Proverbs 4:3

Translation
King James Version
For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
For I was my father's H1 son H1121, tender H7390 and only H3173 beloved in the sight H6440 of my mother H517.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
For I too was once a child to my father; and my mother, too, thought of me as her special darling.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,
Ask
American Standard Version
For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I was my fathers sonne, tender and deare in the sight of my mother,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
For, a son I have been to my father--tender, And an only one before my mother.
Ask
See also
1 Chronicles 22:5Romans 12:161 Chronicles 29:11 Chronicles 3:52 Samuel 12:242 Samuel 12:25Zechariah 12:10
In the KJVVerse 16,494 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 4:3 serves as a deeply personal and authoritative preamble to King Solomon's fervent appeal for wisdom, establishing his credibility by recounting his own formative years. He describes himself as having been his father's son, nurtured with tenderness and held in a uniquely cherished position by his mother. This intimate recollection underscores the profound parental instruction he received, highlighting the intergenerational transfer of divine wisdom and the crucial role of a loving, instructive home environment in shaping a leader destined to impart truth to the next generation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 4:3 is strategically placed within a larger, impassioned exhortation from Solomon to his son, urging him to embrace and guard wisdom above all else. This chapter commences with a direct and urgent appeal: "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding" Proverbs 4:1. Solomon then grounds his teaching in his own experience, recalling how he, too, was once a receptive student of vital instruction from his father, David. The verse immediately following, Proverbs 4:4, explicitly states David's charge to Solomon: "He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live." This establishes a powerful, unbroken chain of wisdom, passed from God, to David, to Solomon, and now from Solomon to his son, emphasizing the continuity, enduring value, and divine origin of truth. The personal testimony in this verse lends significant weight and authenticity to the subsequent commands and promises concerning wisdom's profound benefits and the dangers of forsaking it, which permeate the remainder of the chapter.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the family unit was the foundational institution for education, moral development, and the transmission of covenantal values and religious instruction. Fathers, particularly patriarchs and kings, bore the primary responsibility of imparting wisdom and divine law to their children, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community. King David, renowned as "a man after God's own heart," exemplified this parental duty through his earnest charge to Solomon, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 28:9: "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind." Solomon's reference to his mother, Bathsheba, also reflects the significant, though often less publicly documented, role of the mother in nurturing, shaping character, and providing emotional security within the household. The description of Solomon as "tender" suggests a period of youth and vulnerability, emphasizing the critical importance of early, consistent instruction in a culture where children were integrated into adult life and responsibilities from a young age. This familial context highlights the deep-seated cultural expectation for wisdom to be a cherished legacy, not merely an individual pursuit.

