Proverbs 4

A Father's Instruction: Get Wisdom

1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:8, 5:1, 7:4, 19:20, 22:17, Psalms 34:11, Hebrews 2:1 +2

2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my lawLaw: תּוֹרָה (Torah). The Hebrew Torah (תּוֹרָה) means law or instruction—God's revealed will for His people. The Law includes moral, civil, and ceremonial commandments, revealing God's character and humanity's need for a Savior.. Word: 2 Chronicles 7:19, Job 33:3, 1 Timothy 4:6, Titus 1:9. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:2, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Job 11:4 +2

3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 22:5, 29:1, Romans 12:16

4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Word: Proverbs 3:1, 7:2, Deuteronomy 6:6, John 12:50, 2 Timothy 3:15. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 28:9, Isaiah 55:3, Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 5:9 +4

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Word: Psalms 119:51. Parallel theme: Proverbs 8:5, 17:16, 19:8, 23:23, 2 Chronicles 34:2, Job 23:11, Psalms 44:18, 119:157, James 1:5 +5

6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: loveLove: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. her, and she shall keep thee. Love: Ephesians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:10

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:16, 23:23, Ecclesiastes 7:12

8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:35, 22:4, 1 Samuel 2:30, Daniel 12:3

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of graceGrace: חֵן (Chen). The Hebrew chen (חֵן) means grace or favor—unmerited kindness bestowed by a superior. Noah 'found grace in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8), receiving undeserved favor.: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Grace: Proverbs 1:9. Glory: Proverbs 16:31, Isaiah 28:5, 1 Peter 5:4

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:2, 3:16, 8:10, Deuteronomy 6:2, Jeremiah 9:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Timothy 1:15 +2

11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Parallel theme: Proverbs 4:4, 8:6, 8:9, Deuteronomy 4:5, Psalms 23:3, Ecclesiastes 12:9

12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:23, 4:19, 2 Samuel 22:37, Psalms 18:36, 1 Peter 2:8

13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:18, 23:23, Deuteronomy 32:47, John 6:68, Acts 2:42, 11:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Hebrews 2:1, Revelation 2:13, 12:11 +5

15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Parallel theme: Exodus 23:7, Job 11:14, 22:23, Isaiah 33:15, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:22

16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:16, Psalms 36:4, Isaiah 57:20, Micah 2:1, 2 Peter 2:14

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Parallel theme: Psalms 14:4, Micah 6:12

18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Light: Matthew 5:14, 5:16, John 8:12, Philippians 2:15, 2 Peter 1:19. Righteousness: Isaiah 26:7, Daniel 12:3. Parallel theme: Job 11:17, Psalms 84:7, 2 Corinthians 3:18 +5

19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Darkness: Proverbs 2:13, 1 Samuel 2:9, Job 5:14, 12:25, 18:18, Jeremiah 13:16, 23:12, John 12:35. Parallel theme: Matthew 7:23, 15:14 +5

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:3, 3:21, Psalms 40:8

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:8, 4:4, 4:10, 12:18, Jeremiah 33:6

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Parallel theme: Proverbs 4:7, 13:3, 23:19, 28:26, Deuteronomy 4:9, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 15:19, Mark 14:38, Luke 6:45, Hebrews 12:15 +5

24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:12, 8:8, 8:13, 17:20, Job 11:14, Colossians 3:8, James 1:21, 1:26, 1 Peter 2:1 +4

25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Parallel theme: Proverbs 23:5, 23:33, Job 31:1, Psalms 119:37, Matthew 6:22

26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Parallel theme: Proverbs 5:21, Psalms 37:23, 119:5, 119:59, Ezekiel 18:28, Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 12:13 +5

27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Evil: Proverbs 16:17, Isaiah 1:16, Romans 12:9. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 5:32, 12:32, 28:14, Joshua 1:7 +2