Proverbs 4:8 kjv

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Proverbs 4:8 nkjv

Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

Proverbs 4:8 niv

Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 4:8 esv

Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

Proverbs 4:8 nlt

If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 4 verses

Proverbs 4 8 Meaning

Proverbs 4:8 instructs the believer to hold divine wisdom in the highest esteem and to cherish her. In return for this devoted respect and intimate embrace, wisdom itself will elevate one's status, lead to promotion, and bestow true honor in life. It speaks of a reciprocal relationship where revering wisdom leads to significant life rewards.

Proverbs 4 8 Context

Proverbs chapter 4 serves as a passionate and earnest appeal from a father (traditionally King Solomon) to his son to pursue and retain wisdom above all else. This chapter builds on the initial admonitions of Proverbs, emphasizing that wisdom is the principal thing—the very foundation of a flourishing life. Verses 7 through 9, specifically leading into verse 8, personify wisdom as a nurturing woman, urging the "son" to acquire, value, and embrace her because she alone grants long life, grace, and glory. The historical and cultural context reflects an Ancient Near Eastern pedagogical tradition, where wise counsel from elders was paramount. However, Israelite wisdom uniquely grounds this instruction in the "fear of the Lord" (Prov 1:7), differentiating it from purely humanistic philosophical traditions of other cultures by highlighting that true wisdom emanates from God's character and His divine laws, thereby offering a polemic against reliance on human cunning or false deities for prosperity and status.

Proverbs 4 8 Word analysis

• Exalt her: The Hebrew term here for "exalt" is salah (שַׁלֵּה), which is more accurately translated as "prize," "cherish," "esteemed highly," or "set her in a high place." It implies actively giving wisdom a position of utmost importance and reverence in one's life. This is not passive appreciation but a volitional decision to elevate wisdom above all other pursuits or desires.
• and she shall promote thee: The Hebrew verb for "promote" is rûm (תְּרוֹמְמֶךָּ), meaning "to lift up," "raise," "exalt," or "make high." This denotes an active elevation in status or influence. Wisdom itself, when prized, acts as the agent of one's advancement.
• she shall bring thee to honour: "Bring...to honour" is the Hebrew tâbhî’ kâbhôdh, where kāḇōd (כָּבוֹד) signifies glory, dignity, respect, weight, or prestige. It describes a lasting, substantive reputation and good name, distinct from fleeting worldly accolades. This honor comes from a source outside oneself – from wisdom.
• when thou dost embrace her: The verb "embrace" is ḥāḇaq (תְּחַבְּקֶנָּה), literally meaning "to clasp," "hold close," or "hug." It metaphorically depicts an intimate, devoted, and affectionate relationship with wisdom. This isn't just intellectual acknowledgment but a deep, personal commitment and reliance on wisdom, making her an inseparable part of one's being and actions.

Words-Group analysis:

• "Exalt her, and she shall promote thee": This phrase highlights the principle of reciprocity. The initial human action of valuing and prioritizing wisdom is directly followed by the divine consequence of wisdom elevating the individual. It's an active cause-and-effect relationship established by God.
• "she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her": This part reinforces the consequence, reiterating the gift of honor, but crucially ties it to a deeper level of commitment—not just "exalting" (prizing) but "embracing" (intimately integrating). The enduring honor stems from this close, affectionate bond with wisdom, implying consistency and fidelity.
• The whole verse structure: It demonstrates a call to action ("Exalt," "embrace") followed by specific, promised blessings ("promote thee," "bring thee to honour"). The two clauses mirror each other, emphasizing that active devotion to wisdom ensures advancement and dignity.

Proverbs 4 8 Bonus section

The personification of wisdom as "she" (a feminine noun in Hebrew, ḥokmah) throughout Proverbs elevates the concept beyond abstract principles, inviting a relational pursuit. This emphasis on an active "exaltation" and "embrace" challenges a passive or merely intellectual approach to truth; instead, it calls for wholehearted commitment and affection. This type of honor that wisdom brings is not worldly self-aggrandizement, but rather a God-ordained blessing. It reflects a life well-lived in alignment with divine order, manifesting as genuine respect and influence within one's community, both human and divine. This ultimately points forward to Christ, who is the very embodiment and sum of all wisdom (1 Cor 1:24, Col 2:3), meaning that exalting and embracing Him is the ultimate path to true promotion and honor.

Proverbs 4 8 Commentary

Proverbs 4:8 delivers a powerful, active charge to prioritize divine wisdom. It underscores that wisdom is not merely knowledge to be acquired, but a living, almost personified entity to be actively cherished and integrated into one's life. The call to "exalt" wisdom signifies placing her at the zenith of one's pursuits and values, above wealth, fame, or temporal power. This posture of profound esteem directly catalyzes personal advancement, as wisdom itself—embodying God's perfect counsel—will open pathways and opportunities that lead to promotion and lasting honor. The further exhortation to "embrace" wisdom illustrates the deep, intimate relationship required. This is a devoted adherence, a warm reception, and a continuous holding on to wisdom's precepts. The result is true "honor"—a reputable and respected standing, not superficial flattery, but a recognition born from character and divine favor, making wisdom the ultimate architect of a distinguished life. For instance, individuals like Joseph and Daniel in the Bible were exalted to high positions and brought to honor in foreign lands because they faithfully lived out the wisdom and discernment God had given them.