  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the Intergenerational Transmission of Wisdom, underscoring that divine truth is not discovered in isolation but is a sacred inheritance, faithfully passed down through diligent instruction, as seen in the commands of Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Secondly, it emphasizes the Value of Parental Nurturing and Instruction, portraying the home as the primary academy for moral and spiritual formation. The tenderness and cherished status Solomon describes receiving from his parents indicate an environment conducive to learning and receptivity, reinforcing the idea that a loving and secure foundation is crucial for the effective reception of wisdom. This aligns with the repeated calls in Proverbs for children to heed their parents' instruction, such as in Proverbs 1:8. Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Personal Credibility and Authority, as Solomon's own upbringing under wise and loving parents validates his subsequent exhortations, positioning him not as a detached lecturer but as one who has personally experienced and benefited from such profound instruction.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • tender (Hebrew, rak', H7390): From the root rakak meaning "to be soft," this word describes Solomon's youthful state. It signifies immaturity, vulnerability, and a pliable nature, emphasizing his receptivity to instruction. This highlights the crucial importance of early guidance, as a young, "tender" heart is more easily shaped and influenced by parental teaching and wisdom.
  • only (Hebrew, yâchîyd', H3173): This term, derived from a root meaning "to be united," properly conveys "sole" or "unique." By implication, it means "beloved" or "darling." While it can denote an "only child," in this context, given Solomon had siblings, it more profoundly signifies his uniquely cherished or singularly precious position, particularly in his mother's eyes. It suggests a special affection and perhaps a prophetic recognition of his unique destiny as David's successor, adding a layer of personal endearment and significance to his relationship with his mother.
  • sight (Hebrew, pânîym', H6440): Literally meaning "face" or "presence," this word is used here idiomatically to mean "in the estimation of," "in the eyes of," or "as perceived by." "In the sight of my mother" therefore emphasizes the subjective and intimate perception of his mother, highlighting her deep affection and the special place he held in her heart and mind. This loving regard likely contributed to an environment where wisdom could be lovingly imparted and received with openness.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For I was my father's son,": This opening clause firmly establishes Solomon's lineage and, more significantly, his direct connection to the source of the wisdom he is about to impart. It signifies that he was not merely biologically descended from King David but was also a spiritual and intellectual heir, having personally received instruction and guidance from his esteemed father. This personal testimony lends profound authority to his subsequent teaching, demonstrating that the wisdom he advocates is not theoretical but inherited, personally experienced, and deeply valued.
  • "tender": This single word encapsulates Solomon's state during the period of his upbringing. It emphasizes his youth, vulnerability, and impressionability, highlighting that the instruction he received from his parents was imparted during his most formative and receptive years. This suggests a crucial principle: wisdom is best instilled when one is young and pliable, before the heart hardens or the accumulation of detrimental habits makes learning more difficult.
  • "and only [beloved]": This phrase speaks to Solomon's unique and cherished status within his family, particularly in the eyes of his mother. The KJV's insightful addition of "[beloved]" accurately captures the nuance of the Hebrew yâchîyd, which implies not merely singularity but also a profound sense of being uniquely dear, precious, or singularly favored. This indicates a loving, nurturing, and affirming home environment that fostered deep receptivity to parental guidance and wisdom.
  • "in the sight of my mother.": This final clause specifies the primary source of the "beloved" status and profoundly underscores the mother's deep emotional investment and affectionate regard for Solomon. It highlights the dual influence of both parents in his upbringing and the deep affection that characterized his early life, creating a fertile ground for the reception of wisdom. The mother's perspective adds a vital dimension of tender care, personal devotion, and emotional security to the instruction received, emphasizing that wisdom thrives in an atmosphere of love.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 4:3 employs several Literary Devices to enhance its message and establish Solomon's authority. The verse functions as a powerful form of Autobiographical Testimony, where Solomon draws on his personal past to establish credibility and connect with his audience on an intimate, relatable level. This personal anecdote serves as a potent Rhetorical Device, making his subsequent exhortations concerning wisdom more compelling by demonstrating that he himself was a direct recipient of the very wisdom he now champions. The description of himself as "tender" (רַךְ - rak) utilizes Metaphorical Language, likening his youthful state to something soft, pliable, and easily molded, thereby emphasizing his receptivity to instruction. The phrase "only [beloved]" (יָחִיד - yachîyd) carries a sense of Emphasis or even Hyperbole, not necessarily indicating he was literally an only child, but rather that he was uniquely cherished, singularly precious, or held in special regard in his mother's eyes. This personal, familial language creates an atmosphere of trust, warmth, and authenticity, inviting the reader to receive the profound wisdom that follows with similar openness and earnestness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 4:3 profoundly underscores the biblical principle of intergenerational wisdom, portraying the home as the primary conduit for the transmission of divine truth and moral instruction. Solomon's personal testimony highlights that wisdom is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a precious inheritance, lovingly passed down from parent to child within a nurturing and secure environment. This verse implicitly affirms the divine design for the family as the foundational unit for spiritual formation, where the values of the covenant are instilled from an early age. The "tender" and "beloved" status of Solomon in his youth suggests that a foundation of love, security, and affirmation is crucial for a child's receptivity to instruction, laying the groundwork for a life lived in accordance with God's ways. This familial model of discipleship is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the profound responsibility and privilege of parents in shaping the next generation for God's glory and the continuation of His covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 4:3 offers a powerful lens through which to view the enduring impact of parental instruction and the profound significance of our formative years. Solomon, the wisest man in all of Israel, attributes his foundational understanding not to self-discovery, but to the diligent, loving, and intentional guidance of his parents, King David and Bathsheba. This calls us to reflect deeply on the sources of our own wisdom—do we prioritize the timeless truths passed down through God's Word and faithful mentors, or do we rely solely on our own limited understanding and the fleeting wisdom of the world? For parents, this verse is a profound encouragement and a significant challenge: the "tender" years of a child are precious and fleeting, representing a prime, unparalleled opportunity to instill spiritual truths, moral values, and a fervent love for wisdom. It reminds us that a home characterized by deep love, intentional teaching, and a cherishing spirit creates fertile ground for a child to receive and embrace life-giving instruction. For all believers, it underscores the importance of humility in learning, recognizing that true wisdom often comes through submission to established authority and the patient reception of guidance, whether from parents, spiritual leaders, or, most importantly, the Holy Spirit through the inspired Scriptures.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "tender" years or formative experiences in your life significantly shaped your understanding of wisdom or faith, and who were the key instructors?
  • How can parents today more intentionally create a "tender and beloved" environment that fosters deep receptivity to godly instruction in their children?
  • In what ways do you actively seek and receive wisdom from those who have gone before you, whether through direct mentorship, diligent study of Scripture, or learning from historical figures of faith?
  • How does the intergenerational transfer of wisdom, as exemplified by David and Solomon, challenge or encourage your own spiritual legacy and your role in discipling others?

FAQ

What does "tender and only beloved" mean in this context, especially since Solomon had siblings?

Answer: The phrase "tender and only [beloved]" (KJV) or "tender and the only one" (ESV) refers to Solomon's status in his youth. "Tender" (Hebrew rak) emphasizes his youthfulness, vulnerability, and receptivity to instruction, highlighting a period of pliability. The word translated "only" (Hebrew yâchîyd) does not necessarily mean he was an only child in the literal sense, as David had many other sons (e.g., 2 Samuel 3:2-5). Instead, yâchîyd conveys a sense of singularity, uniqueness, or being especially cherished and beloved. In this context, it highlights Solomon's uniquely favored and precious position, particularly in his mother Bathsheba's eyes. This special status likely refers to his destiny as David's chosen successor and the one appointed by God to build the Temple, making him uniquely significant and set apart, even among his siblings. It underscores the deep affection, care, and perhaps even prophetic recognition he received, which contributed to his receptivity to parental wisdom.

Why does Solomon begin his exhortation to wisdom with a personal anecdote about his parents?

Answer: Solomon begins his exhortation with this personal anecdote primarily to establish his credibility and authority. By sharing that he himself was a direct recipient of profound wisdom from his father, King David, and mother, he demonstrates that the wisdom he is about to impart is not theoretical or abstract but has been personally received, deeply valued, and proven effective in his own life. This creates a powerful ethos, inviting his son (and by extension, the reader) to listen with trust, respect, and a willingness to learn. It also powerfully emphasizes the intergenerational nature of wisdom, portraying it as a precious legacy passed down through a loving and intentional family, rather than something one discovers in isolation. This personal touch makes the subsequent commands, warnings, and promises concerning wisdom's benefits far more relatable and compelling, as seen in Proverbs 4:4, where he directly quotes his father's life-giving teaching.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 4:3, with its emphasis on a son being tenderly nurtured and uniquely beloved in the sight of his parents, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate Son, Jesus Christ, who is eternally the "only begotten Son" of God the Father, uniquely beloved and infinitely cherished. Just as Solomon received wisdom and instruction from his earthly father, David, Jesus, the very embodiment of divine wisdom, always operated in perfect submission to and intimate communion with His heavenly Father. The tenderness and beloved status Solomon describes find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the relationship between God the Father and God the Son, as resoundingly declared at Jesus' baptism, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" Matthew 3:17. Furthermore, Christ is the very wisdom that Solomon exhorts his son to pursue; He is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" 1 Corinthians 1:24. Through Christ, we, who were once alienated and spiritually orphaned, are adopted as sons and daughters, becoming "beloved children" Ephesians 5:1 in the sight of our heavenly Father. The nurturing environment Solomon describes finds its spiritual parallel in the church, the household of God, where believers are discipled and grow in the wisdom of God through the teaching of His Word and the transformative guidance of the Holy Spirit, ultimately being conformed to the image of the beloved Son Romans 8:29.

Copy as

Commentary on Proverbs 4 verses 1–13

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details[1.] [2.] Fine details

