sayings" ('amirāy) in parallelism is typical of Hebrew poetry in Proverbs, not merely for literary flair but for emphasizing completeness and reinforcing the message. It suggests a call to pay attention to all forms of instruction from the wise, whether direct commands, insightful observations, or life principles. This verse is presented in the imperative mood, underscoring its non-optional nature for anyone seeking to live a wise and godly life. The promised outcome of attending to these words, as highlighted in Prov 4:21-22 ("let them not depart from your eyes... for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body"), directly links attentive hearing and obedience to physical well-being and a prosperous life. This holistic benefit of wisdom, impacting not just the spirit but also the body and circumstances, is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing that God's wisdom is intensely practical and beneficial for every facet of existence. The wisdom offered is covenantal, rooted in the divine instructions given to Israel, emphasizing that listening to this wisdom is akin to listening to God himself, and choosing to listen is a choice for life.

Proverbs 4 20 Commentary

Proverbs 4:20 is a foundational exhortation within the book's discourse on wisdom. It encapsulates the indispensable prerequisite for true learning: intentional, wholehearted attentiveness. The parental address ("My son") frames the instruction within a loving, authoritative relationship, highlighting wisdom's role as guidance for life. The dual commands—"attend to my words" and "incline thine ear unto my sayings"—employ parallelism to amplify the imperative for complete and deliberate reception. "Attend" (Hebrew: qashab) speaks to active mental engagement and understanding, demanding a willingness to internalize the instruction. "Incline thine ear" (Hebrew: natah ozen) implies a physical posture mirroring an inner readiness and humility, removing all distractions and readiness to receive. This verse establishes that the mere passive hearing of truth is insufficient; one must choose to position oneself to genuinely listen, allowing the words of wisdom to penetrate the mind and heart. This receptive posture is vital, for only when wisdom is truly heard and cherished can it become the guiding force leading to life and health, as the subsequent verses promise. Without such active reception, wisdom's vital counsel falls on deaf ears, failing to transform and direct one's path. It is a call to spiritual and intellectual discipline, recognizing the profound impact of what we choose to hear and heed.

• Practical usage example: Just as a student must intently listen and take notes during a lecture to grasp complex concepts, so too must believers actively listen to sermons, engage with Scripture, and reflect on its truths to truly acquire divine wisdom and direction for their lives. Ignoring foundational biblical teachings, or listening passively, prevents their transformative power from taking root.