Proverbs 4:2

KJV

For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I give {H5414} you good {H2896} doctrine {H3948}, forsake {H5800} ye not my law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for I am giving you good advice; so don't abandon my teaching.

Berean Standard Bible

For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.

American Standard Version

For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:2 serves as a foundational exhortation from a wise father to his son, emphasizing the profound value and non-negotiable nature of the instruction being imparted. It underscores that the teaching offered is not merely advice but "good doctrine" and "my law," signifying its divine origin and authoritative weight, demanding unwavering adherence and protection from being abandoned. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which passionately calls for the diligent pursuit and preservation of wisdom as the pathway to life and flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:2 immediately follows the opening verses of chapter 4, where the father explicitly calls for his children to "hear the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding" [Proverbs 4:1](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1 - Hear Instruction"). This establishes a pedagogical framework, setting up the subsequent verses as a direct transmission of vital wisdom. The verse itself provides the rationale for listening—the instruction is "good doctrine," and therefore, it must not be forsaken. It is part of a larger, impassioned appeal for the son to embrace wisdom as the central pursuit of his life, a theme that continues throughout the chapter, culminating in the call to "keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart"). The structure of Proverbs often features these parental appeals, framing wisdom as an inheritance to be cherished.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the transmission of wisdom was primarily a familial and communal responsibility, with fathers playing a crucial role in educating their sons in moral, ethical, and practical life principles. This instruction was not merely academic but deeply spiritual, rooted in the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "law" (Torah) extended beyond the Mosaic Law to encompass all divine and authoritative instruction that guided life. The setting is likely a domestic one, where a father imparts wisdom to his son, reflecting the patriarchal structure of society and the importance placed on intergenerational learning. The emphasis on "good doctrine" would resonate in a culture where oral tradition and authoritative teaching were paramount for societal cohesion and individual well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 4:2 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **supreme value of wisdom and instruction**, presenting it as a precious gift rather than a burdensome obligation. The father's teaching is "good doctrine," implying its inherent benefit and life-giving quality, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **obedience and adherence**, demanding that the son not "forsake" the law. This is not passive reception but active commitment and safeguarding of the principles, a vital aspect of the wisdom tradition that emphasizes walking in the "way of wisdom" [Proverbs 4:11](/proverbs/4-11 "Proverbs 4:11 - The Path of Wisdom"). Finally, it reinforces the **authoritative nature of the instruction**, whether from a wise parent or ultimately from God Himself, whose wisdom is the source of all true understanding, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give" in its broadest sense, but also encompassing "to put," "to make," "to bestow," "to grant," or "to appoint." In Proverbs 4:2, it signifies the deliberate and intentional act of the father imparting valuable instruction to his son. It implies a transfer of something precious and beneficial, highlighting the father's generosity and the inherent worth of the "good doctrine" being shared.
* **doctrine (Hebrew, _leqach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to receive," _leqach_ properly refers to "something received," specifically "instruction" or "learning." It can also denote "fair speech" or "inveiglement" in a negative sense, but here it clearly refers to wholesome, beneficial teaching. It emphasizes the content of the instruction, that which is to be absorbed, internalized, and acted upon by the hearer. It's the substance of wisdom being transmitted.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** While famously referring to the Mosaic Law (the Pentateuch), _tôwrâh_ in Proverbs often has a broader meaning of "precept," "statute," "instruction," or "guidance." In this context, it refers to the authoritative, guiding principles and teachings imparted by the father, which are ultimately rooted in divine wisdom. It implies a binding set of directions that define the right way to live, serving as a moral and ethical compass for the son's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I give you good doctrine":** This clause establishes the nature and source of the instruction. The father, acting as the authoritative teacher, is actively bestowing something of immense value. The "doctrine" (leqach) is qualified as "good" (ṭôwb), indicating its beneficial, pleasant, and morally sound quality. It is presented as a gift, not a burden, emphasizing its positive impact on the recipient's life.
