Proverbs 4:21 kjv
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Proverbs 4:21 nkjv
Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;
Proverbs 4:21 niv
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
Proverbs 4:21 esv
Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.
Proverbs 4:21 nlt
Don't lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
Proverbs 4 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 6:6-8 | These words which I command… shall be on your heart… bind them… on your hand, and… between your eyes. | Internalizing & visibly upholding God's commands |
| Deut 11:18 | You shall therefore lay up these words of Mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them… between your eyes. | Deep internalization and constant reminder of divine words |
| Josh 1:8 | This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night. | Continual engagement and meditation on God's Law |
| Ps 1:2 | But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. | Delight and constant meditation on divine instruction |
| Ps 16:8 | I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. | Keeping God continually in focus and presence |
| Ps 119:11 | Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. | Hiding God's word to prevent sin and guide actions |
| Prov 3:3 | Do not let mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. | Embodying and inscribing core virtues into one's being |
| Prov 6:21 | Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. | Constant adherence and personal application of wisdom |
| Matt 7:24 | Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man. | Hearing and practicing Christ's words leads to stability |
| Luke 8:15 | But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it. | Hearing, receiving, and persistently holding to the Word |
| Luke 11:28 | More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it! | Blessings come from hearing and obeying God's Word |
| Jn 8:31 | If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. | Discipleship characterized by remaining in Christ's teachings |
| Jn 14:23 | If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him. | Love for Christ demonstrated by obeying His word |
| Rom 10:8 | But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we preach. | The accessibility and indwelling of the word of faith |
| Jer 31:33 | I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts. | God's New Covenant promise of internalized law |
| Col 3:16 | Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. | Allowing Christ's teaching to richly inhabit one's inner being |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | Test all things; hold fast what is good. | Diligent discerning and adhering to truth |
| Phil 4:8 | Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report… meditate on these things. | Focusing thoughts on what is morally excellent and true |
| 1 Tim 4:15 | Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident. | Full devotion and immersion in spiritual truths |
| Heb 2:1 | Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. | Diligent attention required to prevent drifting from truth |
| Jas 1:22 | But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. | Practical application of the word, not just listening |
| 1 Pet 1:13 | Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace. | Mental preparation and clear-mindedness in hope |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine… for instruction in righteousness. | The inspired nature and beneficial purpose of Scripture |
Proverbs 4 verses
Proverbs 4 21 Meaning
Proverbs 4:21 is a direct and imperative call to profoundly engage with the teachings and wisdom presented throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly the instructions of the father from verse 20 and previous verses in the chapter. It urges the recipient to maintain constant vigilance and awareness over these life-giving principles, preventing them from fading from conscious thought ("not depart from your eyes"). Furthermore, it commands a deep and thorough internalization of this wisdom, so it becomes foundational to one's entire being, influencing thoughts, decisions, and actions ("Keep them in the midst of your heart"). This verse emphasizes sustained focus and radical integration of truth.
Proverbs 4 21 Context
Proverbs Chapter 4 is presented as a father's passionate instruction to his son, emphasizing the supreme value and critical importance of acquiring and safeguarding wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah), understanding (בִּינָה, binah), and discernment (תְּבוּנָה, tevunah). This chapter frames wisdom not merely as intellectual knowledge but as the practical skill of living righteously, leading to life, prosperity, and protection. Verse 21 flows directly from the command in verse 20 ("My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings"), explicitly stating how to engage with these words and sayings. The preceding verses highlight the benefits of wisdom, leading the "straight path," avoiding the "path of the wicked," and obtaining "life." Following verse 21, verse 23 issues the profound directive to "Guard your heart above all else, for from it flows the springs of life," revealing the deep connection between guarding the teachings and guarding the very source of one's being and conduct. Historically and culturally, this mirrors the pedagogical approach of transmitting vital knowledge and values across generations in ancient Israelite society, underscoring familial spiritual education.
