Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:1–9 NKJV

1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. 3 When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Introduction

BACKGROUND: The Book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, though it contains contributions from other wise figures as well. It was written to provide instruction on how to live wisely, fostering a life of virtue, discipline, and understanding.

While the first 9 chapters are somewhat thematic, Proverbs beginning at chapter 10 is more about short two line independent sayings. That is to say, they follow a particular structure. This is not to say anything against the Bible’s inerrancy, everything is where it is for a reason.

However, as it stands and by merit of discourse,

Chapter 1 tells us about the Fear of the Lord and the Nature and Beginning of Wisdom,

Chapter 2 the pursuit of wisdom,

Chapter 3 the Lord’s understanding and trust in Him… and now here we are at

Chapter 4, Solomon talks about the security of Wisdom and pleads with his children to seek wisdom.

As a father, he passes down the wisdom he learned from his own father, emphasizing its life-giving power. These verses not only speak of the value of wisdom but also call us to live wisely, keeping our hearts aligned with God’s truth.

Something interesting happens at chapter 4.. Solomon expands his audience from “My son” to “My children.” This is a literary device where Solomon is asserting that these teachings are not just for one son, but directed to all who are listening and seeking guidance. He says:

Proverbs 4:1–2 NKJV

1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

I. Listening (1-2)

Proverbs 4:1–2 NKJV

1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

The first principle we encounter is the importance of listening. In the Hebrew context, under block logic, it would’ve went without saying that hearing was associated with heeding or doing. Solomon urges his children to listen carefully or to heed his instruction, underscoring that wisdom begins by first paying attention. What are we paying attention to?

Proverbs 2:6 recounts that all true wisdom comes from God, therefore we must be diligent to hear, but not just to hear, but to obey:

Proverbs 2:6–7 NKJV

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

In our noisy world, listening to God's voice can often be drowned out by distractions. Wisdom requires us to focus, to tune in, and to internalize the truth that is being spoken.

If all true wisdom comes from God alone, then how can we hear if we do not obey?

Solomon in another book, says it like this:

Ecclesiastes 5:1–2 NKJV

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

APPLICATION: Are we listening? Do we prioritize hearing God's Word in our daily routine? and are we moving? It is called the ACTS of the apostles, not the talk…

II. Wisdom Passed Down Through Generations (vv. 3-5)

Proverbs 4:3–5 NKJV

3 When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

The second principle is Legacy. Here, Solomon reflects on the wisdom passed down to him from his father (likely David). Wisdom is a treasure that is meant to be passed from one generation to the next. It’s a spiritual inheritance that far surpasses material wealth. We are called not only to live wisely ourselves but to impart that wisdom to those who come after us—our children, disciples, and community.

Supporting Verse:

2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy highlights the importance of passing down wisdom. Just as Solomon received wisdom from his father, we too are responsible for entrusting God’s truth to others, ensuring the legacy of wisdom continues to bear fruit in future generations.

Application: Who are we passing wisdom to? Are we intentional in teaching others, whether it's our children, family, or church? God calls us to be part of the legacy of wisdom, actively investing in the next generation of believers.

III. Reward (Proverbs 4:6-9)

Proverbs 4:6–9 NKJV

6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

“Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

The final principle is Reward. Solomon tells us that wisdom brings honor, protection, and exaltation. When we seek and cherish wisdom, we are rewarded with a life that reflects God's favor and guidance. It’s not a material reward but a spiritual crown of honor that comes from living a life aligned with God’s truth.

Supporting Verse:

James 1:12 NKJV

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Application: Are we pursuing wisdom as our highest goal? Are we aware of the rewards that come from a life of wisdom—honor, protection, and the spiritual crown that awaits? Let us prize wisdom as God’s greatest gift, knowing that it leads to a life of fulfillment and joy.