Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Proverbs Chapter 4 mean?

The call to listen to wisdom is repeated often in the book of Proverbs, especially in the early chapters. Here, Solomon continues to urge this perspective. He speaks to his “sons,” which might suggest he is speaking to a wider group such as students. The first part of this passage explains the benefits of godly wisdom, in the way it provides defense against the consequences associated with sin (Proverbs 4:1–9).

Solomon then moves on to a series of “do / do not” comments. A life of sin is something to be actively avoided, not just passively ignored. Those walking in worldly sin are portrayed as trapped and miserably addicted to their own depravity. What’s being discouraged here is the example of “the evil,” meaning those who choose sin over wisdom. They are like people trying to walk on a jagged, difficult, dark path. In contrast, those who follow “the path of the righteous” walk in bright light and security (Proverbs 4:10–19).

This chapter ends with a series of instructions on how to avoid straying into this path of the wicked. Emphasis here is on being deliberate, thoughtful, and careful. Much of the language used involves this concept of paying attention, rather than being careless. Similarly, a person’s words and speech should be focused and direct, not manipulative or deceptive. It’s notable that Scripture warns against turning from the path of wisdom, regardless of which direction one goes. “Do not swerve to the right or to the left” implies that God’s wisdom is already perfect. We can’t improve on it, nor can we “do better,” even if we’re convinced our direction is right (Proverbs 4:20–27).

Chapter Context
The first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs focus on extolling the value of godly wisdom. In this chapter King Solomon continues to pass along this message to his son. His advice to his sons—possibly also meaning his students—in chapter 4 is similar to what he says in Proverbs 1:8–9; 2:1–6; 3:1–2, 21–26; 5:1–2; 6:20–22; 7:1–3, 24; and 8:22–36. The words of this chapter are partly taken from advice Solomon recalls hearing from his own father, David.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Hear, O sons, a father ‘s instruction,and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

Solomon has been addressing his son or student, using singular terms. Now he addresses more than one person; scholars think this might meant the intended audience has shifted to students. If “sons” refers to Solomon’s students, the term shows a filial relationship between teacher and students.

Tenderly, like a father, Solomon appeals to his “sons” to hear his instruction. By being attentive to his words, his “sons” would gain insight. Someone has said, “as the branch is bent, so grows the tree.” The time to shape a person’s life is when he or she is young. Good habits, learned in youth, are much easier to maintain than it is to break and replace sinful habits later in life.

Jesus put a high value on children. When Jesus was teaching, His disciples rebuked those who were bringing children to Him. However, Jesus was angry with the disciples and said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Then “he took them in his arms and blessed them” (Mark 10:16). Timothy received instruction in God’s Word from childhood, and this instruction made him wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). By instructing his sons, Solomon was obeying the Lord’s command to the fathers in Israel to teach His words diligently to their children (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Context Summary
Proverbs 4:1–9 looks back on Solomon’s childhood and the wise instruction he received from his father David. He rehearses that instruction and passes it along to his young students. Echoing David, Solomon credits wisdom with the power to protect, honor, and grace the life of whoever acquires it. ”Wisdom,” used in these passages, means the ability to act according to godly knowledge.

Verse 2. for I give you good precepts;do not forsake my teaching.

In this verse Solomon tells his sons—possibly meaning students—that his precepts are good, therefore they should not forsake them. The book of Proverbs assumes a progression from learning to knowledge to wisdom and then to understanding. This last stage is where someone can teach the precepts of godly wisdom to others. Since Solomon has that experience, it is good advice to follow his instructions.

Today, as always, believers need to discern what is true and reject what is false. The apostle John wrote: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). In the letter that bears his name, Jude summoned his readers to contend for the truth because certain people were perverting God’s grace and denying the Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3–4). In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul commanded Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2) because the time was approaching when people would not “endure sound teaching” but would attach themselves to teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). Paul said those people would “turn away from listening to the truth” and “wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4: 4).

