CINXE.COM

<!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 4:2 For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-2.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_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:2 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive." /><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/4-2.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/4-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/4-1.htm" title="Proverbs 4:1">◄</a> Proverbs 4:2 <a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm" title="Proverbs 4:3">►</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 />I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I give you good teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I give you sound learning; Do not forsake my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine; Do not turn away from my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I am giving you good instruction. Don’t abandon my teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I am giving you good instruction. Don&#8217t abandon my teaching. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My advice is useful, so don't turn away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine; forsake ye not my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After all, I have taught you well. Do not abandon my teachings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I give you sound teaching, so do not abandon my instruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Because I give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />for I give you sound learning. Do not forsake my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for I give you sound learning. Don’t forsake my law. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For I have given to you good learning, do not forsake my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For good learning I have given to you, My law forsake not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I gave to you good instruction; ye shall not forsake my law.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will give you a good gift, forsake not my law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I will bestow upon you a good gift. Do not relinquish my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yes, excellent advice I give you; my teaching do not forsake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because I give you good doctrine, do not forsake my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because I have given you good teaching, forsake not my law.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I give you a good gift; forsake ye not my law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-2.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=582" 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">1</span>Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯat·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">sound</a> <a href="/hebrew/3948.htm" title="3948: le·qaḥ (N-ms) -- A learning, teaching. From laqach; properly, something received, i.e. instruction; also inveiglement.">teaching;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ta·‘ă·zō·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">abandon</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: tō·w·rā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">my directive.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,…<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="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9-11</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. / With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. / 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="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...<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="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-25</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...<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="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<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="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-23.htm">John 14:23-24</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. / Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a></span><br />Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law.</p><p class="hdg">good</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">Proverbs 8:6-9</a></b></br> Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips <i>shall be</i> right things… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Proverbs 22:20,21</a></b></br> Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-2.htm">Deuteronomy 32:2</a></b></br> My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:</p><p class="hdg">forsake</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a></b></br> And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/7-19.htm">2 Chronicles 7:19</a></b></br> But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-30.htm">Psalm 89:30-32</a></b></br> If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/job/11-4.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Precepts</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Teaching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-18.htm">Precepts</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Teaching</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>For I give you sound teaching;</b><br>The speaker here is traditionally understood to be Solomon, imparting wisdom to his son. The phrase "sound teaching" emphasizes the quality and reliability of the instruction being given. In the Hebrew context, "sound" implies completeness and health, suggesting that the teachings are not only correct but beneficial for one's spiritual and moral well-being. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a guiding principle for life, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The teachings are rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reflecting the divine wisdom that underpins the Law given to Moses. This phrase also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who is often referred to as the ultimate teacher and embodiment of divine wisdom (<a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28-29</a>).<p><b>do not abandon my directive.</b><br>The directive or instruction here is not merely a suggestion but a command that requires adherence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a father's instruction was considered binding and authoritative, reflecting the patriarchal structure of society. The call to not abandon these teachings underscores the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in following God's wisdom. This echoes <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a>, where the Israelites are commanded to keep God's words in their hearts and teach them diligently to their children. The directive can also be seen as a type of Christ, who in <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>, calls His followers to keep His commandments as a demonstration of their love for Him. The emphasis on not abandoning the directive highlights the enduring nature of divine wisdom, which remains relevant and necessary across generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son or a young disciple, imparting wisdom and instruction.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally given. The teachings were meant to guide the people of Israel in living 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 Job, Ecclesiastes, and some Psalms. These books focus on practical living and understanding the fear of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_sound_teaching.htm">Value of Sound Teaching</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "sound" (tov) implies goodness and benefit. Sound teaching is beneficial and leads to a righteous life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_retention.htm">Importance of Retention</a></b><br>The instruction to "not abandon" suggests a deliberate effort to retain and apply wisdom. This requires discipline and commitment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_wisdom.htm">Generational Wisdom</a></b><br>Passing down wisdom is a biblical mandate. Parents and mentors should actively teach and model godly principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement.htm">Active Engagement</a></b><br>Engaging with Scripture should be active, not passive. We must seek to understand and apply God's word in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_forgetfulness.htm">Guarding Against Forgetfulness</a></b><br>In a world full of distractions, it is crucial to guard against forgetting or neglecting biblical teachings.<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/what_is_spiritual_direction.htm">What is spiritual direction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_4_1_ignore_bad_guidance.htm">Does the call to heed a father’s instruction in Proverbs 4:1 ignore the possibility of flawed or harmful parental guidance? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_tim_6_9-10_oppose_prosperity_gospel.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles?</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 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For I give you good doctrine.</span> 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. <span class="accented">I</span> <span class="accented">give</span>; <span class="accented">nathati</span>, literally, "I gave," is the kal perfect of <span class="accented">nathan</span>, "to give," but the perfect is here used for the present, as denoting not only a past action, but one that is still continuing (Gesenius, 'Hebrews Gram.,' § 126. 3). <span class="accented">Good doctrine</span> (<span class="accented">lekakh tov</span>). The doctrine or instruction is "good," not only intrinsically, but as to the source from which it was derived, and in its effects. <span class="accented">Lekakh</span> is, according to its root <span class="accented">lakakh</span>, "something which is received or taken." From the standpoint of the teacher it is that instruction which he had received of his father. With respect to his hearers it is the instruction which is communicated to them, and which they receive (see on Proverbs 1:5). The LXX. renders, <span class="greek">δῶρον ἀγαθὸν</span>; similarly the Vulgate, <span class="accented">donum bonum</span>, "a good gift." <span class="cmt_word">Forsake ye not;</span> <span class="accented">al-taazovu</span>, from <span class="accented">azav</span>, "to leave, forsake" (compare the corresponding phrase, <span class="accented">al-tiltosh</span>, from <span class="accented">natash</span>, "to leave, forsake," in <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Law</span> (<span class="accented">torah</span>); as in <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-2.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I give</span><br /><span class="heb">נָתַ֣תִּי</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯat·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">sound</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֭וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">teaching;</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶ֣קַח</span> <span class="translit">(le·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3948.htm">Strong's 3948: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something received, instruction, inveiglement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">abandon</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲזֹֽבוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·zō·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my instruction.</span><br /><span class="heb">תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-2.htm">Proverbs 4:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:2 For I give you sound learning (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:3" /></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>