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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 4:20 My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_04_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:20 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/4-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/4-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm" title="Proverbs 4:19">◄</a> Proverbs 4:20 <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm" title="Proverbs 4:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words <i>and</i> be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My child, listen carefully to everything I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words, and listen closely to what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; incline thy ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, give attention to my words, "" Incline your ear to my sayings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My son, to my words give attention, To my sayings incline thine ear,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My son, attend to my word; incline thine ear to my sayings.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My son, hearken to my words, and incline thy ear to my sayings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My son, pay attention to my sermons, and incline your ear to my eloquent words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My son, give ear to my words and incline your ear to my speech.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>My</i> son, attend to my speech; and apply thine ear to my words:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=707" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">A Father's Instruction</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">My son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7181.htm" title="7181: haq·šî·ḇāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To incline (ears), attend. A primitive root; to prick up the ears, i.e. Hearken.">pay attention</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: liḏ·ḇā·ray (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">to my words;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: haṭ- (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">incline</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·ne·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">your ear</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: la·’ă·mā·ray (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">to my sayings.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a></span><br />This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a></span><br />I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></span><br />Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-9.htm">Matthew 13:9</a></span><br />He who has ears, let him hear.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-24.htm">Mark 4:24</a></span><br />He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-18.htm">Luke 8:18</a></span><br />Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-63.htm">John 6:63</a></span><br />The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a></span><br />If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a></span><br />Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a></span><br />The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Ephesians 1:18</a></span><br />I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ephesians 4:21</a></span><br />Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Proverbs 5:1</a></b></br> My son, attend unto my wisdom, <i>and</i> bow thine ear to my understanding:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Proverbs 6:20,21</a></b></br> My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Proverbs 7:1</a></b></br> My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/psalms/122-3.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-17.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Incline</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-7.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">persuades to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">and to show wickedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">He exhorts to sanctification</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My son,</b><br>This phrase indicates a personal and intimate address, suggesting a father-son relationship. In the context of Proverbs, it reflects the traditional Jewish method of passing wisdom from one generation to the next. The term "son" can also be seen as a broader reference to any disciple or follower of wisdom. This familial language is consistent with other wisdom literature in the Bible, such as the instructions given in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are commanded to teach their children diligently.<p><b>pay attention to my words;</b><br>The call to "pay attention" emphasizes the importance of active listening and engagement with the teachings being presented. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oral tradition was a primary means of education, and listening was crucial for learning and retaining knowledge. This phrase underscores the value of wisdom and understanding, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/2.htm">Proverbs 2:1-5</a>, where the pursuit of wisdom is likened to searching for hidden treasures.<p><b>incline your ear to my sayings.</b><br>To "incline your ear" suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to listen closely and understand. This phrase implies humility and a willingness to be taught, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs. The act of inclining one's ear is also a metaphor for obedience and submission to God's wisdom, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a>, where God invites His people to listen so that their souls may live. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom, as described in <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>, where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son.htm">The Son</a></b><br>Represents the recipient of wisdom, which can be understood as any believer seeking to live a life pleasing to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical instructions for living a life that honors God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_attentive_listening.htm">The Importance of Attentive Listening</a></b><br>Just as Solomon instructs his son to pay attention, we are called to actively listen to God's Word. This requires setting aside distractions and focusing on His teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inclining_the_heart.htm">Inclining the Heart</a></b><br>The Hebrew root for "incline" suggests a deliberate action. We must intentionally turn our hearts and minds towards God's wisdom, making it a priority in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_daily_life.htm">The Role of Scripture in Daily Life</a></b><br>God's Word should be a constant guide. Regular reading and meditation on Scripture help us align our lives with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_lifelong_pursuit.htm">Wisdom as a Lifelong Pursuit</a></b><br>Seeking wisdom is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. We should always be open to learning and growing in our understanding of God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just theoretical; it should influence our decisions, relationships, and actions. We must strive to apply biblical principles in every aspect of our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_saul_chase_david_in_1_sam_26.htm">If Saul previously admitted David's righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_lifespan.htm">What does the Bible say about our lifespan?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - The teacher here resumes his admonitions after thus citing the example of his father's teaching, and showing how it resembled the tenor of his own precepts, which, upon such a consideration, were most worthy of attention. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭נִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pay attention</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקְשִׁ֑יבָה</span> <span class="translit">(haq·šî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7181.htm">Strong's 7181: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prick up the ears, hearken</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my words;</span><br /><span class="heb">לִדְבָרַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(liḏ·ḇā·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">incline</span><br /><span class="heb">הַט־</span> <span class="translit">(haṭ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your ear</span><br /><span class="heb">אָזְנֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my sayings.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֝אֲמָרַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·mā·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:20 My son attend to my words (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>