If we heed the apostles’ admonitions, we will cherish God’s Word. It is truth (John 17:17), and “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Verse 3. When I was a son with my father,tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,

This suggests Solomon was once an only child. Or, at least, that he benefitted from one-on-one time with his parents. He was David’s son, and Bathsheba was his mother. Later, he had three brothers. First Chronicles 3:1–9 lists David’s sons. Verse 5 gives the names of the sons who were born to him and Bathsheba. They were Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. Scripture does not always list children in their birth order, and often omits names entirely. The fact that Solomon is listed last as a child of David and Bathsheba might simply be for emphasis, not necessarily that he was the last one born, especially given what we read in 2 Samuel 12. Either way, it seems Solomon enjoyed a special place in his parents’ love that afforded him exposure to the kind of teaching that would make him wise.

Parents should not become so busy that they have little or no time to devote to the spiritual training of their children. Those who teach their children well will be remembered fondly by their children when their children are adults. Joseph and Mary likely spent quality time with the boy Jesus, because Luke 2:52 tells us “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

Verse 4. he taught me and said to me,”Let your heart hold fast my words;keep my commandments, and live.

This memory of Solomon’s father, David (Proverbs 4:3), echoes many of the same statements Solomon is now making in Proverbs. David taught Solomon to retain his words in his heart and keep his commandments. The fact that David told Solomon to let his heart hold fast his words show us that intellectual knowledge of Scripture cannot by itself produce wisdom and godliness. We must love God’s Word with our hearts. Even though Proverbs explains why wisdom is valuable, merely having wisdom does not guarantee a person will follow it. Solomon, himself, seems to have struggled with this (1 Kings 11:4).

First Chronicles 28:9 quotes David’s counsel to Solomon prior to Solomon’s construction of the temple in Jerusalem. He told Solomon, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind.” A father can give sound advice to his son, but the best advice is exactly that. Solomon seems to have only embraced this truth after learning, through his own life, just how true it is (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Verse 5. Get wisdom; get insight;do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs touts the value of wisdom, placing far above any material possession (Proverbs 3:13–15). Wisdom, as used here, comes as the result of learning, which leads to knowledge. Knowledge leads to wisdom: the ability to act according to a truthful, godly perspective. The word in this verse translated as “insight” by the ESV shares the same Hebrew root as the term translated “understanding” in verses such as Proverbs 1:2, where both forms are used. That term implies absorbing wisdom to the point that one can pass along its meaning to others.

David told his son Solomon to get wisdom and insight, and he commanded him not to forget or reject his words. Later in life, it seems Solomon drifted from this advice (1 Kings 11:4), only to return to better understanding after extensive experience (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

At first, however, this fatherly advice seems to have served Solomon well. After he became king, God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. The Lord said, “Ask what I shall give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Rather than asking for power, wealth, or something worldly, Solomon asked for something he’d been taught to consider far more valuable. He responded, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9).

Verse 6. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;love her, and she will guard you.

In this verse David’s counsel to Solomon (Proverbs 4:3) takes the form of a figure of speech. He personifies wisdom as a woman (Proverbs 1:20–21; 3:15; 8:1–3) and instructs Solomon to stay by her side. He promises wisdom will protect him. He also promises “she” will guard Solomon if he loves “her.” Those who live by godly principles are far less likely to suffer the consequences faced by those who participate in sin and depravity.

Christians should stay true to the wisdom God imparts in His Word. Although false teachers may appear as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13–14), their teachings are poisonous. The apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers that he was jealous for them and had betrothed them as a pure virgin to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). However, he feared that their thoughts would be “led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). He described the seducers as “false prophets, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13).

Just as David instructed Solomon to keep and love wisdom, even so Paul instructed Timothy to “guard the deposit” entrusted to him and “avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge’” (1 Timothy 6:20).

Verse 7. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,and whatever you get, get insight.

