Proverbs 4:1

¶ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

Hear {H8085}, ye children {H1121}, the instruction {H4148} of a father {H1}, and attend {H7181} to know {H3045} understanding {H998}.

Listen, children, to a father's instruction; pay attention, in order to gain insight;

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Hear, mysons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding:

Commentary on Proverbs 4:1 (KJV)

Proverbs 4:1 opens a significant section of the Book of Proverbs, emphasizing the critical importance of receiving and applying wisdom. This verse sets the tone for a father's earnest appeal to his children, urging them to heed his counsel and pursue understanding as the foundation for a righteous and prosperous life.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, often presented as instructional speeches from a wise teacher, typically a father, to a son or group of disciples. Chapter 4 particularly stresses the value of wisdom, portraying it not merely as intellectual knowledge but as a guiding principle for moral and practical living. This chapter builds on the earlier exhortations to seek wisdom, highlighting its life-giving benefits and contrasting it with the destructive paths of folly. The repeated call to "hear" underscores the pedagogical nature of the book, positioning the reader as a recipient of vital instruction.

Key Themes

  • The Call to Listen: The imperative "Hear, ye children, and attend" stresses the necessity of active and receptive listening. It's not passive hearing but a deliberate engagement with the instruction being offered. This active listening is foundational for the acquisition of true knowledge and wisdom.
  • Parental Instruction: The phrase "the instruction of a father" highlights the primary role of parents, particularly the father, in imparting spiritual and moral wisdom to their children. This paternal guidance is presented as a crucial source of life-shaping truth, echoing similar calls throughout Proverbs to respect and obey parental commandments.
  • The Pursuit of Understanding: The ultimate goal of this instruction is "to know understanding." This isn't just about accumulating facts, but about developing discernment and the ability to apply wisdom to life's situations. It's an active pursuit, requiring attentiveness and a desire to grasp the deeper truths.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "instruction" here is musar (מוּסָר), which carries a broader meaning than mere teaching. It encompasses discipline, moral training, correction, and even chastening. It implies a process of shaping character through guidance and correction. The word for "understanding" is often binah (בִּינָה), which signifies the ability to discern, to distinguish between right and wrong, and to grasp the deeper implications of knowledge, leading to wise decisions.

Practical Application

Proverbs 4:1 remains highly relevant for all ages. It underscores:

  • The Value of Wise Counsel: Whether from parents, mentors, or spiritual leaders, actively listening to and internalizing sound advice is crucial for personal growth and avoiding pitfalls.
  • The Lifelong Pursuit of Wisdom: Understanding is not automatically granted; it requires diligent effort, study, and reflection. We are called to continually seek wisdom from God's Word and through life experiences.
  • The Responsibility of Mentorship: For those in positions of authority—parents, teachers, leaders—this verse highlights the vital role they play in imparting wisdom and discipline to the next generation, guiding them towards a path of righteousness and discernment.

Ultimately, Proverbs 4:1 is a timeless reminder that a life well-lived begins with a humble and attentive heart, eager to receive the wisdom that leads to true understanding.

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.

  • Hebrews 2:1

    ¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.

  • Psalms 34:11

    ¶ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

  • Proverbs 1:8

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

  • Proverbs 22:17

    ¶ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

  • Proverbs 5:1

    ¶ My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:

  • Proverbs 2:1

    ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

  • Proverbs 2:5

    Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

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