Proverbs 4:21
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 6
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יַלִּ֥יזוּ
Let them not depart
H3868
יַלִּ֥יזוּ
Let them not depart
Strong's:
H3868
Word #:
2 of 6
to turn aside , i.e., (literally) to depart, (figuratively) be perverse
מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ
from thine eyes
H5869
מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ
from thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗ם
keep
H8104
שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗ם
keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 commanded Israel to keep God's words constantly before them - bind them on hands, foreheads, gates, doorposts. Constant visual reminders maintained spiritual focus amid competing influences. Early Christians continued this practice through Scripture memorization, liturgy, and visual symbols maintaining gospel centrality.
Questions for Reflection
- What practices keep wisdom 'before your eyes' rather than allowing it to drift to periphery?
- What competes for your attention and threatens to displace wisdom from central focus?
- How can you create 'visual reminders' that maintain wisdom's priority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Keep wisdom in your sight; don't let it depart from your eyes. The Hebrew 'luwz' (depart/turn aside) warns against allowing wisdom to slip from focus. Wisdom requires sustained attention - momentary neglect allows it to drift away. This verse emphasizes vigilance: actively maintain wisdom's centrality rather than passively assuming it will remain. Spiritual vision requires intentional focus.