Read carelessly, this statement can seem circular. The point, however, comes naturally from lessons already given in this book. Wisdom is far more valuable than any material possession (Proverbs 3:13–15). So the wisest thing a person can do is to seek wisdom. In more modern terms, we might say “the first rule of wisdom is to always seek more wisdom.”

The key concept here comes from the root word rē’sit, which is used at the very start of Scripture, in Genesis 1:1. The term generically means “what comes first,” which can imply a beginning or something of utmost importance. Both concepts apply here, which is why various English translations choose to focus on one or the other. The need to acquire wisdom is simultaneously “step one” along the wise path as well as the key principle by which to stay on it.

People set goals and work hard to reach them. Some spend great effort to get rich, some search hard for happiness. All these objectives fade in comparison to the value of acquiring wisdom and insight. The words Solomon relates here are those he once heard from his father, David (Proverbs 4:3). David challenged his son to get wisdom and insight. Nothing in life is as valuable as the wisdom to know and do God’s will and to understand how to respond correctly to obstacles and opportunities.

In his later life, Solomon searched in vain for what was truly valuable. He pursued knowledge, pleasure, wealth, and honor, but finally concluded that true satisfaction comes only from knowing God. The book of Ecclesiastes traces his vain pursuits and concludes with the counsel, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Verse 8. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.

A life without wisdom can lead to shame, dishonor, regret, and misery, but setting a high value on wisdom and embracing it leads to exaltation and honor. In the context of the book of Proverbs, wisdom means an ability to live according to godly principles. Although wisdom is a gift from God, He gives it only to those who prize it, cherish His Word, and ask for it. This continues the lesson of wisdom which Solomon remembers hearing from his father, David (Proverbs 4:3).

First Samuel 2:30 quotes the Lord as saying, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” Jesus serves as the best example of honoring the Lord and receiving honor from Him. Philippians 2:7–8 describes how Jesus, the Son of God, emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant, and as a man humbled Himself and obeyed the Father by dying on a cross. As a result, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9) God also honors those who follow in the steps of the Savior, putting their faith in Him and living lives of obedience to God, by granting crowns and the privilege of reigning with Christ in His future kingdom.

Verse 9. She will place on your head a graceful garland;she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

David continued his advice to Solomon (Proverbs 4:3) by promising that wisdom gives an attractive life to those who embrace it. Wisdom also extends life. The beautiful crown mentioned in this verse likely describes gray hair or age. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Although longevity is not guaranteed to Christians, applying wisdom to daily life can keep a believer from making injurious decisions. It also produces a life to be admired, even among those who reject God (Matthew 5:16).

For example, a wise Christian will say “no” when enticed by the wicked to sin. He will guard his health because he dedicates his body to God (Romans 12:1) and knows it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and wants to use it to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). The apostle Paul recognized that his body belonged to God, and he wanted to use it well to run the Christian race. He declared in 1 Corinthians 9:26–27: “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Verse 10. Hear, my son, and accept my words,that the years of your life may be many.

As seen so often in the book of Proverbs, Solomon calls upon his son to pay attention to his words, and bend his ear to his precepts. He assures that his son will experience longevity if he heeds his counsel. In the context of “wisdom literature,” like the book of Proverbs, this is understood as a general statement, not an infallible prophecy. Those who live according to godly wisdom are far less likely to experience the life-shortening consequences of sin. And yet, in an eternal sense, those who seek truth are guaranteed life. Heeding God’s Word by believing what it teaches about salvation through Christ brings more abundant earthly life as well as eternal life.

The believer enjoys fulfilment throughout his days on earth and bliss in heaven, where life cannot be measured by years. The day after Jesus fed the five thousand, those who followed Him only because they benefited from His miracles left Him. Jesus turned to His twelve disciples and asked, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67). Peter responded quickly and wisely, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). In Philippians 2:16 we find the expression, “the word of life.” True wisdom offers life to all who heed God’s Word.

