Proverbs 4:10

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

Hear {H8085}, O my son {H1121}, and receive {H3947} my sayings {H561}; and the years {H8141} of thy life {H2416} shall be many {H7235}.

Listen, my son, receive what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many.

Commentary

Proverbs 4:10 is a direct address from a father, or wisdom personified, to a son, urging him to embrace instruction and promising a long life as a result. This verse encapsulates the central message of the book of Proverbs: that wisdom, when heeded, leads to a blessed and flourishing existence.

Context

Proverbs 4 is part of a larger section (chapters 1-9) where a father earnestly appeals to his son, emphasizing the supreme value of wisdom. The chapter begins with a call to listen to parental instruction and to seek understanding, presenting wisdom as a vital inheritance. Verse 10 specifically continues this theme, framing the reception of wise "sayings" as foundational for a prosperous life. It builds upon the idea that choosing the path of wisdom is choosing the path of life, distinct from the destructive ways of the wicked.

Key Themes

  • The Imperative of Heeding Instruction: The phrase "Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings" underscores the profound importance of actively listening to and internalizing wise counsel. It's not merely passive hearing but an intentional acceptance and obedience to truth. This call to heed divine instruction is a recurring motif throughout the wisdom literature.
  • Wisdom and Longevity: The promise "and the years of thy life shall be many" directly links obedience to wisdom with a long and full life. This is a common biblical blessing associated with righteous living and wise choices. While not an absolute guarantee against all early death, it highlights the principle that walking in wisdom generally promotes health, safety, and a life free from the self-inflicted harms of foolishness, thereby leading to a more complete existence. This concept is closely tied to wisdom's promise of long life found elsewhere in Proverbs.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "hear," shema (שְׁמַג), implies more than just auditory perception; it signifies an active, attentive listening that leads to obedient action. It is akin to the command to "hear and obey" found throughout the Old Testament, suggesting that true hearing is demonstrated through one's response.
  • "Receive" (ΧœΦΈΧ§Φ·Χ— - laqach) suggests taking hold of, embracing, and internalizing the teachings. It is about making the wisdom one's own, allowing it to shape one's character and choices.

Practical Application

Proverbs 4:10 remains highly relevant for all generations. It encourages us to:

  • Value and Seek Godly Counsel: Actively seeking and applying wisdom, whether from parents, spiritual mentors, or primarily from the unchanging truth of the Bible itself, is crucial for navigating life's complexities successfully.
  • Embrace Discipleship: The call to "hear and receive" is foundational to Christian discipleship, where followers are called to listen to and obey the teachings of Christ, knowing that His words lead to abundant and eternal life.
  • Understand Consequences: The verse powerfully underscores the biblical principle that choices have consequences. Living according to divine wisdom often leads to positive outcomes, including a more stable, peaceful, and ultimately fulfilling existence, free from the unnecessary troubles brought on by foolishness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 3:2

    For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    ΒΆ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  • Deuteronomy 6:2

    That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

  • Proverbs 3:16

    Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

  • Jeremiah 9:20

    Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

  • Proverbs 8:10

    Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

  • 1 Timothy 1:15

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
← Back