Proverbs 4:1
Proverbs 4:1 in Multiple Translations
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding:
Give ear, my sons, to the teaching of a father; give attention so that you may have knowledge:
Listen, sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and discover what makes sense,
Heare, O ye children, the instruction of a father, and giue eare to learne vnderstanding.
Hear, ye sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding.
Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction. Pay attention and know understanding;
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend that you may know prudence.
My children, listen to what I am teaching you. If you pay attention, you will understand what is wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:1
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 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְע֣וּ
בָ֭נִים
מ֣וּסַר
אָ֑ב
וְ֝/הַקְשִׁ֗יבוּ
לָ/דַ֥עַת
בִּינָֽה
שִׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בָ֭נִים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
מ֣וּסַר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
אָ֑ב
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
וְ֝/הַקְשִׁ֗יבוּ
qâshab
H7181
to listen
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לָ/דַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
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 4:1
שִׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בָ֭נִים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
מ֣וּסַר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
אָ֑ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ֝/הַקְשִׁ֗יבוּ
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
לָ/דַ֥עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
בִּינָֽה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:1
Context — A Father’s Instruction
1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive. 3When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 2:1 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. |
| 2 | Psalms 34:11 | Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:8 | Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. |
| 4 | Proverbs 2:1–5 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:1 | My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 | For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. |
| 7 | Proverbs 22:17 | Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— |
| 8 | Proverbs 19:20 | Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. |
| 9 | Proverbs 7:4 | Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:32–36 | Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
Proverbs 4:1 Summary
This verse is saying that we should listen carefully to the guidance and wisdom that our parents or mentors give us, just like we would listen to God's Word. By paying attention and trying to understand, we can gain valuable insight and make good choices, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. It's like when we read in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where it says to write God's commands on our hearts and teach them to our children, talking about them when we sit at home and when we walk along the road. By listening and paying attention, we can learn and grow in our relationship with God and with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'listen' in Proverbs 4:1?
To listen in this context means to give careful attention and heed the instruction, as seen in James 1:19, where it says to 'be quick to listen' and slow to speak.
Why is it important to pay attention and gain understanding?
Paying attention and gaining understanding is crucial because it helps us to make wise decisions and live a virtuous life, as Proverbs 9:10 says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding'.
What kind of instruction is the father giving in Proverbs 4:1?
The instruction the father is giving is sound teaching, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:2, which is based on his own experiences and wisdom, similar to the apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:4 to bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse reminds us that God is our heavenly Father who gives us instruction through His Word, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of listening to my father's instruction in my own life?
- How can I ensure that I am paying attention to the wisdom and guidance that God provides through His Word?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to gain a deeper understanding of God's ways and principles?
- In what ways can I model the behavior of the father in Proverbs 4:1 by giving sound instruction to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:1
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father,.... Either of God their father, as Gersom interprets it; or rather of Solomon their father: and so he recommends his instruction from the relation he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:1
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
CHAPTER 4 Solomon showeth the excellency of his doctrine, . His counsel to get wisdom, ,6, and understanding, . The honour which cometh thereby, ,9. The good effects of it, . He dehorts from the paths of the wicked, by the evil consequences thereof, ; and exhorteth to keep several precepts for the better government of himself, ; concerning his eyes, ,22, his heart, , his mouth, , and his feet, . Of a father; of me your teacher, who have paternal authority over you, and affection to you.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
Proverbs 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Ver. 1. Hear, ye children.] Audite senem, iuvenes, quem iuvenem senes audierunt: Hear me, now an old man, O ye youths, whom old men once gladly heard, when I was but a youth. With this speech Augustus pacified his mutinous army: - “ Aspice, vultus Ecce meos, utinamque oculos in pectore posses Inserere, et patrias intus deprendere curas.” “ Behold my looks; and oh that thou couldst see Mine anxious thoughts and careful heart for thee!” Sol Phaetonti, apud Ovid. Met.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
IV. (g) Seventh Discourse:—Recollections of his Father’s Instructions (Proverbs 4:1 to Proverbs 5:6). (1) A father.—That is, of me, your teacher.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
CHAPTER IV The preceptor calls his pupils, and tells them how himself was educated, 1-4; specifies the teachings he received, 5-19; and exhorts his pupil to persevere in well-doing, and to avoid evil, 20-27. NOTES ON CHAP. IV Verse 1. Hear, ye children] Come, my pupils, and hear how a father instructed his child. Such as I received from my father I give to you, and they were the teachings of a wise and affectionate parent to his only son, a peculiar object of his regards, and also those of a fond mother. He introduces the subject thus, to show that the teaching he received, and which he was about to give them, was the most excellent of its kind. By this he ensured their attention, and made his way to their heart. Teaching by precept is good; teaching by example is better; but teaching both by precept and example is best of all.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:1
Seventh Address. Chap. Proverbs 4:1-9 Resuming, after the parenthesis (Proverbs 3:27-35) the style and tone of fatherly address of the preceding sections, the Teacher commends Wisdom to his scholars as his children, by the example of his own early education. Mr Horton happily remarks, “This chapter begins with a charming little piece of autobiography,” and quotes Wordsworth’s words, “Wisdom doth live with children round her knees.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:1
The words “ye children” indicate as usual a new section returning, after the break of Pro 3:27-35, to the old strain of fatherly counsel.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:1
, Proverbs 4:1-4.Repetition is an essential element in teaching. The wise preceptor repeats again and again the lessons of wisdom, varying them, however, in form, to keep up the interest.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Responsibility by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in teaching and training children. He highlights the need for parents to not only teach their childre |
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Family Series Part 3 (Responsibility, the Duty of Fathers) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in parenting. He highlights the significance of teaching children God's commandments and living them |
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The Man Who Comes After the King by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the truth of God's word. He highlights the tragic reality of a generation that possesses truth but fails to embr |
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Looking on the Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian leads the congregation in reading Proverbs chapter 4. The scripture emphasizes the importance of listening to the instruction of a father and not forsa |
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Wanted - a Man by Paul Valentine | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers and parents in providing moral instruction to their children. He encourages fathers to take responsibility for teac |
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What Is a Christian 05 Child Needs Discipline by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher shares two personal stories to illustrate the concept of sacrifice and love. The first story is about a little boy during war times who is taught by hi |
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Parenting: Raising Up Godly Leaders by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the vital role of parenting in raising godly leaders, asserting that everyone influences someone, regardless of their parental status. He encourages listen |