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4:1–27 Chapter 4 consists of three sets of paternal instructions. In the first, the father encourages his sons to listen to wisdom (vv. 1–2) and quotes the teachings of his own father (vv. 3–9). In the second, he urges his son to keep hold of his instruction (vv. 10–13) and warns him not to follow the path of the wicked (vv. 14–19). In the third, he advises his son to continue on the path of wisdom and not turn aside from it (vv. 20–27). |
Topics in Proverbs Table
4:1 Children, listen to the instruction of a father See 1:8; note on 1:8–9:18.
4:3 a son to my father The father presents the teaching of his father. Traditionally, wisdom passed down through generations was considered more authoritative (Job 8:8–10; 15:18).
4:5 and insight Discernment is closely related to wisdom in Proverbs. See note on Prov 1:2.
4:10 Listen, my child See note on 1:8.
the years of your life shall be great Long life is considered a reward for wisdom and righteousness. See note on 3:2.
4:11 the path of uprightness Wisdom is paralleled with honest and righteous living. See note on 2:7.
4:13 Seize the instruction Wisdom should be protected because of its great value and the effort required to obtain and maintain it (2:4; 3:13–15).
4:14 the path of the wicked do not go While the way of wisdom is safe and peaceful (3:17; 4:12), the way of the wicked is dark and crooked (2:15; 4:19). See Psa 1:1–6.
4:16 they will not sleep In contrast to the restful, easy sleep of the wise (Prov 3:24), the wicked cannot even go to sleep before they commit evil.
4:17 they ate the bread of wickedness The wicked feed on evil. It is their source of strength and motivation.
4:18–19 These verses contrast the paths of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous follow a bright path, which allows them to see and proceed in safety (Job 29:2–3). In contrast, the wicked take a dark path, which prevents them from seeing traps or obstacles, causing them to stumble (Job 12:24–25; 18:10). |
4:20 My child, be attentive to my words See Prov 1:8; note on 1:8–9:18.
4:23–27 The father encourages his son to keep wisdom by guarding various aspects of his body. His heart should be vigilant (v. 23), his mouth should avoid falsehood (v. 24), and his eyes should be directed forward (v. 25). Finally, he should keep the path of his feet clear and not turn toward evil (vv. 26–27).
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4:23 With all vigilance, keep your heart Appropriate speech and the state of the heart are closely associated in vv. 20–24. Restrained speech is a common theme in Wisdom Literature (e.g., 10:19; 16:23; 17:27; 21:23).
life The speech of the wise benefits the speaker and the listener (10:20, 31; 12:18; 15:2, 4; 18:21).
4:24 deceitful speech The Hebrew phrase used here for a kind of sinful speech literally means “falseness of mouth.” In Proverbs, the mouth reflects a person’s character (15:2, 28).
Mouth ISBE
4:26 May the path of your foot be balanced The Hebrew word used here indicates clearing a way (Isa 26:7). Here, the father encourages his son to intentionally remain on the path of wisdom and righteousness (Prov 4:11).
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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