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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 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/4-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_04_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 4:5 - A Father's Instruction" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them." /><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/4-5.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/4-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/4-4.htm" title="Proverbs 4:4">◄</a> Proverbs 4:5 <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm" title="Proverbs 4:6">►</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 />Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding: forget <i>it</i> not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; don’t forget or turn away from the words from my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; don&#8217t forget or turn away from the words of my mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be wise and learn good sense; remember my teachings and do what I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Acquire wisdom. Acquire understanding. Do not forget. Do not turn away from the words that I have spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom. Get understanding. Do not forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding, "" Do not forget, nor turn away "" From the sayings of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Get wisdom, get understanding, Do not forget, nor turn away From the sayings of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Obtain wisdom, obtain understanding: thou shalt not forget, and thou shalt not decline from the words of my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get prudence: forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Obtain wisdom, obtain prudence. May you neither forget, nor turn away from, the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; and turn not aside from the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Get wisdom and get understanding, and do not turn aside from the sayings of my mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and do not neglect the speech of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/4-5.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=602" 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">4</span>he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qə·nêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">Get</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: qə·nêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">get</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: ḇî·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">understanding;</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/7911.htm" title="7911: tiš·kaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">forget</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: mê·’im·rê- (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">my words</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: p̄î (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: têṭ (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">or turn from them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.…<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/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/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="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />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="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10-11</a></span><br />Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / 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="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-104.htm">Psalm 119:104</a></span><br />I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.</p><p class="hdg">get wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22,23</a></b></br> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2-4</a></b></br> So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, <i>and</i> apply thine heart to understanding; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></b></br> Happy <i>is</i> the man <i>that</i> findeth wisdom, and the man <i>that</i> getteth understanding… </p><p class="hdg">neither</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/34-2.htm">2 Chronicles 34:2</a></b></br> And he did <i>that which was</i> right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined <i>neither</i> to the right hand, nor to the left.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-11.htm">Job 23:11</a></b></br> My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-18.htm">Psalm 44:18</a></b></br> Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/psalms/119-157.htm">Decline</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/119-157.htm">Swerve</a> <a href="/psalms/145-18.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Acquire</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-25.htm">Decline</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-20.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Swerve</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">True.</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">persuades to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">and to show wickedness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">He exhorts to sanctification</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Get wisdom</b><br>The call to "get wisdom" emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and acquiring wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom in the biblical context is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It is often personified as a woman calling out to be embraced (<a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20-33</a>). The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, reflecting the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). This pursuit is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>Get understanding</b><br>Understanding is closely linked with wisdom but focuses more on discernment and insight. It involves the ability to see things from God's perspective and to make decisions that align with His will. In the Hebrew context, understanding is often associated with the heart, the center of moral and spiritual life. The call to get understanding suggests a deep, reflective process that goes beyond surface-level knowledge. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke in parables to reveal deeper truths to those who sought understanding (<a href="/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10-17</a>).<p><b>Do not forget my words</b><br>The admonition to "not forget my words" underscores the importance of retaining and meditating on the teachings of wisdom. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of transmitting knowledge, and memorization was crucial. The phrase suggests a deliberate effort to remember and internalize the teachings of the wise, much like the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>, which instructs the Israelites to keep God's commandments in their hearts and teach them diligently to their children. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to let the word of Christ dwell richly within them (<a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a>).