Here we have,

I. The invitation which Solomon gives to his children to come and receive instruction from him (Pro 4:1, Pro 4:2): Hear, you children, the instruction of a father. That is, 1. "Let my own children, in the first place, receive and give good heed to those instructions which I set down for the use of others also." Note, Magistrates and ministers, who are entrusted with the direction of larger societies, are concerned to take a more than ordinary care for the good instruction of their own families; from this duty their public work will by no means excuse them. This charity must begin at home, though it must not end there; for he that has not his children in subjection with all gravity, and does not take pains in their good education, how shall he do his duty as he ought to the church of God? Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5. The children of those that are eminent for wisdom and public usefulness ought to improve in knowledge and grace in proportion to the advantages they derive from their relation to such parents. Yet it may be observed, to save both the credit and the comfort of those parents whose children do not answer the hopes that arose from their education, that Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was far from being either one of the wisest or one of the best. We have reason to think that thousands have got more good by Solomon's proverbs than his own son did, to whom they seem to have been dedicated. 2. Let all young people, in the days of their childhood and youth, take pains to get knowledge and grace, for that is their learning age, and then their minds are formed and seasoned. He does not say, My children, but You children. We read but of one son that Solomon had of his own; but (would you think it?) he is willing to set up for a schoolmaster, and to teach other people's children! for at that age there is most hope of success; the branch is easily bent when it is young and tender. 3. Let all that would receive instruction come with the disposition of children, though they be grown persons. Let all prejudices be laid aside, and the mind be as white paper. let them be dutiful, tractable, and self-diffident, and take the word as the word of a father, which comes both with authority and with affection. We must see it coming from God as our Father in heaven, to whom we pray, from whom we expect blessings, the Father of our spirits, to whom we ought to be in subjection, that we may live. We must look upon our teachers as our fathers, who love us and seek our welfare; and therefore though the instruction carry in it reproof and correction, for so the word signifies, yet we must bid it welcome. Now, (1.) To recommend it to us, we are told, not only that it is the instruction of a father, but that it is understanding, and therefore should be welcome to intelligent creatures. Religion has reason on its side, and we are taught it by fair reasoning. It is a law indeed (Pro 4:2), but that law is founded upon doctrine, upon unquestionable principles of truth, upon good doctrine, which is not only faithful, but worthy of all acceptation. If we admit the doctrine, we cannot but submit to the law. (2.) To rivet it in us, we are directed to receive it as a gift, to attend to it with all diligence, to attend so as to know it, for otherwise we cannot do it, and not to forsake it by disowning the doctrine or disobeying the law.

II. The instructions he gives them. Observe,

1.How he came by these instructions; he had them from his parents, and teaches his children the same that they taught him, Pro 4:3, Pro 4:4. Observe, (1.) His parents loved him, and therefore taught him: I was my father's son. David had many sons, but Solomon was his son indeed, as Isaac is called (Gen 17:19) and for the same reason, because on him the covenant was entailed. He was his father's darling, above any of his children. God had a special kindness for Solomon (the prophet called him Jedidiah, because the Lord loved him, Sa2 12:25), and for that reason David had a special kindness for him, for he was a man after God's own heart. If parents may ever love one child better than another, it must not be till it plainly appears that God does so. He was tender, and only beloved, in the sight of his mother. Surely there was a manifest reason for making such a distinction when both the parents made it. Now we see how they showed their love; they catechised him, kept him to his book, and held him to a strict discipline. Though he was a prince, and heir-apparent to the crown, yet they did not let him live at large; nay, therefore they tutored him thus. And perhaps David was the more strict with Solomon in his education because he had seen the ill effects of an undue indulgence in Adonijah, whom he had not crossed in any thing (Kg1 1:6), as also in Absalom. (2.) What his parents taught him he teaches others. Observe, [1.] When Solomon was grown up he not only remembered, but took a pleasure in repeating, the good lessons his parents taught him when he was a child. He did not forget them, so deep were the impressions they made upon him. He was not ashamed of them, such a high value had he for them, nor did he look upon them as the childish things, the mean things, which, when he became a man, a king, he should put away, as a disparagement to him; much less did he repeat them: as some wicked children have done, to ridicule them, and make his companions merry with them, priding himself that he had got clear from grave lessons and restraints. [2.] Though Solomon was a wise man himself, and divinely inspired, yet, when he was to teach wisdom, he did not think it below him to quote his father and to make use of his words. Those that would learn well, and teach well, in religion, must not affect new-found notions and new-coined phrases, so as to look with contempt upon the knowledge and language of their predecessors; if we must keep to the good old way, why should we scorn the good old words? Jer 6:16. [3.] Solomon, having been well educated by his parents, thought himself thereby obliged to give his children a good education, the same that his parents had given him; and this is one way in which we must requite our parents for the pains they took with us, even by showing piety at home, Ti1 5:4. They taught us, not only that we might learn ourselves, but that we might teach our children, the good knowledge of God, Psa 78:6. And we are false to a trust if we do not; for the sacred deposit of religious doctrine and law was lodged in our hands with a charge to transmit it pure and entire to those that shall come after us, Ti2 2:2. [4.] Solomon enforces his exhortations with the authority of his father David, a man famous in his generation upon all accounts. Be it taken notice of, to the honour of religion, that the wisest and best men in every age have been most zealous, not only for the practice of it themselves, but for the propagating of it to others; and we should therefore continue in the things which we have learned, knowing of whom we have learned them, Ti2 3:14.

