41 Hear , O sons , the instruction of a father , And give attention that you may gain understanding , 2 For I give you sound teaching ; Do not abandon my instruction . 3 When I was a son to my father , Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother , 4 Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words ; Keep my commandments and live ; 5 Acquire wisdom ! Acquire understanding ! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth . 6 "Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. 7 " The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom ; And with all your acquiring , get understanding . 8 " Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. 9 "She will place on your head a garland of grace ; She will present you with a crown of beauty ." 10 Hear , my son , and accept my sayings And the years of your life will be many . 11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom ; I have led you in upright paths . 12 When you walk , your steps will not be impeded ; And if you run , you will not stumble . 13 Take hold of instruction ; do not let go . Guard her, for she is your life .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-13
Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-13
(Read Proverbs 4:1-13)
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God! Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking, and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling.