Proverbs 4:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:1-13

The solicitude of the wise father: a sermon to parents and children In these verses we have a peep into the royal house at Jerusalem while David was on the throne. And we have such a glimpse as we should expect to gain. We see the devout man extremely solicitous that his son should walk in the ways of Divine and heavenly wisdom. David, like the rest of human parents, and more than most of them, was under— I. A STRONG TEMPTATION TO MAKE A FALSE ESTIMATE . So near to us is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:1-27

7. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24 . This group extends to the end of Proverbs 7:1-27 . Its prevailing tone is that of warning rather than of positive exhortations, which have been the rule hitherto. The general aim of the discourse before us, as of those preceding, is to exalt Wisdom, to exhibit her as a subject... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:2

For I give you good doctrine. This, while stating the reason for the exhortation in the previous verse, signifies that what the teacher has given and is giving, he has received from his father. I give ; nathati, literally, "I gave," is the kal perfect of nathan, "to give," but the perfect is here used for the present, as denoting not only a past action, but one that is still continuing. Good doctrine ( lekakh tov ) . The doctrine or instruction is "good," not only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:3

For I was my father's son. This is more than the mere statement of a physical fact. It indicates that the teacher was in the highest degree an object of endearment to his father, just as he states in the second hemistich that he held a unique position in the affection of his mother. `The statement agrees with the historical record. Solomon would be more than ordinarily dear to his father, as being a child of promise, as "the beloved of the Lord," and as the son whom the Divine will had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:4

From this verse to Proverbs 4:19 inclusive, the teacher quotes the instruction which he had received of his father. His object in doing so is to show that his own teaching was in harmony with it, and therefore worthy of attention. His precepts, admonitions, and warnings are not his only, but those of his father. Other examples of David's instructions to Solomon are found in 1 Kings 2:2 ; 1 Chronicles 22:12 , 1 Chronicles 22:13 ; 1 Chronicles 28:9 . And he taught; i.e. his father,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 4:1-3

Proverbs 4:1-3. Hear, &c., the instruction of a father Of me, who have paternal authority over you, and great affection for you. For I give you, good doctrine Not vain or foolish, much less false or pernicious counsels, but such as are true and profitable. Forsake ye not my law God’s law or commands delivered to you by my mouth. For I was my father’s son In a special sense, his best beloved son, and designed to be his successor on the throne; tender and only beloved, &c.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 4:4-9

Proverbs 4:4-9. He taught me also, and said unto me The following verses, at least as far as the tenth, are represented as containing the words of David, Solomon’s father, that the name of so great a king, and so holy a prophet, might add the more authority and efficacy to his counsels. Keep my commandments and live That is, thou shalt live. It is a promise in the form of a command, as Proverbs 3:25. Get wisdom, &c., neither decline, &c. From the belief and practice of my... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:1-27

Wisdom the inner guide (4:1-27)The writer further instructs his ‘sons’ by passing on teaching that his own ‘father’ once gave him. The main point of that teaching was that, more than anything else, he was to get wisdom and insight (4:1-5). The first step in getting wisdom is the desire for it. Once obtained, wisdom will bring into the life of the possessor a new measure of security, honour and beauty (6-9).By living according to God’s wisdom, people will have true freedom, and at the same time... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 4:1

children = sons. instruction = correction, or admonition. know understanding = learn discernment. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 4:3

son. The Hebrew accent ( Dechi ) emphasizes this word to show (1) his own early training (Proverbs 4:3 ); (2) those whom he would instruct (verses: Proverbs 4:1 , Proverbs 4:2 ); (3) his instruction (verses: Proverbs 4:5-9 .) only beloved = unique. in the sight of my mother. A special various reading, called Sevir ( App-34 ), reads "of my mother's sons". So in some codices, with several early printed editions. read more

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