Proverbs 7:4 kjv

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

Proverbs 7:4 nkjv

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin,

Proverbs 7:4 niv

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and to insight, "You are my relative."

Proverbs 7:4 esv

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call insight your intimate friend,

Proverbs 7:4 nlt

Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 4 Meaning

Proverb 7:4 instructs the learner to cultivate a deeply personal, intimate, and loyal relationship with divine wisdom and understanding, metaphorically embracing them as close family members. This spiritual commitment serves as a protective safeguard, fortifying one against the temptations and snares of immoral paths, particularly those exemplified by the "strange woman" detailed in the surrounding context. It emphasizes cherishing wisdom and discernment as trusted guides and constant companions in life, leading to purity and moral uprightness.

Proverbs 7 4 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 begins with a wise father's earnest instruction to his son, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to his words and commandments (Prov 7:1-3). These are presented as treasures to be safeguarded and cherished. Verse 4 immediately follows this command, providing the foundational positive alternative and safeguard against the moral perils that are about to be vividly illustrated. The subsequent verses (Prov 7:6-27) launch into a dramatic narrative detailing the seductive tactics and ultimately destructive consequences of succumbing to the "strange woman," a personification of unfaithfulness and sexual sin. Thus, Proverbs 7:4 acts as a critical preamble to the warning, positing that a profound, active relationship with wisdom and understanding is the most potent defense against all forms of moral compromise, specifically sexual impurity, and is an integral aspect of spiritual discipline.

Proverbs 7 4 Word analysis

• Say (אָמַר, 'amar): This verb denotes more than mere speaking; it implies a profound, intentional declaration or a deeply held conviction voiced aloud. It suggests an active commitment and the establishment of a foundational truth within oneself.
• to wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): Refers to divine wisdom, encompassing moral and spiritual insight, skillful living according to God's ways, and prudent decision-making. In Proverbs, wisdom is frequently personified as a virtuous woman, offering guidance and life, creating a direct literary and thematic contrast with the "strange woman" or harlot presented later in the chapter.
• 'You are my sister' (אֲחֹתִי־אַתְּ, achoti-at): A powerful metaphor for an exceptionally close, loyal, and pure relationship. In ancient Israelite culture, the sister bond implied deep familial affection, trust, and a relationship devoid of romantic or sexual connotations. It signifies cherishing wisdom as an integral part of one's inner circle, offering protection, unwavering companionship, and unreserved trust, contrasting with illicit intimacy.
• and call (קָרָא, qara'): Similar to 'say,' this verb signifies naming, summoning, or proclaiming. It emphasizes an active, deliberate recognition and establishment of a relationship, making it a formalized bond. It indicates openly identifying with and endorsing understanding.
• understanding (בִּינָה, binah): Often paired with wisdom, "binah" refers to discernment, insight, and the ability to grasp the essence of a matter, differentiate between right and wrong, and apply knowledge effectively. It's the practical, perceptive aspect of spiritual insight.
• your kinswoman (מֵידַע לַבִּינָה, meydah la'binah or related terms derived from יָדַע, yada, "to know"): This phrase, often rendered as "close friend" or "intimate acquaintance," denotes a deep, personal familiarity and a bond established through knowing and experiencing. It reinforces the idea of an extremely close and trusted relationship based on shared knowledge and values, standing in direct opposition to superficial or unholy alliances.

• 'Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinswoman': This parallel construction powerfully uses personification and familial metaphors to convey the necessary depth, intimacy, and quality of one's relationship with divine truth. Both "sister" and "kinswoman" imply profound, loyal, and non-sexual family bonds that provide security, pure companionship, and wise counsel. This deliberate embrace of wisdom and understanding stands as a fundamental defense mechanism against the allure of sin and impurity, such as that embodied by the "strange woman." The imperative nature of the verbs ("say" and "call") stresses that this is an intentional, active commitment rather than a passive acknowledgement. It signifies placing wisdom and discernment as central figures in one's life, thereby establishing a fortress against moral decay.

Proverbs 7 4 Bonus section

• The striking female personification of both Wisdom and Folly/Strange Woman throughout Proverbs highlights a crucial moral choice presented to the individual: aligning one's affections and loyalties either with life-giving divine truth or with death-bringing deception.
• The strong, imperative verbs "say" (אָמַר, 'amar) and "call" (קָרָא, qara') indicate that establishing this relationship with wisdom is not optional or passive. It demands an active, vocal, and intentional commitment from the learner, reflecting a deep heart disposition.
• This verse underpins a fundamental aspect of discipleship: for moral instruction to be effective, it must translate into an internalized, cherished, and protective relationship with the truth itself. It's about loving God's ways so deeply that they become one's most trusted companions.

Proverbs 7 4 Commentary

Proverbs 7:4 offers a vital proactive strategy against temptation. Rather than merely being told to avoid evil, the hearer is instructed to passionately embrace goodness. The call to declare wisdom as "my sister" and understanding as "my kinswoman" is a spiritual charge to cultivate an intimate, loyal, and protective bond with divine truth. This relationship provides the internal purity and moral clarity necessary to resist the deceitful advances of sin, epitomized by the strange woman later in the chapter. It implies that genuine spiritual protection comes not solely from outward restrictions but from inward affection for righteousness, transforming the heart to genuinely cherish and guard truth. Such a relationship empowers individuals to discern and recoil from what is false and destructive, leading a life guided by enduring moral principles rather than fleeting passions.

• Example: A young believer, instead of focusing on what immoral activities to avoid, prayerfully cultivates a love for God's Word, prioritizing daily study and seeking discernment from righteous counsel.
• Example: When faced with a compromising situation, one chooses to pause, recalling biblical principles learned and trusted, viewing them as guiding companions rather than rigid rules.
• Example: Making deliberate choices in relationships, leisure, and pursuits that align with and reinforce spiritual understanding, fostering inner strength against negative influences.