Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Original Language Analysis
תְּנָֽה
give
H5414
תְּנָֽה
give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְנִ֣י
My son
H1121
בְנִ֣י
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 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
לִבְּךָ֣
me thine heart
H3820
לִבְּךָ֣
me thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְ֝עֵינֶ֗יךָ
and let thine eyes
H5869
וְ֝עֵינֶ֗יךָ
and let thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Psalms 119:2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.Deuteronomy 6:5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.Proverbs 3:1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Proverbs 4:4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
Historical Context
Covenant relationship required wholehearted devotion, not divided loyalty. Israel repeatedly failed by giving hearts to idols while maintaining religious externals. God demands total allegiance.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you given your heart fully to God, or do you maintain divided loyalties?
- What competes for your heart's allegiance that needs to be surrendered to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways'—this fatherly appeal (ultimately God's) requests complete devotion. Giving one's heart means total commitment of affections, will, and allegiance. Observing God's ways means carefully studying and imitating His character and commands. Heart-giving must precede and enable way-following. External conformity without heart transformation is worthless; God desires truth in the inward parts. The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart (Matthew 22:37). This is conversion's essence: transferring heart allegiance from self and sin to God. Having given hearts to God, we naturally observe and follow His ways.