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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 4:8 Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:8 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you." /><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/4-8.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/4-8.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 8</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="/ad8.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/4-7.htm" title="Proverbs 4:7">◄</a> Proverbs 4:8 <a href="/proverbs/4-9.htm" title="Proverbs 4:9">►</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 />Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Exalt her, and she will promote thee; She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Cherish wisdom. It will raise you up. It will bring you honor when you embrace it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Prize her and she will exalt you. Indeed, if you embrace her, she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor when you embrace her. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Exalt her and she lifts you up, "" She honors you when you embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Exalt her, and she doth lift thee up, She honoureth thee, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Lift her up and she shall exalt thee: she will honor thee when thou shalt embrace her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Take hold on her, and she shall exalt thee: thou shalt be glorified by her, when thou shalt embrace her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Grasp her, and she will exalt you. You will be glorified by her, when you have embraced her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Extol her, and she will exalt you; she will bring you honors if you embrace her; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Love her, and she shall exalt you; embrace her, and she shall honor you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Love her that she may exalt you and embrace her that she may honor you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Extol her, and she will exalt thee; She will bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Secure it, and it shall exalt thee: honour it, that it may embrace thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-8.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=623" 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">7</span>Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5549.htm" title="5549: sal·sə·le·hā (V-Piel-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To lift up, cast up. A primitive root; to mound up; figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose.">Prize her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: ū·ṯə·rō·wm·me·kā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3fs:: 2mse) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">and she will exalt you;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/2263.htm" title="2263: ṯə·ḥab·bə·qen·nāh (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms:: 3fse) -- To clasp, embrace. A primitive root; to clasp.">you embrace her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: tə·ḵab·bê·ḏə·ḵā (V-Piel-Imperf-3fs:: 2ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">she will honor you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”…<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="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a></span><br />For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</a></span><br />How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44-46</a></span><br />The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-19</a></span><br />But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / 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="/psalms/119-97.htm">Psalm 119:97-100</a></span><br />Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. / Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you do embrace her.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a></b></br> The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Proverbs 22:4</a></b></br> By humility <i>and</i> the fear of the LORD <i>are</i> riches, and honour, and life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a></b></br> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed <i>that</i> thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/psalms/119-128.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/psalms/147-12.htm">Extol</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/145-3.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Honoureth</a> <a href="/psalms/148-14.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Prize</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Promote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Extol</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-17.htm">High</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-5.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Honoureth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-34.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Prize</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-20.htm">Promote</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>Prize her, and she will exalt you;</b><br>The "her" in this verse refers to wisdom, personified as a woman throughout Proverbs. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued and often depicted as a noble woman, emphasizing its desirability and worth. The act of prizing wisdom suggests a deep appreciation and prioritization of it above other pursuits. This aligns with the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and leads to life and honor (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a>). The promise of being exalted by wisdom echoes the biblical principle that humility and the pursuit of godly wisdom lead to elevation and honor (<a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>). This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>), and those who prize Him are exalted in spiritual standing.<p><b>if you embrace her, she will honor you.</b><br>Embracing wisdom implies a close, intimate relationship with it, akin to holding onto something precious. In the cultural context of the time, embracing was a sign of affection and commitment, suggesting that wisdom should be held dear and integrated into one's life. The promise of honor is significant, as honor was a highly esteemed value in ancient societies, often associated with social standing and respect. This reflects the biblical truth that those who live by God's wisdom are honored by Him and others (<a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Proverbs 3:35</a>). The connection to other scriptures can be seen in the way Jesus honored those who followed Him and lived by His teachings, promising them a place in His kingdom (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-12</a>). Embracing wisdom, therefore, is akin to embracing Christ, who grants honor and eternal life to His followers.