Proverbs 3:1

KJV

¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, forget {H7911} not my law {H8451}; but let thine heart {H3820} keep {H5341} my commandments {H4687}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, don't forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart;

Berean Standard Bible

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

American Standard Version

My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:1 serves as a foundational exhortation from a father to his son, urging steadfast remembrance and internalizing of divine instruction. It introduces a pivotal section of wisdom literature, emphasizing that true flourishing and longevity are not merely external achievements but direct consequences of a heart diligently committed to God's "law" and "commandments." This verse lays the groundwork for the blessings and benefits promised throughout Proverbs chapter 3, establishing the vital connection between obedience, wisdom, and a life lived in alignment with God's design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:1 opens the second major section of wisdom instruction within the book of Proverbs, following the general introduction in chapters 1-2. It marks a shift from the broad calls to embrace wisdom to more specific, actionable precepts. This verse initiates a series of parental admonitions (Proverbs 3:1-12) that promise tangible benefits—such as long life, peace, favor, and prosperity—to those who heed wisdom's call. It directly precedes the promise of "length of days, and long life, and peace" in [Proverbs 3:2](/proverbs/3-2 "Proverbs 3:2 - Blessings of Wisdom"), setting up a cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and blessing that permeates the entire chapter. The recurring address "My son" (e.g., [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - The Father's Instruction"), [Proverbs 2:1](/proverbs/2-1 "Proverbs 2:1 - Embracing Wisdom")) establishes the pedagogical framework of the book, presenting wisdom as a legacy passed down through generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs belongs to the wisdom literature tradition prevalent in the ancient Near East, though distinct in its monotheistic foundation. In ancient Israel, the family unit, particularly the father, played a crucial role in the moral and spiritual education of children. Wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living righteously and successfully within the covenant community. The "law" (Torah) and "commandments" referenced here extend beyond the specific Mosaic Law to encompass the broader body of divine instruction and wise precepts passed down through generations, rooted in the "fear of the Lord" as the "beginning of knowledge" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). This emphasis on internalizing wisdom reflects a culture where oral tradition and memorization were primary modes of learning and transmission of values.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:1 is rich with themes central to the book and biblical theology. The primary theme is **Obedience and Internalization of Divine Instruction**. It underscores that true wisdom is not just intellectual assent but a deep, heart-level commitment to God's ways. This leads directly to the theme of **Blessing and Prosperity**, as the subsequent verses in [Proverbs 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - The Blessings of Wisdom") explicitly link adherence to wisdom with tangible benefits like long life, peace, and favor. The verse also highlights the theme of **Paternal Pedagogy**, portraying God's wisdom as a loving gift imparted by a father figure, emphasizing the relational aspect of discipleship. Furthermore, it touches upon the **Holistic Nature of the Heart**, presenting the heart as the central seat of intellect, will, and emotion, where divine truth must reside to genuinely transform one's life, echoing the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." This term signifies not just biological offspring but also a disciple or student. The father-son relationship is a metaphor for the mentor-disciple dynamic, emphasizing the intimate, personal, and authoritative nature of the instruction being given. It implies a relationship of trust and a vested interest in the recipient's well-being and future.
* **forget (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** From H7911, "to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." This word carries the strong connotation of active neglect or spiritual amnesia, not just passive oversight. It's a warning against allowing God's truth to slip from one's mind due to carelessness, distraction, or deliberate disregard, which would lead to deviation from the path of wisdom.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." In Hebrew anthropology, the heart is the core of a person's being—the seat of thought, emotion, and volition. To "keep" commandments with the heart means to internalize them fully, allowing them to govern one's innermost desires, intentions, and decisions, not just external actions.
* **keep (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** From H5341, "to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)." In this context, it means to diligently guard, preserve, and obey. It implies active vigilance and protection of the divine instruction within one's inner being, ensuring it remains uncorrupted and influential, leading to consistent adherence in daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son, forget not my law;":** This opening clause establishes the personal, pedagogical tone of the book. The address "My son" indicates a loving, authoritative voice imparting vital instruction. The command "forget not" is a strong negative imperative, urging active remembrance and retention of the "law." Here, "my law" (Hebrew, _tôwrâh_) refers to the father's (and ultimately God's) instruction, encompassing wise counsel, divine principles, and the broader body of truth that guides life. It's a call to prevent spiritual amnesia and to continually recall and meditate on these truths.
* **"but let thine heart keep my commandments:":** This second clause offers the positive counterpart to the first, detailing *how* the instruction is to be remembered and honored. The phrase "let thine heart keep" emphasizes an internal, volitional act. The "heart" (Hebrew, _lêb_) is the center of one's being—intellect, emotion, and will. To "keep" (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_) means to guard, preserve, and obey. "My commandments" (Hebrew, _mitsvâh_) refers to specific precepts and injunctions. Thus, the instruction is not merely to be memorized or externally complied with, but to be deeply internalized, cherished, and allowed to govern one's entire inner life, leading to genuine, willing obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Direct Address** ("My son") immediately establishes an intimate, pedagogical relationship, drawing the reader into the role of the recipient of wisdom. This personal tone makes the instruction feel immediate and relevant. The verse also uses **Antithesis** or **Parallelism by Contrast** by juxtaposing "forget not my law" with "but let thine heart keep my commandments." This highlights the two sides of faithful living: actively avoiding spiritual amnesia and proactively internalizing divine truth. The concept of the "heart" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, representing the entire inner person—intellect, will, and emotion. By focusing on the heart, the proverb emphasizes that true obedience is not merely external compliance but a deep, internal commitment that transforms one's entire being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:1 underscores a fundamental biblical principle: the internalizing of God's Word is paramount to a life of wisdom and blessing. It's not enough to hear or know God's commands; they must be etched onto the heart, becoming the guiding principle of one's thoughts, desires, and actions. This deep, internal commitment to divine instruction is presented as the wellspring of true prosperity and peace, contrasting sharply with a superficial or forgetful adherence. The "law" and "commandments" here are not burdensome rules but life-giving wisdom, a paternal gift designed for human flourishing. This emphasis on heart-level obedience foreshadows the New Covenant promise of God writing His laws on the hearts and minds of His people, enabling a willing and joyful obedience from within.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Laws on the Heart")
* [Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Hiding God's Word")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:1 is a timeless call to intentional, heart-centered discipleship. In a world saturated with information and distractions, the admonition to "forget not" God's law is more critical than ever. It challenges us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual truth to active engagement and internalization. This means prioritizing the study and meditation of Scripture, allowing its principles to shape our worldview, values, and daily decisions. Furthermore, the command to "let thine heart keep my commandments" reminds us that genuine obedience flows from a transformed inner life, not mere external conformity. It prompts us to examine our motivations: do we obey out of duty, or out of a deep love and desire to honor God? Cultivating a heart that cherishes God's Word is the foundation for a life that truly reflects His wisdom and experiences His blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "forgetting" God's law in my daily life, perhaps through distraction or neglect?**
* **What does it mean practically for my "heart" to "keep" God's commandments, beyond mere intellectual assent or outward compliance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more intentional relationship with God's Word so that it truly shapes my innermost being?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to prioritize remembering and internalizing God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "My son" in Proverbs 3:1?**

