¶ Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Hear {H8085} thou, my son {H1121}, and be wise {H2449}, and guide {H833} thine heart {H3820} in the way {H1870}.
You, my son: listen, be wise, and set your mind on the right way
Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And guide thy heart in the way.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. -
Proverbs 4:10
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. -
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life. -
Proverbs 6:6
¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: -
Proverbs 23:12
¶ Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. -
Proverbs 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
Proverbs 23:19 delivers a direct and earnest appeal from a wise mentor, likely a father, to his son, emphasizing the critical importance of internal disposition and moral direction. It is a call to not just acquire knowledge, but to embody wisdom and live purposefully.
Context
This verse is situated within a broader collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17 - 24:34), which are practical instructions for living a righteous and fulfilling life. Immediately preceding this verse are warnings against gluttony, drunkenness, and associating with those who are rebellious or wasteful. The call to "hear" and "be wise" serves as an overarching principle for navigating these temptations and choosing a path of integrity over indulgence and foolishness. It underscores that outward behavior stems from the inner condition of the heart.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew verb for "hear" is shama, which implies more than just auditory perception; it means to listen attentively, understand, and obey. This deep hearing is the prerequisite for true wisdom. The term for "heart," leb, encompasses the totality of one's inner person—the mind, will, emotions, and moral compass. Therefore, "guiding the heart" is about intentional self-governance and moral alignment.
Practical Application
Proverbs 23:19 remains profoundly relevant today. It reminds us that:
This verse encourages us to prioritize internal transformation as the foundation for a life that honors God and blesses others.
Related Scriptures