Proverbs 4:20
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לִדְבָרַ֣י
to my words
H1697
לִדְבָרַ֣י
to my words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 5:1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.Proverbs 7:1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.Psalms 78:1Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Historical Context
Public reading of Torah in Israel's assemblies required attentive listening (Nehemiah 8:3). Personal devotion mirrored corporate worship in demanding focused concentration on divine revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate attentive listening when reading or hearing Scripture?
- What typically distracts you from fully focusing on God's word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Inclining the ear demonstrates humble receptivity to God's word. Attention to His sayings demands sustained focus, fighting distraction and spiritual dullness. This posture of active listening is prerequisite to obedience—we cannot follow what we have not heard with understanding.