Context Summary
Proverbs 4:10–19 contains both positive and negative counsel: ”do” and ”do not” statements. Solomon urges his son to choose the positive path of wisdom and avoid the negative ways of wickedness. Those caught in evil are portrayed as overcome, addicted, and desperate. Solomon concludes this section by comparing the path of the righteous to bright light and the way of the wicked to deep darkness.

Verse 11. I have taught you the way of wisdom;I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

Solomon reminds his son that he taught him the way of wisdom and led him in the paths of uprightness. Two observations are significant in this verse. First, it is important to teach others how they should live. Second, it is also important to lead by example. This statement is complicated, coming from someone like Solomon. Scripture records that he drifted from following wisdom (1 Kings 11:4), only to realize his mistakes (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Spoken to a student (Proverbs 4:1), using fatherly terminology, this might be more literally true. Even so, a good father can use his own mistakes to help a child learn what is best. Solomon’s own experience might have enhanced that message, in fact (Proverbs 4:13).

The use of a “path” as a metaphor for life is used often in the Bible. A rocky, twisting, darkened road is harder to navigate, and enhances the risks of falling. Straight and clear paths are much better—this is why truth and godliness are spoken of as “paths of uprightness,” and so forth.

The apostle Paul both preached and lived out godly wisdom. He reminded the Christians at Thessalonica that he and his coworkers had declared God’s Word to them “in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5), and had modeled the Christian life among them (1 Thessalonians 5:6). As a result, the Thessalonian believers had become imitators of Paul and his teammates and “an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). In his first letter to Timothy, Paul commanded Timothy to teach good doctrine and set an example for the believers “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:11–16).

Verse 12. When you walk, your step will not be hampered,and if you run, you will not stumble.

The way of wisdom is safe. Wisdom keeps those who possess it from getting tripped and stumbling. As used in the book of Proverbs, “wisdom” is an ability to apply godly knowledge. Scripture, including this very book, acknowledges that wisdom is not a magical talisman that prevents all possible harms (Proverbs 3:25–26). However, common sense makes it clear that how we live—the choices we make—have a drastic influence on the length and quality of our lives. This is why Scripture refers to life using the metaphor of a “path.” Ungodly attitudes create a dark, jagged, rocky path with many risks. Seeking the Lord makes life’s road comparatively straight and clear (Proverbs 3:6).

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, he wanted to draw them back to correct doctrine. False teachers had sneaked into the churches of Galatia. They had successfully persuaded believers there that it was necessary to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. Paul asked the Galatians: “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). The word translated “hindered” evokes a runner being tripped. False teaching had caused the Galatian believers to stumble. Wisdom would have averted their stumbling.

Contrasting what happened to the Galatians, the “wise” person—the one who acts according to godly knowledge—will not be hampered, meaning his path will not be constricted. He will not experience the same pains and sorrows that lie in the path of the wicked.

Verse 13. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;guard her, for she is your life.

Here Solomon pleads with his son to hold instruction firmly in his grip and not let go. He advises his son to guard instruction, because it gives life. The importance of this idea was even illustrated in Solomon’s own life. He drifted from wisdom (1 Kings 11:4), only to realize later how foolish that was (Ecclesiastes 12:13). There’s a sense in which this teaching might include the warning “don’t make the mistakes I did.”

“Wisdom” in this book refers to an ability to act according to godly knowledge. The most important expression of this is in how someone reacts to the gospel of salvation through Christ. Those who receive instruction about the gospel and respond positively by trusting in Christ as Savior receive eternal life. First John 5:12 declares, “Whoever has the Son has life.” In 2 Timothy 1:10 Paul wrote that Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” When a person believes in Jesus, he passes from spiritual death to spiritual life; and when he dies physically, he enters heaven, where he is immortal and incapable of dying.

Further, responding to instruction properly by trusting in Christ also brings about a joyful and meaningful life instead of a mere existence (John 10:10). The apostle Paul testified, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), and in his letter to the Philippians wrote frequently about his joy, even though he was imprisoned by the Romans at the time.

Verse 14. Do not enter the path of the wicked,and do not walk in the way of the evil.

