Proverbs 4
1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;pay attention and gain understanding. 2I give you sound learning,so do not forsake my teaching. 3For I too was a son to my father,still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4Then he taught me, and he said to me,“Take hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands, and you will live. 5Get wisdom, get understanding;do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;love her, and she will watch over you. 7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8Cherish her, and she will exalt you;embrace her, and she will honor you. 9She will give you a garland to grace your headand present you with a glorious crown.” 10Listen, my son, accept what I say,and the years of your life will be many. 11I instruct you in the way of wisdomand lead you along straight paths. 12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;when you run, you will not stumble. 13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;guard it well, for it is your life. 14Do not set foot on the path of the wickedor walk in the way of evildoers. 15Avoid it, do not travel on it;turn from it and go on your way. 16For they cannot rest until they do evil;they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 17They eat the bread of wickednessand drink the wine of violence. 18The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;they do not know what makes them stumble. 20My son, pay attention to what I say;turn your ear to my words. 21Do not let them out of your sight,keep them within your heart; 22for they are life to those who find themand health to one’s whole body. 23Above all else, guard your heart,for everything you do flows from it. 24Keep your mouth free of perversity;keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25Let your eyes look straight ahead;fix your gaze directly before you. 26Give careful thought to the paths for your feetand be steadfast in all your ways. 27Do not turn to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil.
Study Context for Proverbs 4
As you study Proverbs 4, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Righteousness. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WisdomFear of the LordRighteousness
Observation: What does Proverbs 4 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Read in context:Proverbs 3Proverbs 5
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
Study Proverbs 4 more deeply
Ask Matthew for a Scripture-grounded explanation using this reference, not the copyrighted NIV wording. AI explanations remain separate from Scripture.
New International Version (NIV)
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture provided through API.Bible