Proverbs 4 21 Word analysis
Let them not depart (אַל־יִפְּחוּ, al-yippechu): This is a strong negative command or prohibition. The root יפח (yaphach) can mean to "go forth," "depart," "pass away," or "cease." Here, it signifies actively preventing the removal or fading away of the words. It's an imperative for continuous presence, highlighting vigilance against distraction or forgetfulness. This instruction aligns with ancient Israelite practices of remembering divine law.
from your eyes (מֵעֵינֶיךָ, me'eyneikha): Literally refers to physical sight. However, in the context of wisdom literature and Hebrew thought, "eyes" represent far more than mere vision. They symbolize cognitive awareness, mental focus, attentive observation, intellectual perception, and overall consciousness. Keeping something before one's eyes implies constant consideration, deliberate attention, and active discernment. This echoes the concept of frontlets (Ex 13:9) as a visible reminder.
Keep them (שָׁמְרֵם, shamrem): From the root שָׁמַר (shamar), which means to "guard," "watch," "preserve," "observe," "be careful to obey." This is an active and deliberate command. It denotes diligence, protection, and conscientious adherence. It implies taking responsibility for the retention and application of the wisdom, rather than passive reception.
in the midst (בְּתוֹךְ, betoch): Literally meaning "in the inner part," "in the middle," "in the heart of," or "among." This signifies the innermost and most central position. It emphasizes depth and thoroughness, suggesting that the wisdom should not remain superficial but penetrate to the core of one's being. It's about deep integration, not just surface knowledge.
of your heart (לְבָבֶךָ, levavekha): In Hebrew anthropology, the lev or levav (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions, but the entire inner person: the intellect (mind, thoughts, understanding), the will (decisions, intentions), emotions, and moral consciousness. It is the core of one's personality and the wellspring of life's direction. To keep something "in the midst of your heart" means to internalize it so deeply that it shapes one's thinking, motives, values, and ultimately, one's behavior and entire life's course. This holistic view of the heart is critical to understanding the verse's depth.
Words-group analysis:
Let them not depart from your eyes: This phrase emphasizes the necessity of visual and cognitive retention. The "eyes" represent one's conscious attention and mental focus. The admonition is to prevent distraction or forgetfulness of the wisdom. This requires deliberate engagement and prioritization. It speaks to maintaining constant spiritual awareness.
Keep them in the midst of your heart: This phrase pushes beyond mere mental awareness to deep internalization and integration. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the command center of one's life. "Keeping them in the midst" implies not just knowing the wisdom, but absorbing it so profoundly that it informs every thought, decision, and intention, becoming the very core of one's identity and motivations. This transforms mere information into living principle.
Proverbs 4 21 Bonus section
This verse implies an active and continuous process, rather than a one-time act. The verbs "depart" and "keep" denote ongoing effort. The connection between the "eyes" and the "heart" is profound: what one consistently keeps before their cognitive sight naturally begins to penetrate and mold the core of their being. Neglecting the external focus ("from your eyes") often leads to a diminished internal grasp ("in the midst of your heart"). Conversely, cultivating a diligent focus on truth helps cultivate a heart that is well-prepared to yield life. This spiritual discipline builds resilience against deception and temptation, enabling discernment and consistent righteousness, echoing the sentiment of guarding one's heart in Pro 4:23.
Proverbs 4 21 Commentary
Proverbs 4:21 offers a vital command for living wisely: consistent mental attention and profound internalization of divine instruction. It is not enough merely to hear or read God's words; one must actively keep them in clear view, constantly revisiting and pondering them to prevent forgetfulness or distraction. Concurrently, these truths must be actively guarded and deeply embedded in the "heart"—the core of one's being, which encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. This holistic engagement ensures that wisdom permeates one's character, guiding thoughts and actions from the innermost self outwards, thereby establishing a firm foundation for a righteous and flourishing life. This command, flowing from a father's counsel, underscores the personal and diligent responsibility in embracing the path of wisdom.