Proverbs 4:6

KJV

Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Forsake {H5800} her not, and she shall preserve {H8104} thee: love {H157} her, and she shall keep {H5341} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't abandon [wisdom]; then she will preserve you; love her, and she will protect you.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.

American Standard Version

Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:6 stands as a pivotal exhortation within a father's passionate appeal to his son, urging an unwavering commitment to wisdom. This verse promises profound protection and security to those who refuse to abandon wisdom and instead embrace her with deep affection. It underscores the vital, life-preserving benefits that flow from a steadfast and loving relationship with divine understanding, positioning wisdom not merely as an abstract concept but as a faithful guardian.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:6 is nestled within a larger discourse (Proverbs 4:1-27) where Solomon, the father, imparts crucial life lessons to his son, emphasizing the supreme value and necessity of acquiring and retaining wisdom. The preceding verses, particularly [Proverbs 4:5](/proverbs/4-5 "Proverbs 4:5 - Get Wisdom and Understanding"), issue direct commands to "get wisdom" and "get understanding," highlighting their foundational importance. Verse 6 then serves as a powerful incentive, outlining the immediate and tangible benefits of such an acquisition and commitment. The entire chapter personifies wisdom as a guide and protector, making the abstract concept relatable and worthy of devotion, culminating in a call to guard one's heart and path in [Proverbs 4:23-27](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23-27 - Guard Your Heart").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israel, a society where the transmission of wisdom from father to son was a cornerstone of education and moral formation. This pedagogical approach was not merely academic but deeply practical, aiming to equip the young man for a life of righteousness, success, and flourishing within the covenant community. Wisdom, in this context, was understood not as mere intellectual prowess but as skill in living, rooted in the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). The warnings against "forsaking" wisdom reflect a cultural understanding of loyalty and covenant faithfulness, while the promises of "preservation" and "keeping" speak to a desire for security and divine favor in a world fraught with moral and physical dangers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it reinforces the **Personification of Wisdom**, portraying her as a loyal companion and protector, deserving of love and fidelity. This literary device elevates wisdom beyond an abstract principle to an almost relational entity, making the call to commitment more personal and compelling. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Protective Nature of Wisdom**, promising that she will "preserve" and "keep" those who cleave to her. This signifies comprehensive safeguarding—from moral pitfalls, foolish decisions, and the destructive consequences of unrighteous living, echoing themes found in [Proverbs 2:10-15](/proverbs/2-10 "Proverbs 2:10-15 - Wisdom Delivers from Evil"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Active Commitment and Loyalty**, demanding not just the acquisition of wisdom but an unwavering devotion and affection for her, implying that true wisdom is not passively received but actively cherished and lived out.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root signifies to loosen, relinquish, or leave behind. In the negative command "Forsake her not," it conveys a strong prohibition against abandoning, neglecting, or turning away from wisdom. It implies a call to constant adherence and steadfast commitment, emphasizing that one must not let go of wisdom once acquired, lest they fall into peril.
* **Love (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** This root denotes having deep affection for, whether sexually or otherwise. Here, it calls for a profound emotional and volitional attachment to wisdom. It's more than mere intellectual assent; it demands a cherishing, a devotion, and an intimate relationship with wisdom, suggesting that true engagement with wisdom flows from a heart of affection.
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** Properly, this primitive root means to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., to guard. Generally, it means to protect, attend to, or keep. When applied to wisdom, it indicates that wisdom will actively watch over, maintain, and safeguard the one who holds her dear. It speaks of a diligent and comprehensive protection from harm, both moral and physical.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forsake her not":** This is a direct, imperative negative command. "Her" refers to wisdom, personified. The instruction is to avoid abandoning, neglecting, or turning away from wisdom. It implies a continuous, unwavering commitment to the principles and guidance that wisdom offers, suggesting that any deviation or disregard will lead to negative consequences.
* **"and she shall preserve thee":** This clause presents the immediate, positive consequence of not forsaking wisdom. Wisdom, acting as a diligent guardian, will actively protect and watch over the individual. This preservation extends to safeguarding one's life, well-being, and moral integrity, shielding them from dangers and destructive paths.
* **"love her":** This is a second, equally strong imperative, calling for a deep affection and devotion towards wisdom. It moves beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment to a heartfelt cherishing of wisdom, implying that a loving relationship with wisdom is essential for its transformative power to be fully realized in one's life.
* **"and she shall keep thee":** This final clause reinforces the promise of protection, mirroring the previous promise of preservation. "Keep" here implies a diligent watchfulness and maintenance. Wisdom will diligently observe and guard the individual, ensuring their safety and guiding them along a righteous path, reinforcing the idea of wisdom's active and continuous safeguarding role.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:6 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where wisdom is given human attributes and actions. She is referred to as "her," capable of being forsaken, loved, preserving, and keeping, transforming an abstract concept into a relatable, almost relational entity. This makes the call to commitment more personal and the benefits of wisdom more tangible. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("love her, and she shall keep thee") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee"). The negative command "forsake her not" is paralleled by the positive command "love her," and the promise "she shall preserve thee" is echoed by "she shall keep thee." This repetition emphasizes the dual nature of the required commitment (avoiding abandonment and actively loving) and the resulting dual benefit of protection, adding rhetorical force and memorability to the instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:6 beautifully encapsulates the Old Testament's profound reverence for wisdom as a divine attribute and a pathway to flourishing. Theologically, it posits wisdom as an active agent of God's providential care, a means by which His protection is extended to His people. This wisdom is not merely human sagacity but a divinely inspired understanding of how to live in alignment with God's created order and moral will. The call to "love" wisdom elevates it to a realm of devotion akin to loving God Himself, for true wisdom flows from Him. The promise of preservation and keeping underscores God's faithfulness to those who seek and cling to His truth, reflecting a covenantal relationship where obedience leads to blessing and security. This verse thus connects the pursuit of wisdom directly to the experience of God's safeguarding presence in one's life.

* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Long Life Through Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 8:35](/proverbs/8-35 "Proverbs 8:35 - Finding Life Through Wisdom")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:6 serves as a timeless reminder that true wisdom, which has its source in God, is not a mere academic pursuit but a life-sustaining relationship. For believers today, "her" refers primarily to the wisdom found in God's Word and revealed in Christ. To "forsake her not" means to diligently immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing its truths to shape our worldview and decisions, rather than neglecting it for fleeting worldly distractions. To "love her" implies a deep, affectionate devotion to God's ways, cherishing His commands and principles above our own inclinations or cultural pressures. When we prioritize and cling to divine wisdom, we can trust in God's promise that it will "preserve" and "keep" us—guarding our hearts, guiding our steps, and protecting us from the myriad pitfalls of a fallen world. This commitment leads to a life marked by integrity, peace, and spiritual resilience, enabling us to navigate complexities with discernment and live in alignment with God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly "forsaking" wisdom by neglecting God's Word or principles?**
* **How does your daily life demonstrate a genuine "love" for God's wisdom, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **What specific dangers or pitfalls in your life could be averted or navigated more effectively by a deeper commitment to divine wisdom?**
* **How can you practically cultivate a more intimate and dependent relationship with God's wisdom in your daily routines?**

### FAQ

**What does "her" refer to in Proverbs 4:6?**

Answer: In Proverbs 4:6, "her" refers to wisdom, which is personified throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in chapters 1-9. This literary device gives wisdom a tangible, almost relational quality, making it easier for the reader to understand and engage with. The father's instruction to his son is to treat wisdom as a beloved and indispensable companion. This personification emphasizes wisdom's active role in guiding and protecting those who embrace her, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 8:1-36](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Call of Wisdom").

**How does wisdom "preserve" and "keep" someone?**

Answer: Wisdom "preserves" and "keeps" someone by providing discernment, moral guidance, and practical understanding that leads to a life of safety and flourishing. Spiritually, wisdom protects from the deceit of sin and the allure of foolish paths, guiding one towards righteousness and a deeper relationship with God ([Proverbs 2:10-12](/proverbs/2-10 "Proverbs 2:10-12 - Wisdom Delivers from Evil")). Practically, it equips individuals to make sound decisions, avoid destructive behaviors, and navigate life's challenges with prudence. This preservation is holistic, encompassing one's physical well-being, mental peace, and spiritual integrity, ensuring a stable and secure life in alignment with God's design, as also promised in [Proverbs 3:21-26](/proverbs/3-21 "Proverbs 3:21-26 - Wisdom Brings Security").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:6, with its personification of wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the "wisdom of God" ([1_corinthians/1-24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([colossians/2-3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Therefore, to "forsake her not" and to "love her" is, for the New Covenant believer, to cling steadfastly to Jesus, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to abide in His teachings. It is Christ who truly "preserves" and "keeps" His own, guarding them from the power of sin, the schemes of the enemy, and the ultimate destruction of death ([john/10-28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's wisdom in providing salvation and eternal security. By embracing Christ as our wisdom, we are not merely gaining knowledge but entering into a saving relationship with the One who is our life, our truth, and our ultimate protector ([john/14-6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Proverbs 2:10

¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

Proverbs 2:12

To deliver thee from the way of the evil [man], from the man that speaketh froward things;

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Proverbs 4:21

Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

Proverbs 4:22

For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.