4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, "Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
4 he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
4 He would sit me down and drill me: "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you - live!
4 He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.
4 My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight."
6 Leave your simple ways,
6 Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."
6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.
6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment."
(Read Proverbs 9:1-12)
Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:4
Commentary on Proverbs 4:1-13
(Read Proverbs 4:1-13)
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God! Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking, and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling.