5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Other Translations of Proverbs 4:5

King James Version

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

English Standard Version

5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

The Message

5 Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!

New King James Version

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

New Living Translation

5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 4:5

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.