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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 4:4 he taught me and said, "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:4 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="he taught me and said, Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live." /><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/4-4.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/4-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/4-3.htm" title="Proverbs 4:3">◄</a> Proverbs 4:4 <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm" title="Proverbs 4:5">►</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 />Then he taught me, and he said to me, &#8220Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart take hold of my words; Keep my commandments and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he taught me and said to me, &#8220Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he instructed me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />he taught me and said, “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />he taught me and said:&#8221 Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />said to me: "If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he taught me, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />they used to teach me and say to me, "Cling to my words wholeheartedly. Obey my commands so that you may live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />my father would teach me. He would say, "Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />he taught me and told me, "Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say; keep my commandments and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />he taught me and said, ?Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />he taught me, and he said to me: "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He taught me also, and said to me, Let thy heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he directs me, and he says to me: “Let your heart retain my words, "" Keep my commands, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he directeth me, and he saith to me: 'Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he taught me, and he will say to me, Thy heart shall hold fast my words: watch my commands and live.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he taught me, and said: Let thy heart receive my words, keep my commandments, and thou shalt live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he taught me, and he also said: “Let your heart accept my words. Keep my precepts, and you shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He taught me and said to me: “Let your heart hold fast my words: keep my commands, and live! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />he taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He taught me, and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live; and let my law be as the pupil of the eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he taught me and said to me, "Confirm my word in your heart; keep my commandments and live, and my law like the pupils of the eyes.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he taught me, and said unto me: 'Let thy heart hold fast my words, Keep my commandments, and live;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />who spoke and instructed me, <i>saying</i>, Let our speech be fixed in thine heart, keep <i>our</i> commandments, forget them not:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-4.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=593" 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">3</span>When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: way·yō·rê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">he taught</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·be·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">“Let your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8551.htm" title="8551: yiṯ·māḵ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close.">lay hold</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·ray (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">of my words;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šə·mōr (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·wō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">my commands</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: weḥ·yêh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and you will live.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.…<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 6:6-7</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="/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="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a></span><br />Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<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/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-15</a></span><br />But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<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="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a></span><br />But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-18.htm">Deuteronomy 11:18-19</a></span><br />Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. / Teach them to your children, speaking about 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="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<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="/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3-5</a></span><br />By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He taught me also, and said to me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.</p><p class="hdg">He</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a></b></br> Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></b></br> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/22-11.htm">1 Chronicles 22:11-16</a></b></br> Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee… </p><p class="hdg">Let</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1</a></b></br> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a></b></br> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6</a></b></br> And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:</p><p class="hdg">keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a></b></br> Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-3.htm">Leviticus 18:3-5</a></b></br> After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></b></br> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, <i>even</i> the sure mercies of David.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/psalms/25-12.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-21.htm">Live</a> <a href="/job/20-20.htm">Retain</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/psalms/119-171.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Directeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm">Retain</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.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'; 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The father-son dynamic is a common motif in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of passing down wisdom through generations. This reflects the broader biblical theme of instruction and discipleship, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are commanded to teach God's laws to their children.<p><b>Let your heart lay hold of my words</b><br>The heart in Hebrew thought is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. To "lay hold" suggests an active, intentional effort to internalize and embrace wisdom. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on internal transformation, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>, where the psalmist treasures God's word in his heart to avoid sin. The heart's role in understanding and wisdom is further highlighted in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people.<p><b>keep my commands and you will live</b><br>This phrase underscores the connection between obedience to divine wisdom and life. In the Old Testament, life is often associated with blessings, prosperity, and longevity, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>, where choosing life involves loving and obeying God. The concept of life here is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual well-being and alignment with God's purposes. This anticipates the New Testament teaching of Jesus, who offers eternal life through obedience to His commands, as seen in <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a> and <a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>, where He speaks of giving life abundantly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- The author of Proverbs, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, who is imparting wisdom to his son. Solomon is known for his God-given wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>- Solomon's father, who is often seen as the source of the wisdom Solomon shares. David is a central figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God and his role as the second king of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to whom these teachings were originally given, representing God's chosen people who were to live by His commandments.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>- A central theme in Proverbs, often personified and seen as a guiding principle for living a life that honors God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/commandments.htm">Commandments</a></b><br>- Refers to God's laws and instructions, which are meant to guide the believer in righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_parental_instruction.htm">The Importance of Parental Instruction</a></b><br>Just as Solomon received wisdom from David, parents today are called to impart godly wisdom to their children. This involves teaching them to value and adhere to God's commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_as_the_seat_of_wisdom.htm">The Heart as the Seat of Wisdom</a></b><br>The heart is not just the emotional center but the core of one's being. Believers are encouraged to internalize God's words deeply, allowing them to guide every aspect of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_leads_to_life.htm">Obedience Leads to Life</a></b><br>The promise of life through obedience to God's commandments is both a spiritual and practical truth. Living according to God's ways leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement_with_scripture.htm">Active Engagement with Scripture</a></b><br>Believers are called to actively "lay hold" of God's words, suggesting a proactive and intentional approach to studying and applying Scripture in daily life.<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_is_the_definition_of_actual_grace.htm">How can a young man purify his path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_phrase_'love_is_love'_accurate.htm">What defines a perverse mouth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_day_near_as_night_ends.htm">What does the Bible say about perverseness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_three-self_church.htm">What does 'Everything flows from the heart' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">He taught me also.--</span>Comp. David's advice to Solomon (l Chron. 28:9, 10).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - From this verse to ver. 19 inclusive, the teacher quotes the instruction which he had received of his father. His object in doing so is to show that his own teaching was in harmony with it, and therefore worthy of attention. His precepts, admonitions, and warnings are not his only, but those of his father. Other examples of David's instructions to Solomon are found in <a href="/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/22-12.htm">1 Chronicles 22:12, 13</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And he taught;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his father, for <span class="accented">vayyoreni</span> is masculine. The LXX. renders, "They said and taught me (<span class="greek">οι{ ἔλεγον καὶ</span> <span class="greek">ἐδιδασκόν με</span>)," as if the precepts which follow were the combined teaching of David and Bathsheba. This variation is due to the mention of both parents in the preceding verse. <span class="cmt_word">Retain</span>; <span class="accented">yith'mok</span>, kal future, used imperatively, of <span class="accented">thamak</span>, "to take hold of," and metaphorically, as here, "to hold fast" (see <a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Proverbs 3:18</a>). The LXX. Renders <span class="greek">ἐρειδέτω</span>, imperative of <span class="greek">ἐρείδω</span>, "to fix firm." Symmachus has <span class="greek">κατεχέτω</span>, "give heed to." <span class="cmt_word">And live;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> and thou shalt live, as the kal imperative, <span class="accented">kh'yeh</span>, from <span class="accented">khayah</span>, "to live," has here the force of the future (cf. Vulgate, <span class="accented">et vives</span>). The meaning is, "And thou shalt enjoy a long and happy life." Temporal life alone seems to be indicated, as in ver. 10 (cf. <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Proverbs 3:2</a>). The Syriac addition, "And my law as the apple of thine eye," is probably borrowed from <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a>, where we meet with the mine admonition. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-4.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">he taught</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּרֵ֗נִי</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·rê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Let your heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבֶּ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(lib·be·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lay hold</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽתְמָךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·māḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8551.htm">Strong's 8551: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my words;</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבָרַ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇā·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">keep</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֹ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְוֺתַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·wō·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you will live.</span><br /><span class="heb">וֶֽחְיֵֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(weḥ·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:4 He taught me and said to me: (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:5" /></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>