Proverbs Chapter 4 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
About This Proverb:
Themes: Importance of Wisdom, Guidance, Avoidance of Evil
| Scholar / Institution & Work | Views on Themes Related to This Proverb (Added Verse for Emphasis) |
|---|---|
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215, Stromata, Alexandria) | Wisdom is the foundation of ethical and spiritual life. Attentive adherence to instruction guards against evil (Verses 5–7). |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202, Against Heresies, Lyons) | Guidance and moral reflection cultivate prudence. Avoidance of the wicked preserves virtue (Verses 12–14). |
| Origen (c. 184–253, On First Principles, Alexandria) | Wisdom protects the soul from harm. Careful study of instruction ensures ethical living (Verses 13–15). |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, De Doctrina Christiana, Hippo Regius) | Ethical guidance stems from wisdom and reverence. Following instruction keeps one from destructive paths (Verses 20–22). |
| Basil the Great (c. 329–379, Letters and Ascetic Writings, Caesarea) | Moral vigilance is nurtured through attention to instruction. Avoiding the path of the wicked maintains integrity (Verses 14–15). |
| Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Homilies on Proverbs, Constantinople) | Wisdom strengthens discernment and moral judgment. Reflection and adherence prevent ethical missteps (Verses 12–13). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, Geneva) | Pursuit of understanding provides protection from folly. Prudence guides ethical and spiritual choices (Verses 5–7). |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Commentary on the Whole Bible, England) | Moral integrity depends on attentive instruction. Avoiding the wicked ensures ethical stability (Verses 12–14). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691, The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, England) | Wisdom cultivates discernment in conduct. Vigilance against destructive influence preserves virtue (Verses 13–15). |
| John Owen (1616–1683, Works on Spiritual Life, England) | Ethical prudence arises from careful instruction. Avoiding evil ensures spiritual and moral stability (Verses 20–22). |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274, Summa Theologica, University of Paris) | Wisdom directs ethical action. Following instruction prevents moral error (Verses 5–7). |
| Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160, Sentences, University of Paris) | Moral insight arises from attentive reflection. Guidance protects from the path of destruction (Verses 12–14). |
| Richard Hooker (1554–1600, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, England) | Ethical vigilance is guided by wisdom. Avoiding the wicked preserves virtue (Verses 14–15). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686, Body of Divinity, England) | Wisdom guards against moral hazard. Instruction provides the path of ethical security (Verses 5–7). |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675, Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae, Cambridge) | Reflection and careful instruction cultivate prudence. Avoidance of the wicked ensures moral stability (Verses 12–14). |
| Hugh Binning (1627–1653, The Christian Academy, Scotland) | Pursuit of wisdom ensures ethical vigilance. Attentive adherence to instruction protects the soul (Verses 13–15). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, Sermons and Treatises, USA) | Wisdom shapes moral discernment. Following instruction avoids destructive influence (Verses 20–22). |
| Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677, Ethics, Netherlands) | Rational reflection and adherence to instruction guide ethical living. Avoidance of evil paths maintains moral integrity (Verses 12–14). |
| Jean Morin (1591–1659, Ecclesiastical History, France) | Moral and spiritual insight is cultivated through wisdom. Prudence preserves the soul from destruction (Verses 13–15). |
| Francis Turretin (1623–1687, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Geneva) | Wisdom and reflection prevent moral failure. Instruction protects against ethical and spiritual danger (Verses 5–7). |
