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Proverbs 4:11 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

11 In a way of wisdom I have directed thee, I have caused thee to tread in paths of uprightness.

Cross Reference

Psalms 23:3 YLT

My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,

Deuteronomy 4:5 YLT

`See, I have taught you statutes and judgments, as Jehovah my God hath commanded me -- to do so, in the midst of the land whither ye are going in to possess it;

1 Samuel 12:23-24 YLT

`I, also, far be it from me to sin against Jehovah, by ceasing to pray for you, and I have directed you in the good and upright way; only, fear ye Jehovah, and ye have served Him in truth with all your heart, for see that which He hath made great with you;

Psalms 25:4-5 YLT

Thy ways, O Jehovah, cause me to know, Thy paths teach Thou me. Cause me to tread in Thy truth, and teach me, For Thou `art' the God of my salvation, Near Thee I have waited all the day.

Proverbs 4:4 YLT

And he directeth me, and he saith to me: `Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.

Proverbs 8:6 YLT

Hearken, for noble things I speak, And the opening of my lips `is' uprightness.

Proverbs 8:9 YLT

All of them `are' plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.

Proverbs 8:20 YLT

In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,

Acts 13:10 YLT

said, `O full of all guile, and all profligacy, son of a devil, enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease perverting the right ways of the Lord?

Ecclesiastes 12:9 YLT

And further, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge, and gave ear, and sought out -- he made right many similes.

Commentary on Proverbs 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 4

Pr 4:1-27. To an earnest call for attention to his teachings, the writer adds a commendation of wisdom, preceded and enforced by the counsels of his father and teacher. To this he adds a caution (against the devices of the wicked), and a series of exhortations to docility, integrity, and uprightness.

1, 2. (Compare Pr 1:8).

to know—in order to know.

doctrine—the matter of learning (Pr 1:5), such as he had received (La 3:1).

3. father's son—emphatic, a son specially regarded, and so called tender, as an object of special care (compare 1Ch 22:7; 29:1); an idea further expressed by

only beloved—or, "as an only son" (Ge 22:2), though he had brothers (see on 1Ch 3:5).

4. He taught—or directed me.

retain—as well as receive.

keep … and live—observe, that you may live (Pr 7:2).

5. Get—as a possession not to be given up.

neither decline—that is, from obeying my word.

6. Not only accept but love wisdom, who will keep thee from evil, and evil from thee.

7. (Compare Job 28:28).

getting—or possession; a desire for wisdom is wise.

8. As you highly esteem her, she will raise you to honor.

embrace her—with fond affection.

9. ornament—such as the chaplet or wreath of conquerors.

deliver—(Compare Ge 14:20). The allusion to a shield, contained in the Hebrew, suggests protection as well as honor (compare Pr 4:6).

10. (Compare Pr 2:1; 3:2).

11, 12. way of wisdom—which it prescribes.

led thee—literally, "caused thee to tread," as a path (Ps 107:7).

not be straitened—have ample room (Ps 18:36).

13. (Compare Pr 3:18). The figure of laying hold with the hand suggests earnest effort.

14. (Compare Ps 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.

16, 17. The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pr 6:4; Ps 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pr 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; 34:7).

18, 19. As shining light increases from twilight to noonday splendor, so the course of the just increases in purity, but that of the wicked is as thickest darkness, in which one knows not on what he stumbles.

20-22. (Compare Pr 4:10, 13; Pr 3:8, &c.).

22. health … flesh—by preserving from vices destructive of health.

23. with all diligence—or, "above," or "more than all," custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Eze 38:7), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character (Mt 12:35; 15:19).

24. a froward mouth—that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used (Pr 2:15; 3:32).

perverse—or, "quarreling."

lips—or, "words."

25. Let … before thee—that is, pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations.

26. Ponder—Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.

27. (Compare Pr 4:25). Avoid all by-paths of evil (De 2:27; 17:11). A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct.