Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַע
Hear
H8085
שְׁמַע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְנִ֣י
thou my son
H1121
בְנִ֣י
thou my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאַשֵּׁ֖ר
and guide
H833
וְאַשֵּׁ֖ר
and guide
Strong's:
H833
Word #:
5 of 7
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
Historical Context
Wisdom literature consistently addresses the 'son,' emphasizing parental responsibility to teach and children's responsibility to receive wisdom and direct their lives accordingly.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you actively guiding your heart toward righteousness, or passively drifting?
- What specific practices help you direct your heart toward wisdom rather than folly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way'—this fatherly appeal calls for attentive listening that produces wisdom and intentional direction of the heart toward righteousness. Wisdom requires both receiving instruction and applying it to guide one's inner life. The heart naturally wanders toward folly; conscious effort must redirect it toward God's ways. This isn't self-salvation but describes the believer's active response to grace. Having received a new heart, we must 'guide' (direct, keep) it in wisdom's path through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience. Sanctification requires both God's power and human responsibility. Hear, be wise, and guide your heart—these verbs demand active participation in growth.