<p><b>Or turn from them</b><br>The warning against turning from wisdom's words highlights the danger of straying from the path of righteousness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, turning away from wisdom was equated with turning away from God Himself, leading to moral and spiritual decline. This concept is reinforced throughout Proverbs, where the consequences of ignoring wisdom are depicted as leading to destruction (<a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-33</a>). The New Testament similarly warns against drifting away from the truth (<a href="/hebrews/2.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a>), emphasizing the need for steadfastness in faith and adherence to God's word.<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 known for his wisdom, which he received from God. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son.htm">The Son</a></b><br>The recipient of Solomon's teachings, representing anyone who seeks wisdom and understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified in Proverbs as a valuable treasure, wisdom is a central theme in the book, representing divine insight and practical living.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/u/understanding.htm">Understanding</a></b><br>Closely linked with wisdom, understanding involves discernment and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_life.htm">The Path of Life</a></b><br>A metaphorical journey that represents living according to God's wisdom and commands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not passive; it requires active pursuit. We are called to "get" wisdom, indicating effort and intentionality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_understanding.htm">The Value of Understanding</a></b><br>Understanding is more than knowledge; it is the ability to discern and apply truth in various situations. It is essential for navigating life's complexities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembering.htm">The Importance of Remembering</a></b><br>Forgetting wisdom leads to folly. We must continually remind ourselves of God's truths and teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_deviation.htm">Avoiding Deviation</a></b><br>Turning from wisdom leads to destructive paths. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to God's ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_lifelong_journey.htm">Wisdom as a Lifelong Journey</a></b><br>Acquiring wisdom is a continuous process. We must be lifelong learners, always seeking to grow in understanding.<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_the_bible_say_on_sexual_desires.htm">What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/common_questions_about_proverbs.htm">What are common questions about proverbs?</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/does_the_bible_mention_chemtrails.htm">What does the Bible say about chemtrail conspiracy?</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>(5) <span class= "bld">Get wisdom, get understanding.--</span>Like the pearl of great price (<a href="/matthew/13-46.htm" title="Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.">Matthew 13:46</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - After the general exhortation given above, the father's instruction becomes more specific, and deals with the acquirement of wisdom. This subject seems to be continued in ver. 13, where the second and concluding branch of the instruction begins, which consists mainly of warning, as the first part does with exhortation. We are thus furnished with an example how to teach. In our teaching it is not sufficient simply to point out what is to be done, but we must show what is to be avoided. <span class="cmt_word">Get wisdom, get understanding</span>. The father urges the acquirement of wisdom in the same way and with the same importunity as the trader or merchant presses his goods upon buyers. Wisdom and understanding are put forward as objects of merchandise; for the verb <span class="accented">kanah</span>, from which the imperative <span class="accented">k'neh</span>, signifies not only "to acquire for one's self," or "to possess," but especially "to buy." The verb occurs again in the same sense in ver. 7, "Get [<span class="accented">k'neh, i.e.</span> buy] wisdom;" and in <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a>, "Buy (<span class="accented">k'neh</span>) the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (cf. also <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a>: 16:16; 19:9, where we also meet with the same verb). The reiteration of the word "get," as Umbreit remarks, is "an imitation of the exclamation of a merchant who is offering his wares." The importunity of the father measures the value he sets upon wisdom as an inestimable treasure, a pearl of great price (see <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Proverbs 3:14</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Forget it not,</span> etc.; rather, <span class="accented">forget not, neither turn from the words of my mouth</span>, - so Zockler, Delitzsch, Hodg., and others; Vulgate, <span class="accented">ne obliviscaris, neque declines a verbis oris mei.</span> There is no need to supply "it" after the verb <span class="accented">al-tish'-kakh</span>, "forget not," as Holden states, and as appears in the Authorized Version, since <span class="accented">shakakh is</span> found with <span class="accented">min</span> (<span class="hebrew">מִן</span>), "of" or "from," in <a href="/psalms/12-4.htm">Psalm 12:4</a> (5), "I forgot to eat (<span class="accented">shakakh'ti meakol</span>)," and the same construction may obtain here. The two verbs, "forget" and "decline from," are not so very wide in meaning, since the former, <span class="accented">shakakh</span>, is to "leave" something from forgetfulness, and the latter, <span class="accented">natah</span>, rendered here "decline from," is "to turn away" from something. <span class="cmt_word">The words of my mouth</span> represent as it were the means by which wisdom may be purchased. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/4-5.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">Get</span><br /><span class="heb">קְנֵ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭כְמָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">get</span><br /><span class="heb">קְנֵ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(qə·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> </span><span class="str2">To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understanding;</span><br /><span class="heb">בִינָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</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">forget</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·kaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my words</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽאִמְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’im·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or turn from them.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּ֝֗ט</span> <span class="translit">(têṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 4:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 4:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 4:6" /></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>