Proverbs 4:8
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
Original Language Analysis
סַלְסְלֶ֥הָ
Exalt
H5549
סַלְסְלֶ֥הָ
Exalt
Strong's:
H5549
Word #:
1 of 5
to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam)
וּֽתְרוֹמְמֶ֑ךָּ
her and she shall promote
H7311
וּֽתְרוֹמְמֶ֑ךָּ
her and she shall promote
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
2 of 5
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
תְּ֝כַבֵּ֗דְךָ
thee she shall bring thee to honour
H3513
תְּ֝כַבֵּ֗דְךָ
thee she shall bring thee to honour
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
3 of 5
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
Cross References
Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.Proverbs 3:35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.Proverbs 22:4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Historical Context
Throughout Scripture, God exalts those who humble themselves and value divine wisdom above worldly glory. Joseph, Daniel, Esther - all exemplified wisdom honored by God and humans. First Peter 5:6 universalizes this principle: 'Humble yourselves...under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.'
Questions for Reflection
- How do you 'exalt' wisdom practically in a culture that exalts wealth, beauty, or power?
- What does it mean to 'embrace' wisdom - what does intimate relationship with truth look like?
- How might God promote you if you prioritize wisdom above self-promotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Exalt wisdom, and she will promote you; embrace her, and she brings honor. The Hebrew 'salal' (exalt/esteem highly) and 'chabaq' (embrace/cherish) describe affectionate valuing. Those who highly esteem wisdom receive honor in return. This isn't self-promotion but divine exaltation - God honors those who honor wisdom. The embrace imagery suggests intimate relationship, not distant admiration.