Proverbs 4:7-27 (NKJV) (2024)

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Listen to Proverbs 4:7-27
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7(A)Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8(B)Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9She will place on your head (C)an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

10Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
(D)And the years of your life will be many.
11I have (E)taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12When you walk, (F)your steps will not be hindered,
(G)And when you run, you will not stumble.
13Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.

14(H)Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
15Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16(I)For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is [a]taken away unless they make someone fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.

18(J)But the path of the just (K)is like the shining [b]sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19(L)The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.

20My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of (M)life.
24Put away from you a [c]deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26Ponder the path of your (N)feet,
And let all your ways be established.
27Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:16 Lit. robbed
  2. Proverbs 4:18 Lit. light
  3. Proverbs 4:24 devious

Cross references

  1. Proverbs 4:7 : Prov. 3:13, 14; Matt. 13:44
  2. Proverbs 4:8 : 1 Sam. 2:30
  3. Proverbs 4:9 : Prov. 3:22
  4. Proverbs 4:10 : Prov. 3:2
  5. Proverbs 4:11 : 1 Sam. 12:23
  6. Proverbs 4:12 : Job 18:7; Ps. 18:36
  7. Proverbs 4:12 : [Ps. 91:11]; Prov. 3:23
  8. Proverbs 4:14 : Ps. 1:1; Prov. 1:15
  9. Proverbs 4:16 : Ps. 36:4; Mic. 2:1
  10. Proverbs 4:18 : Is. 26:7; Matt. 5:14, 45; Phil. 2:15
  11. Proverbs 4:18 : 2 Sam. 23:4
  12. Proverbs 4:19 : 1 Sam. 2:9; [Job 18:5, 6]; Prov. 2:13; [Is. 59:9, 10; Jer. 23:12]; John 12:35
  13. Proverbs 4:23 : [Matt. 12:34; 15:18, 19; Mark 7:21; Luke 6:45]
  14. Proverbs 4:26 : Prov. 5:21; Heb. 12:13
Listen to Proverbs 4:7-27
Close NIV

7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
Though it cost all(A) you have,[b] get understanding.(B)
8Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.(C)
9She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.(D)

10Listen, my son,(E) accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.(F)
11I instruct(G) you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.(H)
12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.(I)
13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.(J)
14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.(K)
15Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16For they cannot rest until they do evil;(L)
they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.(M)

18The path of the righteous(N) is like the morning sun,(O)
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.(P)
19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;(Q)
they do not know what makes them stumble.(R)

20My son,(S) pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.(T)
21Do not let them out of your sight,(U)
keep them within your heart;
22for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.(V)
23Above all else, guard(W) your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.(X)
24Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25Let your eyes(Y) look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet(Z)
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27Do not turn to the right or the left;(AA)
keep your foot from evil.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
  2. Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get
  3. Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

Cross references

  1. Proverbs 4:7 : Mt 13:44-46
  2. Proverbs 4:7 : Pr 23:23
  3. Proverbs 4:8 : S Pr 3:18
  4. Proverbs 4:9 : S Pr 1:8-9
  5. Proverbs 4:10 : Ps 34:11-16; Pr 1:8-9
  6. Proverbs 4:10 : S Dt 11:21
  7. Proverbs 4:11 : S 1Sa 12:23
  8. Proverbs 4:11 : 2Sa 22:37; Ps 5:8
  9. Proverbs 4:12 : S Job 18:7; Pr 3:23
  10. Proverbs 4:13 : S Pr 3:22
  11. Proverbs 4:14 : Ps 1:1; S Pr 1:15
  12. Proverbs 4:16 : Ps 36:4; Mic 7:3
  13. Proverbs 4:17 : Ge 49:5; Ps 73:6; Pr 1:10-19; 14:22; Isa 59:6; Jer 22:3; Hab 1:2; Mal 2:16
  14. Proverbs 4:18 : Job 17:9
  15. Proverbs 4:18 : S Job 22:28
  16. Proverbs 4:18 : S 2Sa 23:4; Da 12:3; Mt 5:14; Jn 8:12; Php 2:15
  17. Proverbs 4:19 : S Pr 2:13
  18. Proverbs 4:19 : S Dt 32:35; S Job 3:23; Pr 13:9; S Isa 8:15
  19. Proverbs 4:20 : Ps 34:11-16; Pr 1:8-9
  20. Proverbs 4:20 : Pr 5:1
  21. Proverbs 4:21 : Pr 3:21
  22. Proverbs 4:22 : S Pr 3:8
  23. Proverbs 4:23 : S 2Ki 10:31
  24. Proverbs 4:23 : Pr 10:11; Lk 6:45
  25. Proverbs 4:25 : S Job 31:1
  26. Proverbs 4:26 : Heb 12:13*
  27. Proverbs 4:27 : S Lev 10:11; S Dt 5:32
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New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 4:7-27 (NKJV) (1)

