Proverbs 4:4 kjv

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Proverbs 4:4 nkjv

He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.

Proverbs 4:4 niv

Then he taught me, and he said to me, "Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

Proverbs 4:4 esv

he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.

Proverbs 4:4 nlt

My father taught me,
"Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 4 Meaning

Proverbs 4:4 conveys a foundational instruction passed from a father to his son regarding wisdom. The father, having himself received and valued instruction, earnestly exhorts his son to fully internalize and steadfastly obey the precepts of wisdom. This is not mere intellectual assent, but a call to guard and put into practice these life-giving principles with diligence and a focused heart.

Proverbs 4 4 Context

Proverbs chapter 4 serves as a pivotal passage within the father-son discourse of Proverbs 1-9. It shifts from general appeals for wisdom to a personal testimony of receiving wisdom from a father and then transmitting it to a son. Verses 1-9 form a direct appeal, emphasizing the value and path of wisdom. Verse 4 specifically reflects the transmission of this vital truth from one generation to the next. The "he" is understood to be the father (likely David instructing Solomon, the primary author, or simply a generic wise parent), and "me" is the son (Solomon, or any student of wisdom). The advice underscores the life-giving essence of wisdom and warns against the dangerous path of the wicked. This verse functions as the personal foundation for the father's subsequent exhortation to embrace wisdom at all costs.

Proverbs 4 4 Word analysis

• He taught:
  • Hebrew: lamad (לָמַד).
  • Meaning: To learn, to teach, to instruct, to discipline.
  • Significance: Denotes more than imparting information; it implies a mentorship, shaping character and understanding. The act emphasizes personal instruction from an authoritative figure.
• me also, and said unto me:
  • Significance: Highlights the personal, direct, and continuous nature of the instruction. The son himself was the recipient of this valuable counsel, underscoring its intimacy and importance. It wasn't general advice, but tailored guidance.
• Keep:
  • Hebrew: natar (נָצַר).
  • Meaning: To guard, to preserve, to watch, to protect.
  • Significance: Implies active and diligent preservation, as of a valuable treasure. It suggests not just external obedience but a careful watching over the internal truth. It is about safeguarding the words from loss or neglect.
• my words:
  • Significance: Refers to the teachings and principles of wisdom given by the instructing father, which are inherently rooted in divine truth and godly principles. These are not merely human opinions but are presented with inherent authority and efficacy.
• lay up:
  • Hebrew: shamar (שָׁמַר).
  • Meaning: To guard, to keep, to observe, to attend to, to obey.
  • Significance: While similar to natar, shamar often carries the nuance of active observance and adherence to commands. It implies careful adherence to prescribed actions, fulfilling requirements, or preserving something through obedience. It suggests applying wisdom practically.
• my commandments:
  • Hebrew: mitsvot (מִצְוֹת).
  • Meaning: Precepts, commands, ordinances, laws.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the instruction. These are not suggestions but authoritative directives, implying obligation and discipline. They lead to life and well-being.
• with thee:
  • Hebrew: beqirbeka (בְּקִרְבֶּךָ) (often translated as "in your midst" or "within you," with a similar sense to "with your heart" as in ESV's related contexts).
  • Significance: Points to internalization. The wisdom is not just for external display or casual remembrance, but must become an integral part of one's inner being, thoughts, and core values. It guides the very essence of the person.

Words-group analysis:

• "He taught me also, and said unto me": This phrase establishes the lineage of wisdom. It signifies that wisdom is not inherent but transmitted through instruction, implying a direct and personal passing of knowledge from a seasoned mentor (father) to an eager disciple (son). This highlights the relational and pedagogical aspect of wisdom acquisition.
• "Keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee": This bipartite instruction emphasizes both the preservation and application of wisdom. "Keep my words" (guard them from corruption or neglect) focuses on internal retention, while "lay up my commandments" (actively obey them) emphasizes practical adherence. The crucial "with thee" grounds both aspects in the son's innermost being, demanding deep internalization that leads to outward action. It implies a wholehearted commitment.

Proverbs 4 4 Bonus section

The father's declaration, "He taught me also," before instructing his son, highlights a profound biblical principle: wisdom is generational and is best imparted by those who have themselves first received and valued it. This lineage emphasizes that spiritual maturity and understanding are not static but are passed down through diligent teaching and living example. It positions the father as a credible and tested source of wisdom, having walked the path himself. This echoes the responsibility of previous generations in Israel to teach the statutes of the Lord to their children (Deut 6:7), creating a continuous spiritual heritage. It implies that true wisdom is always relational, experienced, and then shared, emphasizing continuity and legacy in the pursuit of righteousness.

Proverbs 4 4 Commentary

Proverbs 4:4 serves as a vital anchor in the book's thematic structure. It unveils the dynamic of wisdom transfer: a father, having been taught and experienced wisdom's worth, passes it with earnest intensity to his son. This instruction is framed not as optional advice but as authoritative "words" and "commandments," demanding absolute commitment. The twin commands to "keep" and "lay up" (guard and obey) highlight that wisdom is neither superficial nor theoretical; it requires active internalization and consistent application. The phrase "with thee" or "with your heart" powerfully underscores that this wisdom must permeate one's core being, transforming intentions, thoughts, and actions. It's a call to cherish wisdom as the very foundation for a blessed life, lived according to divine truth, guiding every step and decision from within.

Examples:

• A parent consistently reading Bible stories to a child and explaining the moral lessons.
• A mentor spending time discussing life principles derived from Scripture with a younger person.
• A disciple memorizing scripture and meditating on its meaning to guide daily choices.