2.What these instructions were, Pro 4:4-13.

(1.)By way of precept and exhortation. David, in teaching his son, though he was a child of great capacity and quick apprehension, yet to show that he was in good earnest, and to affect his child the more with what he said, expressed himself with great warmth and importunity, and inculcated the same thing again and again. So children must be taught. Deu 6:7, Thou shalt whet them diligently upon thy children. David, though he was a man of public business, and had tutors for his son, took all this pains with him himself.

[1.]He recommends to him his Bible and his catechism, as the means, his father's words (Pro 4:4), the words of his mouth (Pro 4:5), his sayings (Pro 4:10), all the good lessons he had taught him; and perhaps he means particularly the book of Psalms, many of which were Maschils - psalms of instruction, and two of them are expressly said to be for Solomon. These, and all his other words, Solomon must have an eye to. First, He must hear and receive them (Pro 4:10), diligently attend to them, and imbibe them, as the earth drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, Heb 6:7. God thus bespeaks our attention to his word: Hear, O my son! and receive my sayings. Secondly, He must hold fast the form of sound words which his father gave him (Pro 4:4): Let thy heart retain my words; and except the word be hid in the heart, lodged in the will and affections, it will not be retained. Thirdly, He must govern himself by them: Keep my commandments, obey them, and that is the way to increase in the knowledge of them, Joh 7:17. Fourthly, He must stick to them and abide by them: "Decline not from the words of my mouth (Pro 4:5), as fearing they will be too great a check upon thee, but take fast hold of instruction (Pro 4:13), as being resolved to keep thy hold and never let it go." Those that have a good education, though they strive to shake it off, will find it hang about them a great while, and, if it do not, their case is very sad.

[2.]He recommends to him wisdom and understanding as the end to be aimed at in the use of these means; that wisdom which is the principal wisdom, get that. Quod caput est sapientia eam acquire sapientiam - Be sure to mind that branch of wisdom which is the top branch of it, and that is the fear of God, Pro 1:7. Junius and Tremellius. A principle of religion in the heart is the one thing needful; therefore, First, Get this wisdom, get this understanding, Pro 4:5. And again, "Get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding, Pro 4:7. Pray for it, take pains for it, give diligence in the use of all appointed means to attain it. Wait at wisdom's gate, Pro 8:34. Get dominion over thy corruptions, which are thy follies: get possession of wise principles and the habits of wisdom. Get wisdom by experience, get it above all thy getting; be more in care and take more pains to get this than to get the wealth of this world; whatever thou forgettest, get this, reckon it a great achievement, and pursue it accordingly." True wisdom is God's gift, and yet we are here commanded to get it, because God gives it to those that labour for it; yet, after all, we must not say, Our might and the power of our hand have gotten us this wealth. Secondly, Forget her not (Pro 4:5), forsake her not (Pro 4:6), let her not go (Pro 4:13), but keep her. Those that have got this wisdom must take heed of losing it again by returning to folly: it is indeed a good part, that shall not be taken from us; but then we must take heed lest we throw it from us, as those do that forget it first, and let it slip out of their minds, and then forsake it and turn out of its good ways. That good thing which is committed to us we must keep, and not let it drop, through carelessness, nor suffer it to be forced from us, nor suffer ourselves to be wheedled out of it; never let go such a jewel. Thirdly, Love her (Pro 4:6), and embrace her (Pro 4:8), as worldly men love their wealth and set their hearts upon it. Religion should be very dear to us, dearer than any thing in this world; and, if we cannot reach to be great masters of wisdom, yet let us be true lovers of it; and what grace we have let us embrace it with a sincere affection, as those that admire its beauty. Fourthly, "Exalt her, Pro 4:8. Always keep up high thoughts of religion, and do all thou canst to bring it into reputation, and maintain the credit of it among men. Concur with God in his purpose, which is to magnify the law and make it honourable, and do what thou canst to serve that purpose." Let Wisdom's children not only justify her, but magnify her, and prefer her before that which is dearest to them in this world. In honouring those that fear the Lord, though they are low in the world, and in regarding a poor wise man, we exalt wisdom.