Fathers often pass along advice to their sons based on painful personal experience. This was probably the case with Solomon, even in these words. Though gifted with wisdom (1 Kings 3:5–15), Solomon did not always follow it (1 Kings 11:4), though he lived to see the error of his ways (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

This is especially valuable advice for those who are young. Solomon warns not to “enter the path of the wicked” or “walk in the way of the evil.” It’s important not to miss a key word—”the”—in that statement. This specific warning is about “the evil,” meaning “those who are evil,” rather than just evil in general. The danger spoken of here is about relationships.

Earlier in Proverbs he gave similar counsel by saying, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10). Jesus taught that there are two paths through life, and every person must choose which path he will follow. He reinforced Solomon’s advice about not entering the path of the wicked. In Matthew 7:13–14 he said, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Peer pressure may draw even believers into the path of evil, but believers must exercise faith and obedience to avoid wrongdoing and its consequences. It is dangerous, and foolish, to think we can “play along” with wickedness and not be caught in the consequences (Proverbs 13:20).

Verse 15. Avoid it; do not go on it;turn away from it and pass on.

Repetition in a written work is a sign of strong emphasis. In ancient literature, this was also the case. Over these verses, Solomon has been pleading with his son to entirely shun “the way of the evil.” The phrasing in verse 14 specifically referred to wicked persons: “the” evil, rather than evil in a generic sense. Solomon’s own struggles with sin came as a result of bad choices in his relationships (1 Kings 11:4). Here he issues four commands, with their own subtle differences.

First, we should “avoid” evil. The best way to avoid following the example of evil people is to obey God’s Word. It always steers us in the right direction (2 Timothy 3:16–17), even when evil is disguised as good (2 Corinthians 11:14). We should be actively seeking to stay away from people, and behaviors, which are depraved.

Second, we should not “go on it,” again referring to the path of those who are evil (Proverbs 4:14). There may be the temptation to experience what the wicked find so attractive, but we will not lack anything worthwhile by refusing to enter the path of the wicked. There is no safe way to experience sin “just a little,” or “for now.” Psalm 16:11 assures us that the Lord makes known to us the path of life, and in His presence is fullness of joy, and everlasting pleasures are at His right hand.

Third, we should “turn away from” the path of evil people. This acknowledges that temptations are real, even if we make an effort to avoid sin. When tempted to do evil, we ought to turn to the Lord for grace and strength. First Corinthians 10:13 assures us the Lord will make a way of escape in any situation. We are never “forced” to sin, and can always make a decision to turn in the right way.

Fourth, we should “pass on.” A powerful tool in combatting sin is to be active in seeking God and His will. We don’t need to go in some random direction. We should continue, deliberately, in our pursuit of God and His goodness. Instead of stopping to glance at evil, we need to keep moving along the path of righteousness (1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1).

Verse 16. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

Solomon is condemning the lifestyle of those who ignore godly wisdom: those he earlier referred to as “the evil” (Proverbs 4:14). This verse presents a picture of those trapped by sin which is almost pitiable. It shows how rejecting our Creator doesn’t lead to peace; it makes us miserable. Following God, on the other hand, gives us great peace (John 10:10; Proverbs 3:24).

This verse uses another feature common to wisdom literature, and to ancient writing. This technique is hyperbole, or “exaggeration for effect.” Solomon is not saying that evildoers literally have insomnia until they corrupt someone else. Rather, the point is that “the evil” are so driven by their sin and depravity that it consumes their lives. The following verse expands on that symbolism by referring to food (Proverbs 4:17). Worse, wrongdoers aren’t content to travel the broad road to destruction alone; they want to entice others to travel with them.

In the days leading up to Noah’s flood, wickedness was not confined to one or two groups. The entire civilization, excepting Noah and his family, was steeped in sin. Wickedness had become contagious. When God surveyed humanity, he saw “that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). As the return of the Lord approaches, the wicked will not only follow the evil dictates of their hearts but will also lead others astray (2 Timothy 3:1–6). In the tribulation period, the false prophet will force others to engage in the wicked act of worshiping the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:13–17).