Answer: The phrase "My son" (Hebrew, _bên_) is a recurring address throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in the opening chapters (e.g., [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - The Father's Instruction"), [Proverbs 2:1](/proverbs/2-1 "Proverbs 2:1 - Embracing Wisdom")). It signifies a loving, personal, and authoritative relationship between the instructor (often understood as a father, representing God or a wise elder) and the recipient of wisdom. This intimate address underscores the pedagogical nature of the book, framing wisdom as a precious legacy passed down with care and concern for the student's well-being and future. It invites trust and receptivity, emphasizing that the instruction is for the benefit of the "son."

**What is the difference between "my law" and "my commandments" in this verse?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in general discourse, "my law" (Hebrew, _tôwrâh_) and "my commandments" (Hebrew, _mitsvâh_) carry slightly different nuances in this context. "Law" (_tôwrâh_) broadly refers to instruction, teaching, or divine revelation, often encompassing the entire body of God's revealed will and wise counsel. It can refer to the Mosaic Law but, in Proverbs, often extends to the general principles of wisdom. "Commandments" (_mitsvâh_) typically refers to specific precepts, injunctions, or ordinances derived from that broader law. Together, they emphasize the comprehensive nature of divine wisdom: both the overarching principles and the specific applications. The verse calls for remembering the general framework of God's wisdom and diligently obeying its particular expressions, ensuring a holistic adherence to God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied and fulfilled God's law and commandments. While the Old Testament father calls his son to remember and keep the law, Jesus is the Son who perfectly kept the Father's law, not forgetting even one jot or tittle ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, demonstrating a heart fully devoted to God's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). Furthermore, through His atoning work, Christ inaugurates the New Covenant, where God's law is no longer merely an external code but is written upon the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Law")). Thus, the admonition to "let thine heart keep my commandments" is made possible for us through union with Christ, who empowers us to live lives of genuine, internal obedience, not by our own strength but by His Spirit working within us ([Philippians 2:13](/phillipians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")). He is the embodiment of true wisdom, and in Him, we find the grace to remember and obey God's life-giving instruction.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Psalms 119:16

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:9

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.