Proverbs 4:1-9

Proverbs 4:1-9

[1] Hear,  ye children,  the instruction  of a father,  and attend  to know  understanding.  [2] For I give  you good  doctrine,  forsake  ye not my law.  [3] For I was my father's  son,  tender  and only  beloved in the sight  of my mother.  [4] He taught  me also, and said  unto me, Let thine heart  retain  my words:  keep  my commandments,  and live.  [5] Get  wisdom,  get  understanding:  forget  it not; neither decline  from the words  of my mouth.  [6] Forsake  her not, and she shall preserve  thee: love  her, and she shall keep  [7] Wisdom  is the principal thing;  therefore get  wisdom:  and with all thy getting  get understanding.  [8] Exalt  her, and she shall promote  thee: she shall bring thee to honour,  when thou dost embrace  [9] She shall give  to thine head  an ornament  of grace:  a crown  of glory  shall she deliver 

What does Proverbs 4:1-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

"This chapter is comprised of three discourses on the value of Wisdom of Solomon , each including the motifs of instruction, exhortation, command, and motivation." [1]
The first section of verses in this chapter shows how parents can pass along the love of wisdom: mainly by personal influence. Solomon"s instruction here was very positive. Rather than saying, "Don"t do this and that!" which he did elsewhere (cf. Proverbs 3:27-31), he wanted his sons to realize that by heeding his counsel they could find the best life possible. This father structured formal times of instruction for his sons. His is not a bad example for other fathers to follow.
The Hebrew word translated "instruction" ( Proverbs 4:2) can also mean "law" (cf. Proverbs 3:1). Normally those who keep God"s commandments live ( Proverbs 4:4), but there are exceptions. [2] Nonetheless this is good motivation. One writer paraphrased Proverbs 4:7 a as follows: "What it takes is not brains or opportunity, but decision. Do you want it? Come and get it." [3] The second half of this verse probably means, "Be willing to part with anything else you may have to get understanding."