Thematic Bible

Proverbs 4:1

Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
And pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment.

Proverbs 4:2


For I give you good doctrine;
Do not turn away from my instruction.

Proverbs 4:3


When I was a son with my father (David),
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother (Bathsheba),

Proverbs 4:4


He taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live.

Proverbs 4:5


“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:6


“Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.

Proverbs 4:7


“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

Proverbs 4:8


“Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.

Proverbs 4:9


“She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty and glory.”

Proverbs 4:10


Hear, my son, and accept my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.

Proverbs 4:11


I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom;
I have led you in upright paths.

Proverbs 4:12


When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open];
And when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:13


Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

Proverbs 4:14


Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not go the way of evil men.

Proverbs 4:15


Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.

Proverbs 4:16


For the wicked cannot sleep unless they do evil;
And they are deprived of sleep unless they make someone stumble and fall.

Proverbs 4:17


For they eat the bread of wickedness
And drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs 4:18


But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:19


The way of the wicked is like [deep] darkness;
They do not know over what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:20


My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn;
Open your ears to my sayings.
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 4:21


Do not let them escape from your sight;
Keep them in the center of your heart.
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 4:22


For they are life to those who find them,
And healing and health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 4:23


Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:24


Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth,
And put devious lips far from you.

Proverbs 4:25


Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage]
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity].

Proverbs 4:26


Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet,
And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

Proverbs 4:27


Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk];
Turn your foot from [the path of] evil.