<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 instructing his son in the ways of wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom (Personified as a Woman)</a></b><br>In Proverbs, wisdom is often personified as a woman who offers guidance and protection to those who seek her. This personification emphasizes the value and relational aspect of wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_the_righteous.htm">The Path of the Righteous</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Proverbs 4</a> discusses the path of the righteous versus the path of the wicked, highlighting the importance of choosing wisdom to walk rightly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_wisdom_above_all.htm">Value Wisdom Above All</a></b><br>Just as one would prize a valuable treasure, we are called to prize wisdom. This involves prioritizing God's wisdom in our daily decisions and life choices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/embrace_wisdom_for_honor.htm">Embrace Wisdom for Honor</a></b><br>Embracing wisdom means actively seeking and applying it in our lives. This leads to honor, as wisdom guides us to live in a way that reflects God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_exalts.htm">Wisdom Exalts</a></b><br>When we prioritize wisdom, it elevates our lives, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. This exaltation is not about worldly success but about living a life that pleases God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/relational_aspect_of_wisdom.htm">Relational Aspect of Wisdom</a></b><br>The personification of wisdom as a woman to be embraced suggests a relational pursuit. We are to develop a close relationship with wisdom, akin to a cherished friendship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Engage with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel to cultivate wisdom. This practical pursuit aligns our hearts and minds with God's will.<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_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_wisdom_'she'_in_proverbs.htm">Why is Wisdom personified as 'she' in Proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_12_4_with_exodus_21.htm">Proverbs 12:4 extols a virtuous wife, but how can we reconcile this with other biblical passages portraying women as subordinate or property (e.g., Exodus 21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_address_burning_bibles.htm">What is John Newton's biography, hymns, and legacy?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">Exalt her, and she shall promote thee.</span>--Comp. <a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm" title="Why the LORD God of Israel said, I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD said, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.">1Samuel 2:30</a>, "Them that honour me I will honour."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Exalt her, and she shall promote thee.</span> The father here proceeds to point out some of the benefits which follow from the pursuit of Wisdom. <span class="accented">Exalt her</span> (<span class="accented">sal's'leah</span>); Vulgate, <span class="accented">arripe illam</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">περιχαράκωσον</span> <span class="greek">αὐτὴν</span>; Targum, <span class="accented">dilige eam</span>; Syriac, <span class="accented">blandire illi</span>; Arabic, <span class="accented">circumsepi eam.</span> The Hebrew, <span class="accented">sal's'leah</span>, is the pilpel imperative of <span class="accented">salal</span>, "to lift up, exalt." It is equivalent to the kal form. The pilpel form only occurs here, but the kal participle is met with in <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a>, where it has the meaning of "to raise up as a causeway" (see marginal reading <span class="accented">in loc.</span>). Gesenius renders, "exalt her," <span class="accented">sc.</span> with praises. The meaning of the verb, as Delitzsch says, is to be determined, by the corresponding "she shall promote thee" (<span class="accented">th'rom'mek</span>), and this verb <span class="accented">romem</span> is <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> to raise or make high; <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> to exalt by bestowing honours upon one of low estate, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> raising them in general estimation; it is so used in <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7</a> by Hannah, in her song of thankfulness, "He (Jehovah) bringeth low and lifteth up (<span class="accented">m'romem</span>);" <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> to extol by praises, as in <a href="/psalms/30-2.htm">Psalm 30:2</a>. The radical meaning of <span class="accented">salal</span> seems to be "to heap up," as a road is prepared by embankments, and by the filling up of inequalities (cf. <a href="/isaiah/62-10.htm">Isaiah 62:10</a>). In this sense the passage before us is explained by Levi ben Gersom, "Prepare the way of Wisdom, and walk assiduously in it." But the context, wherein the idea of buying is evidently used. favours Bottcher's interpretation, "Hold it or her high in price, bid high for her as a purchaser who makes offer upon offer, to secure what he wants." So Pi, <span class="accented">in pretio habe.</span> The LXX. rendering, "Circumvallate her, enclose her with a wall or hedge," which is reproduced in the Arabic, <span class="accented">circumsepi eam</span>, "hedge her around," seems out of place with the context. The Talmudists understand the verb as signifying "to examine closely," "to scrutinize, meditate, or reflect" upon Wisdom constantly, just as the Roman, poet says, "Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna" - "We exalt Wisdom when we follow her precepts," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> when we esteem her - the idea which is presented to us in the Targum and Syriac cited above. The sentiment of the verse agrees with what Jehovah says in the message of the man of God to Eli, in <a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a>, "Them that honour me I will honour." <span class="cmt_word">She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.</span> The LXX. reverses the order of ideas, "Honour her in order that she may embrace thee." <span class="accented">Embrace her</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in a loving and affectionate manner, as a husband does his wife, or a son his mother. (For the verb <span class="accented">khavak</span>, see <a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20</a>: <a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Song of Solomon 2:6</a>; <a href="/songs/8-3.htm">Song of Solomon 8:3</a>.) There are only three other instances where this verb occurs in the pilel form, <span class="accented">khibbek.</span> Esteem and honour, the confidence of others, elevation to offices of trust and consequence, are some of the rewards with which Wisdom repays those who esteem and love her. Others follow in the next verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-8.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">Prize her,</span><br /><span class="heb">סַלְסְלֶ֥הָ</span> <span class="translit">(sal·sə·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5549.htm">Strong's 5549: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mound up, to exalt, to oppose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and she will exalt you;</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽתְרוֹמְמֶ֑ךָּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·rō·wm·me·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be high actively, to rise, raise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</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">you embrace her,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְחַבְּקֶֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·ḥab·bə·qen·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2263.htm">Strong's 2263: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clasp, embrace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she will honor you.</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝כַבֵּ֗דְךָ</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḵab·bê·ḏə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:8 Esteem her and she will exalt you (Prov. 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