Verse 17. For they eat the bread of wickednessand drink the wine of violence.

Proverbs warns often against following the example of ungodly people. This passage has focused on that warning, that a wise person doesn’t have anything to do with evil (Proverbs 4:14–15). The prior verse used exaggeration for effect by saying that “the evil” cannot sleep until they’ve corrupted someone. This is meant to emphasize the way sin is contagious. When others are sinning, it’s easier for people to excuse their own depravity. At the same time, sin consumes a person’s life, overpowering all other concerns. Along those same lines, Solomon symbolically compares the effects of sin to dependence on food. When wickedness defines one’s life, they cannot get enough of it. There is a constant hunger and thirst for more.

Bread is a common symbol in the Bible, since it’s a commonly-known, life-sustaining food. Jesus called Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35). This was after He referred to manna: bread from heaven that God gave to the Israelites in the wilderness to keep them alive. Jesus explained that He had come down from heaven to give life to the world. He added, “Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Like thirsty souls drinking water at an oasis, the wicked “drink violence.” They fall into the same category as those who drink injustice like water and are an abomination to the Lord (Job 15:16). Just as bread and water are assimilated into the human body, so sin and violence become a part of the wicked person. They are what they eat!

Verse 18. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Symbolism about walking, or paths, is common in Scripture. The general idea is that evil creates a dark, jagged road which causes people to be lost, or to fall. Truth and godliness are compared to bright, straight, safe roads. As stated here, following godly wisdom is like walking on a road lit by light of dawn, brighter and brighter until it bursts into full day.

This is especially appropriate, since Jesus, the sinless Son of God, is defined as “the true light” (John 1:9). He called Himself “the light of the world,” and said, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The apostle Paul addressed the believers at Ephesus as “light in the Lord” and exhorted them to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). The apostle John wrote that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). He added, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). As believers walk in the light, others see our good works and glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).

Verse 19. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;they do not know over what they stumble.

In contrast to the blazing light where the righteous walk is the dark path of the wicked. Solomon compares the way of the wicked to deep darkness, and says the wicked stumble over what they cannot detect. Just as light characterizes the righteous and their walk, so darkness characterizes the wicked and their walk. This imagery emphasizes the way sin and spiritual ignorance cause men to become lost, to fall, and to be afraid.

Jesus portrayed the hard-hearted Pharisees as blind guides, and said, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). Second Corinthians 4:4 identifies Satan, the god of this world, as the one who “has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” The apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:19 that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Although believers once followed the Devil, through faith in Jesus Christ, they passed from darkness to light (Ephesians 2:1; 5:8).

Verse 20. My son, be attentive to my words;incline your ear to my sayings.

Asking someone to “incline [their] ear” brings up the image of someone leaning forward, tipping their head to hear more clearly. The point is that these words are not to be passively taken in, but actively and carefully considered. Simply hearing wise counsel is inadequate unless the listener pays close attention to it. This corresponds to many other verses in Proverbs which encourage valuing godly wisdom.

Jesus cautioned, “Pay attention to what you hear” (Mark 4:24). He had concluded a discourse about the kinds of soil on which seed fell. The seed that fell along a path represents the Word that Satan quickly removes (Mark 4:15). The seed sown on rocky ground represents the Word that hearers receive joyfully but discard when persecution strikes them (Mark 4:16–17). The seed sown among thorns represents the Word that others receive until worldly concerns, the deceitfulness of riches, and materialistic desires choke it (Mark 4:18–19). The seed that fell on good soil represents the Word that hearers accept and show how well they accept it by bearing fruit in their lives. (Mark 4:20). It is important, therefore, to welcome God’s Word with open ears and an open heart.

