Proverbs 23:26
Proverbs 23:26 in Multiple Translations
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
My son, give me thy heart; And let thine eyes delight in my ways.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes take delight in my ways.
My son, give me your undivided attention, and cheerfully follow my example.
My sonne, giue mee thine heart, and let thine eyes delite in my wayes.
Give, my son, thy heart to me, And let thine eyes watch my ways.
My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.
My son, give me thy heart, and let thy eyes observe my ways.
My son, give me thy heart: and let thy eyes keep my ways.
My son, heed what I say to you, and allow what I do to be an example for you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּנָֽ/ה
בְנִ֣/י
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
לִ֑/י
וְ֝/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
דְּרָכַ֥/י
תרצנה
תִּצֹּֽרְנָה
תְּנָֽ/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
בְנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd | Suff
דְּרָכַ֥/י
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
תרצנה
râtsâh
H7521
to accept
V-Qal-Juss-3fp
תִּצֹּֽרְנָה
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Juss-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:26
תְּנָֽ/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/עֵינֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
דְּרָכַ֥/י
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
תרצנה
râtsâh
H7521
"to accept"
V-Qal-Juss-3fp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.
Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.
תִּצֹּֽרְנָה
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Juss-3fp
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:26
Context — Saying 18
24The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
25May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well. 28Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:2 | Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:9–11 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 6:5 | And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:37–38 | Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:25–27 | Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:1 | My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; |
| 7 | Proverbs 4:23 | Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 | For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. |
| 9 | Ephesians 3:17 | so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:4 | he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. |
Proverbs 23:26 Summary
This verse is an invitation from God to give Him your whole heart and to find joy in following His ways. It means surrendering your life to Him and trusting in His goodness, as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6. When you give God your heart, you will begin to see the world in a new light and find pleasure in doing what is right, just like Psalm 119:35 says. By delighting in God's ways, you will experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, and your relationships with others will be transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give God your heart?
Giving God your heart means surrendering your entire being to Him, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all your heart.
How can I delight in God's ways?
Delighting in God's ways involves seeking to understand and obey His commands, as expressed in Psalm 119:35, which says to lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
Is this verse only for children since it says 'My son'?
Although the verse is addressed to 'My son,' its message is applicable to all believers, regardless of age, as God is our Heavenly Father, as seen in Matthew 6:9, where Jesus teaches us to pray to 'our Father in heaven'.
What is the relationship between giving God your heart and your eyes delighting in His ways?
Giving God your heart and delighting in His ways are closely linked, as a heart surrendered to God will naturally desire to follow and delight in His paths, as expressed in Psalm 37:4, which says to delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you are not fully surrendered to God, and how can you give them to Him today?
- In what ways can you delight in God's ways this week, such as reading His Word or serving others?
- How does your heart's surrender to God affect your relationships with others, and what changes can you make to reflect His love?
- What are some ways you can practically seek to understand and obey God's commands, as expressed in His Word?
- How can you cultivate a deeper desire to follow God's paths and delight in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me thine heart,.... These words are not the words of Solomon to his son, for a greater than Solomon is here; besides, the claim and possession of the heart do not belong to a creature,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. My son, give me thine heart - the center and regulator of the head, the hands, the feet. And let thine eyes observe my ways.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
Give me thine heart; receive my counsels with thy whole heart. Solomon speaking in God’ s name and cause, requires the heart to be given to him. Let thine eyes observe, let thy mind seriously and practically consider, my ways; either, 1. The ways in which I have walked, my evil practices; take warning by my sad example. Or, 2. The ways which I prescribe to you; as the apostles called the gospel which they preached their gospel, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.Ver. 26. My son, give me thy heart.] There is a strange strife, not of earthly, but of spiritual powers, after the possession of man’ s heart; and through man’ s transgression Satan hath gotten strong hold thereon. Once he strove about a dead man’ s body; but doubtless his purpose was therein to have set up an idol for himself in the hearts of the living. If Satan can get the heart, he is safe; and so is Satan’ s vicar. It was a watchword in Pope Gregory XIII’ s time, in Queen Elizabeth’ s days, My son, give me thy heart; be in heart a Papist, and then go to church, dissemble, do what ye will. Among the heathens, when the beast was cut up for sacrifice, the first thing the priest looked upon was the heart; and if the heart were naught, the sacrifice was rejected. As among the Jews Philo observeth, that the heart, and the horns, or brains were never offered with the sacrifices; for they are the fountains and secret cells wherein lurks, and out of which flows, all impiety. But whatever was in the type, this is in the truth. As the heart is by nature, the Lord will have none of it; yet till the heart be renewed and given to the Lord, he will accept nothing that can come from man. Of the heart God seems to say to us, as Joseph did to his brethren concerning Benjamin, "Ye shall not see my face without it." The heart is Christ’ s bed of spices, wherein he delights, and for which he wisheth, "O that there were such an heart," &c.
And let thine eyes observe my ways.] Look well to thy pattern, so fairly pencilled out unto thee; take true stitches out of this perfect sampler; take right strokes after this incomparable copy. The Hebrew here hath it, Let thine eyes run through my ways. Get a full prospect of them, and diligently peruse them. Fix and feed thine eyes upon the best objects, and restrain them from gazing upon forbidden beauties, lest they prove to be windows of wickedness, and loopholes of lust.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
(26) My son, give me thine heart.—For that is the one gift alone worthy of acceptance which man can offer to God, and the only one which God will accept; an offering which man endeavours to keep for himself, substituting for it alms, unreal prayers, outward observances of religion, and obedience in matters of little moment. (Comp. Matthew 22:37.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
Verse 26. My son, give me thine heart] This is the speech of God to every human soul; give thy affections to God, so as to love him with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. And let thine eyes observe my ways.] Be obedient to me in all things. My son, thou believest that I AM, and that I AM the Fountain of all good. Give me thy heart; it is I alone who can make thee happy. Observe my ways-follow me; do what is right in my sight. This exhortation contains three words: BELIEVE LOVE, OBEY! This is the sum of God's counsels to every child of man.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:26
26. observe] This is the corrected Heb. text to be read. The written text is, delight in, R.V. text.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:26
26. My son, give me thine heart — Some commentators understand this as simply the language of Solomon to his pupil: Give me thine affectionate attention, and observe my instructions; but others take
Sermons on Proverbs 23:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Changing the Heart of a Rebel by S.M. Davis | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents being committed to long-term change rather than seeking quick fixes when dealing with rebellious children. The spea |
|
A Truly Wealthy Man by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and godly parenting. He shares a personal story of witnessing a mother and her joyful son in the congregation, |
|
The Law and the Commandments by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who war |
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Give God Your Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a house with missing keys to illustrate the concept of giving our whole hearts to God. The buyer of the house insists on having all |
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The Perfect Heart by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting a chapel in the Philippines and seeing nuns praying and meditating. He uses this experience to emphasize the im |
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Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times - Part 3 by Josef Tson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right mental picture or worldview, focusing on the concept of living in Christ and understanding the battle against sin. It delv |
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Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 1 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and its universal nature. The preacher highlights that God's love is available to all people, regardless of their bac |