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 also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and 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.
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.