Proverbs 8:32
Proverbs 8:32 in Multiple Translations
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me; For blessed are they that keep my ways.
Give ear to me then, my sons: for happy are those who keep my ways.
And now, my sons, listen to me, for happy are those who follow my ways.
Therefore nowe hearken, O children, vnto me: for blessed are they that keepe my wayes.
And now, ye sons, hearken to me, Yea, happy are they who keep my ways.
“Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
Now therefore hearken to me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Now therefore, ye children, hear me: Blessed are they that keep my ways.
So, you people who are like my sons, listen to me. I am pleased with all those who obey my teachings.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:32
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 8:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֣ה
בָ֭נִים
שִׁמְעוּ
לִ֑/י
וְ֝/אַשְׁרֵ֗י
דְּרָכַ֥/י
יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ
וְ/עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
בָ֭נִים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/אַשְׁרֵ֗י
ʼesher
H835
blessed
Conj | N-mp
דְּרָכַ֥/י
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 8:32
וְ/עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
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.
שִׁמְעוּ
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.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/אַשְׁרֵ֗י
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
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.
יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:32
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:32
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
30Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.
31I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.
32Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
33Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. 34Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 11:28 | But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 2 | Psalms 119:1–2 | Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. |
| 3 | Psalms 1:1–4 | Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. |
| 4 | Psalms 128:1 | Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways! |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:7 | So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. |
| 6 | Proverbs 7:24 | Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. |
Proverbs 8:32 Summary
Proverbs 8:32 is an invitation from Wisdom to listen to her instruction and follow her ways, which leads to a life of blessing and wisdom. This means seeking to understand and live according to God's principles, as seen in the Bible, such as in the book of Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10. By listening to Wisdom, we can avoid the mistakes of foolishness and sin, and instead live a life that honors God, as stated in the book of Matthew 22:37-40. As we seek to follow Wisdom's ways, we can trust that God will guide us and bless us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalms 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is speaking in Proverbs 8:32?
The speaker in Proverbs 8:32 is Wisdom, personified as a woman, who is calling out to her sons to listen to her instruction, as seen in the context of Proverbs 8:1-36, where Wisdom is described as being with God from the beginning, as stated in Proverbs 8:22-31 and also in the book of Genesis 1:1, where God creates the world through His wisdom.
What does it mean to 'keep my ways' in Proverbs 8:32?
To keep Wisdom's ways means to follow her instructions and live according to her principles, which are rooted in the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Why is it important to listen to Wisdom in Proverbs 8:32?
Listening to Wisdom is crucial because it leads to blessing and a life of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 8:32-35, and it helps us to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and sin, as warned in Proverbs 1:20-33 and Proverbs 5:1-14, and as also seen in the book of Deuteronomy 30:19, where we are called to choose life and blessing.
How can we apply Proverbs 8:32 to our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 8:32 by seeking Wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, such as in the book of Psalms 119:97-112, and seeking guidance from godly mentors, as seen in Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 15:22, and by making intentional decisions to follow God's ways, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally listen to Wisdom and follow her ways in my daily life, as seen in the example of the Psalmist in Psalms 119:1-8?
- How can I balance the desire for wisdom with the temptation to rely on my own understanding, as warned in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:9?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek Wisdom's guidance and instruction, as seen in the example of King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:5-15?
- How can I share Wisdom's teachings with others and encourage them to listen to her instruction, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2 and Titus 2:3-5?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children,.... Children of his and his Father, with whom his delights were; predestinated to the adoption of children; children of the covenant and promise, given
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Epilogue, Peroration, or concluding summary. Now therefore hearken unto me - seeing that such are my excellencies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore; seeing I have such a true love to you, and seeing I am so thoroughly acquainted with my Father’ s mind, and so excellently qualified to be your Counsellor and Ruler.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways.Ver. 32. Now therefore hearken unto me.] Audite senem iuvenes, said Augustus to his seditious soldiers, and had audience: and shall not wisdom, that is so ancient, as before the creation, so eminent, as to make and conserve a world, so gracious with the Father, shall not she be hearkened to? For blessed are they.] And blessedness is the mark that every man shoots at.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
(32) Now therefore hearken—i.e., now that ye know how great my power is, and what love I have to you, in that I rejoice in you, and call you my sons. (Comp. 1 John 3:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
Verse 32. Now therefore] Since I delight so much in conveying instruction; since I have the happiness of the children of Adam so much at heart, hearken unto me; and this is for your own interest, for blessed are they who keep my ways.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:32
Proverbs 8:32-36. The consequent Appeal of Wisdom 32. Now, therefore] Because I give, and am, all this; and because in and from their first creation my delight was and is with the sons of men. O ye children] Rather, my sons, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:32
The old exhortation with a new force. The counsels are no longer those of prudence and human experience, but of a Wisdom eternal as Yahweh, ordering all things.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:32
FROM TO THE OF WISDOM, Proverbs 8:32-36. 32, 33. Now therefore — Considering all these preceding things. Ye children — Compare Proverbs 4:1; Proverbs 5:7; Proverbs 7:24; Proverbs 8:32.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the story of Mary of Bethany and how Jesus elevated women in society, emphasizing the importance of learning from godly women and embracing equality between |
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The Message of Proverbs by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, asserting that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. He illustrates how this wisdom is appl |
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Ask for the Ancient Paths by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the importance of seeking the 'ancient paths' as a means to find true rest for our souls, drawing from the timeless lament of the prophet Jeremiah. He highlight |
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Doing Something About It by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of being in church and attending Bible conferences. He acknowledges the importance of fun, humor, and relaxation, but warns a |
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Evils of Postponed Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is willing to give and be generous. He shares a story of a man who withheld his money from a missionar |
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Experiencing Pentecost by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself for Sunday service by getting enough rest on Saturday nights. He warns against engaging in long discussi |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Prayer in the New Testament - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching and teaching the word of God. He shares that sometimes he feels physically sick when speaking to large crowds, but |