Proverbs 4:10-13

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 4:10

Many commentators, e.g. Jerome, Bede, Ewald, Bertheau, and Hitzig, suppose that the father's instruction closes in the preceding verse, but it seems more appropriate to consider the father as here passing to another branch of his instruction, which is to point out the way of wisdom, and so to prepare for his warnings which follow from Proverbs 4:14 to Proverbs 4:19 . Receive ; kakh, from lakah, "to receive" (on the force of this verb, see Proverbs 1:3 ). He who shows a delighter... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:11

The perfects, I have taught and I have led, in the original seem to have here the absolute signification of the past. The father recalls the instruction which he has given in times past. So Delitzsch. But Gejerus gives them the combined force of the past and future, "I have taught and I will more fully teach," and so with the other verb. The Vulgate renders, monstrabo, "I will show," and ducam, " I will lead." In the way of wisdom ( b'derek khok'mah ) may mean "in the way that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:12

In this verse the father depicts the benefits and advantages which shall follow from "receiving his words" ( Proverbs 4:10 ), i.e. from attending to his counsels and imbibing the principles of wisdom. The whole course of life shall be freed from obstacles or impediments, from anxiety, perplexity, or difficulty, or from vacillation. When thou goest may refer to the daily walk, to the common and ordinary events or circumstances incidental to life, just as the corresponding when thou... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:12

A free course Religion is looked upon too much in the light of a restraint, and the Christian is often regarded by the world as hampered and shackled by irksome bonds. But the very opposite is suggested by the words of our text. We see the servant of Divine Wisdom running with freedom on his course, and at the same time carefully guarded from misadventure. I. THE TRUTH OF GOD GIVES LIBERTY . Christ promised that the truth should make men free ( John 8:32 ). 1 . The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:13

The short but urgent admonitions in this verse may be explained by the knowledge which the father has of the temptations to which youth is exposed and the liability of youth to fall into them, as well as by the fact that Instruction, or Wisdom, is the bestower of life. This latter conviction is the reason why he urges "taking fast hold" of Wisdom. The tenacious grasp with which the shipwrecked sinking sailor lays hold on any spar or plank floating near will illustrate the kind of grasp with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:13

Holding fast I. THE NECESSITY OF HOLDING FAST . This is to be in regard to instruction in Divine wisdom. There are difficulties in keeping to the truth of God. 1 . The knowledge of it is an attainment. It is not innate; it does not come by inevitable experience; it is not received without conscious effort. What has been won may be lost. That which is not naturally a part of our being may be detached from us. 2 . The truth is spiritual. Therefore it belongs to a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 4:10-13

Proverbs 4:10-13. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings Diligently attend to and imbibe my instructions, as the earth drinks in the rain that drops upon it. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom Either, 1st, The way which procureth wisdom; or, 2d, Which wisdom directs thee to walk in. Thy steps shall not be straitened Thou shalt manage thine affairs with great facility, safety, and success. It is a metaphor taken from those who walk in a strait and uneven path, where they are apt to... 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 4:10

my son. See note on Proverbs 1:8 . sayings. Hebrew. imrah. See App-73 . the years of thy life shall be many = [my sayings] shall grow greater [through] the years of thy life. The verb denotes increase of size, not merely numbers. See notes on Proverbs 3:2 , Proverbs 3:16 ; Proverbs 10:27 . The verb here is masculine, but "years of life" is feminine. The verb therefore refers to "sayings". read more

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