Context Summary
Proverbs 4:20–27 concludes the chapter with Solomon telling his son how to live. This follows earlier explanations of advice his own father, David, gave to him. Emphasis here is on the attitude of the heart, the focus of the eyes, and the direction of the feet. This begins with a pattern seen many other places in Proverbs: an encouragement to value godly wisdom.

Verse 21. Let them not escape from your sight;keep them within your heart.

The prior verse evoked the image of someone leaning their head forward, turning to hear carefully. This verse continues that theme with an expression that’s understood in many cultures and languages: “don’t let this out of your sight.” This implies something valuable, or easily missed, or both. Given that godly wisdom is worth more than anything else (Proverbs 3:13–15), it’s worth paying close attention to. It’s something to be cherished, not tolerated.

Believers ought to give more than mental assent to God’s Word. We must lodge it in the heart and love it. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The same psalmist also declared: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). If we love God’s Word, we will mull it over in our thoughts throughout the day, applying it to each situation that arises.

Furthermore, our heart must welcome the Word of God just as a homeowner welcomes a dear friend inside. Paul exhorted the Colossian believers: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). The word “dwell” means to live at home as a permanent resident.

Verse 22. For they are life to those who find them,and healing to all their flesh.

This verse continues to refer to the wise words Solomon is explaining to his son (Proverbs 4:20). As a general rule, vibrant life and good health escape those who violate God’s Word. Machines often come with instruction manuals, which detail what the product is or is not designed to do. Those manuals also explain the right way to maintain that equipment. Just as the designer of a machine knows the best way to keep it in good condition, so too does the Designer of mankind know the best way for us to live. Accidents and incidents still occur, but common sense tells us that following “the plan” is the way to avoid unnecessary disaster.

In 1 Timothy 5:6, Paul wrote that the self-indulgent widow “is dead even while she lives.” When the wicked choose to go their own way and indulge their sinful passions, their choice does not lead to an enjoyable life or a happy ending. Proverbs 14:12 explains how may think they are following the right path through life, but it leads to death.

The promise of health given here isn’t meant to be a magical talisman. But whoever loves and obeys God’s Word follows a much healthier lifestyle than those who defy Him. Paul, for instance, wrote that he refused to harm his body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and he wanted to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Verse 23. Keep your heart with all vigilance,for from it flow the springs of life.

To “keep” something, in this sense, means more than simply “to maintain ownership.” It refers to maintenance, care, and support. Some translations use the word “guard,” A wise person realizes that temptation is real (1 Corinthians 10:13) and takes appropriate precaution. This parallels statements made earlier, where Solomon advises his son to actively avoid evil, and those who practice it (Proverbs 4:14–15).

Scripture places a strong emphasis on the heart as the source of good or evil. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” Jesus announced: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

David, Solomon’s father, certainly understood how influential the heart is in how we live out our morals and values. Out of the evil of his heart he stole Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, committed adultery with her, and then arranged for Uriah’s death when he could not hide his crime (2 Samuel 11:2–5, 14–15). However, when he was under heavy conviction about his evil deed, David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). What is hidden in the heart is open to God’s eyes. First Samuel 16:7 reminds us that “the LORD sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

It is absolutely essential, therefore, to guard the heart.

Verse 24. Put away from you crooked speech,and put devious talk far from you.

As Jesus pointed out in Luke 6:45, there is a close connection between what is in the heart and what comes out of the mouth. After urging his son to guard his heart (Proverbs 4:23), Solomon tells him to put crooked speech and devious talk far from him. The term translated “crooked” here is the same as used in Proverbs 2:15. It carries the idea of someone who speaks in a manipulative or immoral manner. The same basic idea is repeated here, with a condemnation of speech which is “off-color,” either in intent or in form.