* **"forsake ye not my law":** This is a direct command, a strong imperative. The phrase "forsake ye not" (from 'âzab) conveys a prohibition against abandoning, neglecting, or casting aside something valuable. It implies a deliberate choice to hold fast to the instruction. "My law" (tôwrâh) signifies the authoritative and binding nature of the father's teaching, which he presents as his own, yet implicitly derived from divine wisdom, making its abandonment a serious transgression.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:2 employs several **literary devices** to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as the verse functions as direct moral instruction from a teacher (father) to a student (son), characteristic of the wisdom literature. There is also a strong element of **Parental Authority**, where the father's "I give you" and "my law" establish his right to instruct and the son's obligation to heed. The use of **Contrast** is implicit: the "good doctrine" is contrasted with the potential for its "forsaking," highlighting the choice between adherence and abandonment. Finally, the verse uses **Imperative Mood** ("forsake ye not") to issue a direct command, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:2 encapsulates a core theological principle: the divine origin and indispensable nature of God's instruction for human flourishing. The "good doctrine" and "law" presented by the father are ultimately reflections of God's own wisdom, which He graciously "gives" to humanity. This verse connects the act of receiving and adhering to wisdom with the very essence of a life lived in accordance with divine will. It underscores that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical way of living, demanding active commitment and loyalty. To forsake this "law" is to turn away from the path of life and embrace folly, a choice with profound spiritual consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word Is a Lamp")
* [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Build Your House on the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:2 calls us to a profound appreciation for and steadfast commitment to the wisdom and instruction we receive, particularly from God's Word. In a world saturated with competing voices and fleeting trends, this verse reminds us that there is "good doctrine" – truth that is inherently beneficial, life-giving, and worthy of our unwavering allegiance. It challenges us to move beyond passive hearing to active, intentional adherence, recognizing that neglecting or abandoning divine principles leads to spiritual and practical detriment. This applies not only to formal biblical teaching but also to the wise counsel of godly mentors, parents, and spiritual leaders who faithfully transmit God's truth. Our flourishing is directly tied to how diligently we guard and live by this precious instruction, making it the foundation of our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good doctrine" have I received in my life, particularly from God's Word, that I might be in danger of forsaking?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I truly value God's "law" and instruction as a precious gift, not a burden?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more actively "not forsake" the wisdom I know to be true, especially when it challenges my desires or cultural norms?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "doctrine" and "law" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often overlapping, "doctrine" (Hebrew: _leqach_) generally refers to the content of the instruction—the teaching, the learning, or the wisdom itself that is received. "Law" (Hebrew: _tôwrâh_), while it can refer to the Mosaic Law, in Proverbs often denotes authoritative guidance, precepts, or a binding set of principles. So, the "doctrine" is the specific teaching being given, and the "law" is the broader, authoritative framework or set of principles that the teaching falls under and by which one should live. Both emphasize the vital, guiding nature of the father's (and implicitly God's) instruction for a flourishing life, as seen in the call to "walk in the way of wisdom" [Proverbs 4:11](/proverbs/4-11 "Proverbs 4:11 - The Path of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of all "good doctrine" and the perfect fulfillment of God's "law." While the father in Proverbs imparts wisdom, Jesus is Wisdom personified, the very Word of God made flesh [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He not only gives good doctrine but *is* the good doctrine, revealing the Father fully [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father"). His teachings, such as those found in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), are the ultimate "good doctrine," surpassing all human instruction. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly upheld and fulfilled God's "law" [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), not only in His sinless life but also by offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for our failure to keep the law. To "forsake ye not my law" in the New Covenant is to cling to Christ, to abide in His words [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abide in Me"), and to follow His commands, knowing that in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures"). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, Truth, and Life"), and to forsake Him is to forsake life itself.

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

1 Timothy 4:6

¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Psalms 89:30

If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

Psalms 89:32

Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Proverbs 8:6

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.

Proverbs 8:9

They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.