Proverbs 7:4

Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:

Say {H559} unto wisdom {H2451}, Thou art my sister {H269}; and call {H7121} understanding {H998} thy kinswoman {H4129}:

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister"; call understanding your kinswoman;

Say to wisdom, โ€œYou are my sister,โ€ and call understanding your kinsman,

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understandingthy kinswoman:

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 7:4 KJV

Proverbs 7:4, "Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:", is a profound instruction from the Solomonic wisdom tradition, urging a deep and intimate relationship with wisdom and understanding.

Context

This verse stands within a larger discourse in Proverbs (chapters 5-7) where a father warns his son against the perils of sexual immorality, particularly the seductions of the adulterous woman. Following vivid descriptions of the harlot's deceptive allure and destructive path, Proverbs 7:4 offers a powerful counter-strategy. Instead of succumbing to the temptations of folly, the reader is admonished to cultivate a personal, familial bond with wisdom and understanding, positioning them as the ultimate defense and guide in life's moral choices.

Key Themes

  • Personification of Wisdom: The verse employs a beautiful literary device, personifying wisdom and understanding as family members โ€“ a sister and a kinswoman. This imagery emphasizes a relationship characterized by closeness, trust, affection, and constant companionship. It's not merely about acquiring knowledge but fostering a living, breathing bond. For more on this, see the extensive personification of wisdom in Proverbs 8:1 and following.
  • Intimate Relationship: The call to "Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister" signifies a profound level of commitment and intimacy. Just as one relies on and confides in a close family member, so too should one rely on and cherish wisdom. This relationship serves as a moral compass and a protective shield against destructive paths.
  • Moral Safeguard: By embracing wisdom and understanding as one's closest relations, the individual builds an internal fortress against temptation and folly. This deep connection provides the discernment necessary to recognize and resist evil, particularly the sexual immorality highlighted in the surrounding chapters.
  • Discernment and Comprehension: "Understanding" (Hebrew: binah) is crucial for grasping the consequences of actions and for distinguishing between right and wrong. It complements "wisdom" (Hebrew: chokmah), which encompasses practical skill, moral insight, and discerning judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah (ื—ึธื›ึฐืžึธื”), which refers to practical skill, moral insight, and the ability to live skillfully according to God's principles. "Understanding" is binah (ื‘ึดึผื™ื ึธื”), implying the ability to discern, distinguish, and comprehend deeply. The term "kinswoman" (ืžึตื™ื“ึทืขึทืช โ€” meyda'ath) literally means "intimate acquaintance" or "familiar friend," reinforcing the call for a deeply personal and cherished bond, not just a casual acquaintance with these virtues.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:4 challenges us to actively pursue and cherish wisdom and understanding as our most valued companions. In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and conflicting voices, cultivating this intimate relationship with divine wisdom provides the moral clarity, discernment, and strength needed to make choices that lead to life and blessing. It encourages us to seek wisdom daily through God's Word, prayer, and godly counsel, allowing it to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. This close bond serves as a spiritual defense, empowering us to navigate life's complexities and resist the allure of destructive paths, much like the benefits described in Proverbs 2:10-11.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 2:2

    So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

  • Proverbs 2:4

    If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;

  • Proverbs 4:6

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

  • Proverbs 4:8

    Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:1

    ยถ O that thou [wert] as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! [when] I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.

  • Job 17:14

    I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.

  • Luke 11:27

    ยถ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
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