Corrupt and foul talk betray an evil heart. Christians are commanded to put aside falsehood, angry words, corrupt talk, bitter words, slander, malice, and obscene talk (Ephesians 4:25–31; Colossians 3:8). The apostle James writes about the power of the tongue and says it is “set on fire by hell” (James 3:6), and he points out the incongruity of using the tongue to bless and curse (James 3:9–10). He writes in verse 10: “My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

A person may argue that words are just words, and therefore there is nothing wrong with any particular term or combination of syllables. However, that reasoning does not stand up to the indictment Scripture levels against corrupt and foul speech. Whether one feels the physical sounds matter or not, the intent of the heart matters a great deal—making it clear that controlling one’s tongue is more than a mere suggestion.

Verse 25. Let your eyes look directly forward,and your gaze be straight before you.

Earlier verses used the common imagery of a “path” to explain the value of wisdom. Evil and wickedness are likened to a dark, jagged, rocky path, prone to causing falls and despair (Proverbs 4:19). Wisdom and godliness create a brighter, safer path (Proverbs 4:18). In harmony with that imagery, Solomon advises his son to look directly forward and to keep his gaze straight ahead.

The wise person refuses to be distracted from his goal. This keeps him on task. It also avoids temptations from the example of evil people (Proverbs 4:14–15). For the Christian, the goal is to finish the race well by doing the will of God (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 4:7). The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

In the early days of human history, Eve sinned when her eyes were diverted from what God had said. She saw that the tree God had placed off-limits was “good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6), and she took some of its fruit and ate it. Looking with desire at wrong things can distract us and keeps us from doing God’s will. The apostle John classified the desires of the eyes as worldly, and assured us that the world is passing away, “but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16–17).

Verse 26. Ponder the path of your feet;then all your ways will be sure.

The book of Proverbs assumes a progression from learning to knowledge to wisdom to understanding. Those who have wisdom have the ability—but not the guarantee—of acting according to godly knowledge. In order to maintain good use of wisdom, a person must be purposeful and careful (Proverbs 4:20–21). When walking, a person who deliberately considers where he steps is far less likely to stumble, or to fall into a trap. In life—often compared to a path in Scripture (Proverbs 4:27)—the same is true. We should not make hasty decisions, but discern the Lord’s will and then do it (Proverbs 4:2).

The apostle James warns against making plans without considering the Lord’s will. He writes in James 4:14–16, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” Ephesians 5:15–16 affirms Solomon’s advice by telling us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Psalm 1:1 characterizes as blessed or happy the person who refuses to walk in the way of sinners. Solomon assures his son that a well-pondered path establishes a secure direction for life.

Verse 27. Do not swerve to the right or to the left;turn your foot away from evil.

Chapter 4 of Proverbs concludes on a cautionary note. Solomon wants his son not to swerve from the God-intended path to the right or to the left. He commands his son to turn away from evil. The importance of not being pulled astray was a lesson Solomon learned, painfully, in his own life (1 Kings 11:4). It was later, writing the book of Ecclesiastes, that he expressed how important it was to honor God above all else (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The reference to avoid turning either left or right is more than just added words. There is danger in any alteration of what God reveals. We are not doing “better” as servants of the Lord by adding more and more rules or laws, for example. This was a mistake made by the Pharisees of Jesus’ era (Matthew 23:2–4; Mark 7:8–9). God does not say, “don’t stray from the path unless it’s inthis direction.” He says we’re not to veer from His wisdom, at all.

Samson was a Nazarite, dedicated to serve the Lord all the days of his life. As a Nazarite, he was not supposed to shave or cut his hair, drink wine or strong drink, or eat anything unclean (Judges 13:5–7). But in adulthood, Samson strayed from his Nazarite relationship with the Lord. He married heathen women, one of whom was Delilah, who cut off his hair while he slept in her lap (Judges 16:19). As a result, Samson fell prey to the Philistines, who blinded him, bound him, forced him to grind at the prison’s mill, and made sport of him (Judges 16:21–25).

If we do not want to disgrace the Lord and ourselves, we will heed Solomon’s advice to refuse to stray from the path of righteousness. When tempted to sin, that advice helps us to not fall into sin, but to obey God’s Word and do His will (1 Corinthians 10:13).

End of Proverbs 4

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