(2.)By way of motive and inducement thus to labour for wisdom, and submit to the guidance of it, consider, [1.] It is the main matter, and that which ought to be the chief and continual care of every man in this life (Pro 4:7): Wisdom is the principal thing; other things which we are solicitous to get and keep are nothing to it. It is the whole of man, Ecc 12:13. It is that which recommends us to God, which beautifies the soul, which enables us to answer the end of our creation, to live to some good purpose in the world, and to get to heaven at last; and therefore it is the principal thing. [2.] It has reason and equity on its side (Pro 4:11): "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom, and so it will be found to be at last. I have led thee, not in the crooked ways of carnal policy, which does wrong under colour of wisdom, but in right paths, agreeable to the eternal rules and reasons of good and evil." The rectitude of the divine nature appears in the rectitude of all the divine laws. Observe, David not only taught his son by good instructions, but led him both by a good example and by applying general instructions to particular cases; so that nothing was wanting on his part to make him wise. [3.] It would be much for his own advantage: "If thou be wise and good, thou shalt be so for thyself." First, "It will be thy life, thy comfort, thy happiness; it is what thou canst not live without:" Keep my commandments and live, Pro 4:4. That of our Saviour agrees with this, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments, Mat 19:17. It is upon pain of death, eternal death, and in prospect of life, eternal life, that we are required to be religious. "Receive wisdom's sayings, and the years of thy life shall be many (Pro 4:10), as many in this world as Infinite Wisdom sees fit, and in the other world thou shalt live that life the years of which shall never be numbered. Keep her therefore, whatever it cost thee, for she is thy life, Pro 4:13. All thy satisfaction will be found in this;" and a soul without true wisdom and grace is really a dead soul. Secondly, "It will be thy guard and guide, thy convoy and conductor, through all the dangers and difficulties of thy journey through this wilderness. Love wisdom, and cleave to her, and she shall preserve thee, she shall keep thee (Pro 4:6) from sin, the worst of evils, the worst of enemies; she shall keep thee from hurting thyself, and then none else can hurt thee." As we say, "Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee;" so, "Keep thy wisdom, and thy wisdom will keep thee." It will keep us from straits and stumbling-blocks in the management of ourselves and our affairs, Pro 4:12. 1. That our steps be not straitened when we go, that we bring not ourselves into such straits as David was in, Sa2 24:14. Those that make God's word their rule shall walk at liberty, and be at ease in themselves. 2. That our feet do not stumble when we run. If wise and good men be put upon sudden resolves, the certain rule of God's word which they go by will keep them even then from stumbling upon any thing that may be pernicious. Integrity and uprightness will preserve us. Thirdly, "It will be thy honour and reputation (Pro 4:8): Exalt wisdom (do thou but show thy good-will to her advancement) and though she needs not thy service she will abundantly recompense it, she shall promote thee, she shall bring thee to honour." Solomon was to be a king, but his wisdom and virtue would be more his honour than his crown or purple; it was that for which all his neighbours had him so much in veneration; and no doubt, in his reign and David's, wise and good men stood fairest for preferment. However, religion will, first or last, bring all those to honour that cordially embrace her; they shall be accepted of God, respected by all wise men, owned in the great day, and shall inherit everlasting glory. This he insists on (Pro 4:9): "She shall give to thy head an ornament of grace in this world, shall recommend thee both to God and man, and in the other world a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee, a crown that shall never totter, a crown of glory that shall never wither." That is the true honour which attends religion. Nobilitas sola est atique unica virtus - Virtue is the only nobility! David having thus recommended wisdom to his son, no marvel that when God bade him ask what he would he prayed, Lord, give me a wise and an understanding heart. We should make it appear by our prayers how well we are taught.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–13. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
For I too was a son to my father, tender, etc. Nothing more raises the mind to the hope of attaining wisdom than when we remember that those whom we admire as already shining in wisdom were once little and unlearned. And he taught me and said: Let your heart embrace my words. Such admonitions given to Solomon by his father David, he who reads Chronicles finds. But why does Solomon call himself the only begotten before his mother, when Scripture testifies that a uterine brother preceded him, unless because that one, born but immediately unnamed, departed life as if he had never been?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Proverbs 4:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.