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

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Proverbs 4:7-27 (NKJV) (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean wisdom is the principal thing? ›

For example, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” is a proverb that generally calls us to value and pursue wisdom in all aspects of life (Proverbs 4:7a, KJV). This article provides a guide to proverbial wisdom, including its significance and how it applies to mental health within our daily lives.

What do proverbs 4 and 7 mean? ›

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding. Remembering his father's loving advice, Solomon relates: “He would instruct me and say to me: 'May your heart keep fast hold of my words. Keep my commandments.

What does it mean in all your getting get understanding? ›

Now consider again: “And with all thy getting get understanding.” Understanding in this context follows intelligence, knowledge, experience, wisdom, and promptings from the Holy Ghost—all of which lead us to knowing and doing what is right.

Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the lord and shun evil meaning? ›

Solomon continues his counsel regarding trusting the Lord instead of one's own understanding. He tells us not to rely on our own wisdom. This does not mean we're to act recklessly or without thought. The point is that our intellect is nothing compared to that of God, who created us.

What are the 5 importance of wisdom? ›

We talked about these 5 benefits of wisdom: profit, value, life, peace and blessing. Wisdom is the ability to put our knowledge to work for God. We work toward his goals and his outcomes.

What are the 7 principles of wisdom? ›

James 3:17 describes the seven pillars of wisdom that God gives generously to those who ask him: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” In the Bible, the number seven often symbolizes fullness and ...

What is the first rule of wisdom? ›

In more modern terms, we might say "the first rule of wisdom is to always seek more wisdom." The key concept here comes from the root word rē'sit, which is used at the very start of Scripture, in Genesis 1:1. The term generically means "what comes first," which can imply a beginning or something of utmost importance.

What is the main message of Proverbs 4? ›

The key theme is balance, moderation, wholesomeness and having a clear conscience. The book of Proverbs Chapter 4 proposes that wisdom is life itself and should be treated as such.

Why is wisdom called she in Proverbs 4? ›

Why the female personification? Perhaps in part because, in Hebrew, wisdom is a grammatically feminine noun.

What is the prayer for Proverbs 4 7? ›

Proverbs 4:7–8 Wants Us To Ask For God Nonstop

God, we pray that you would make us wise in such a way that we ask for wisdom nonstop. That we're continually looking for wisdom, asking for wisdom, seeking wisdom from your hand. And in this, we realize, that in and of itself is wise. Oh God, make us wise we pray.

What makes God all knowing? ›

God's power is infinite, or limitless. Omniscience means all-knowing. God is all all-knowing in the sense that he is aware of the past, present, and future. Nothing takes him by surprise.

What comes first, wisdom or understanding? ›

That's why the first step to obtaining wisdom is to get knowledge. The second step is to apply that knowledge to gain understanding.

What are the 6 things that the Lord hates? ›

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

How do God's people benefit from fearing him? ›

First, fearing the Lord will give you wisdom (Psalm 111:10). Second, fearing the Lord will keep you from sin (Exodus 20:20). And third, fearing the Lord will motivate you in evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:11). All kinds of good will flow into the life of the person who fears the Lord.

What does it mean for something to be a principal thing? ›

And we saw that this phrase “principal thing” literally describes in the Hebrew language something that is the head or at the top. It describes something that is first or something that is at the beginning. So, some good translations of this phrase then would be that wisdom is “the first thing” or it's “the top thing.”

What is the principle of wisdom? ›

It requires mental focus, reflecting the ability to analyze and discern the most important aspects of acquired knowledge, knowing what to use and what to discard, almost on a case by case basis (put another way, it requires knowing when to follow rules, but also when the usual rules no longer apply).

What is the word of wisdom the principle? ›

The Word of Wisdom was “given for a principle with promise” (D&C 89:3). That word principle in the revelation is a very important one. A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Generally principles are not spelled out in detail.

What is the main idea of wisdom? ›

Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the interpretation of knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Wisdom is associated with compromise, intellectual humility, acceptance of uncertainty, and a cosmopolitanism of what is Good. Wisdom contains virtues such as ethics and benevolence.

References

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