A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom
Proverbs 4:1-27
Pro.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- אב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקשיבו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- לדעת: VERB,qal,inf,-,-,-
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:8 (verbal): Both open with the address to a son(s) to 'hear' a father's instruction/teaching—close verbal and thematic parallel within Proverbs' father‑son instruction motif.
- Proverbs 3:1 (verbal): Uses 'my son' and exhorts the hearer not to forget the teaching, continuing the paternal appeal to accept wisdom and retain understanding.
- Proverbs 6:20 (verbal): Direct command to the son to keep the father's command and teaching, repeating the injunction to heed paternal instruction for life and wisdom.
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (structural): Ancient Israelite injunction to keep God's words in the heart and teach them to children—background structural template for parental instruction and intergenerational teaching.
- Ephesians 6:4 (allusion): New Testament echo of parental responsibility to instruct children in the Lord; reflects the enduring ethical/theological theme of fathers teaching their children.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear, O children, the instruction of a father; give ear, that you may gain understanding.
- Hear, children, your father's instruction; incline your ear, that you may gain understanding.
Pro.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- תורתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- תעזבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.3:1 (verbal): Very similar phrasing: 'My son, do not forget my teaching'—both are fatherly injunctions to retain the instruction.
- Prov.1:8 (thematic): Father's admonition to a son to heed parental instruction—same theme of valuing and keeping parental/theological teaching.
- Prov.4:13 (verbal): Commands to 'take hold of instruction' and 'do not let it go' echo the warning not to abandon the teaching given in 4:2.
- Deut.32:46-47 (allusion): Moses urges Israel to take God's words to heart and not treat them as idle—parallels the life-giving, non‑to‑be‑forsaken character of the instruction in Prov 4:2.
- Ps.119:11 (thematic): The practice of storing God's word in the heart to avoid sin complements Prov 4:2's call to keep and not abandon divine teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I have given you a good teaching—my instruction; do not forsake it.
- For I have given you a good teaching; do not forsake my instruction.
Pro.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לאבי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- רך: ADJ,m,sg
- ויחיד: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- אמי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.4.1 (structural): Same parental instruction context — the speaker addressing a son and introducing the teaching that follows (continuation of the 'Hear, my son' discourse).
- Prov.31.1 (thematic): A related motif of maternal involvement in a son's formation: Lemuel's sayings are introduced as what his mother taught him (mother-to-son instruction/allusion to family teaching).
- Luke 7:12 (thematic): Narrative mention of an only son ('the only son of his mother')—echoes the vulnerability and beloved status conveyed by 'only' and 'tender' in Prov 4:3.
- John 3:16 (verbal): Uses the language of the 'only (begotten) Son' in a context of unique beloved sonship — parallels the emphasis on singular, beloved sonship in Prov 4:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I was once a son to my father, tender and the only child before my mother.
- For I too was a son to my father—tender, the favored one before my mother.
Pro.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירני: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יתמך: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- לבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- שמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מצותי: NOUN,f,pl,abs,1cs
- וחיה: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.3.1 (verbal): Similar wording: an appeal to the son to keep the parent's teaching and commandments in the heart (’Keep my commandments and live’ motif).
- Prov.7.1 (verbal): Directly echoes the imperative to ‘keep my words’ and ‘lay up my commandments’, reinforcing the parental instruction motif found in 4:4.
- Prov.6.20 (verbal): Commands the son to keep his father's instruction and mother’s teaching—parallel familial voice and the connection between obedience to parental commands and well‑being.
- Deut.6.6-7 (allusion): Commands that God’s words be in the heart and be taught diligently to children—shares the theme of internalizing and transmitting authoritative instruction for life.
- Exod.20.12 (thematic): The fifth commandment ties honoring/obeying parents to long life; thematically parallels Prov.4:4’s link between keeping parental/wise commands and living.
Alternative generated candidates
- He taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live."
- He taught me, and said: 'Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.'
Pro.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תשכח: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תט: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- מאמרי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:1 (verbal): Same admonition not to forget the teaching/commands (My son, do not forget my teaching); both stress holding fast to parental instruction.
- Proverbs 7:1 (verbal): Begins with 'My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments'—a close verbal and thematic parallel urging retention of the teacher's words.
- Proverbs 2:1-6 (thematic): Calls for receiving and seeking wisdom and understanding (incl. commitment to incline ear, treasure commands), echoing the pursuit and preservation of wisdom in 4:5.
- Psalm 119:11 (verbal): ‘I have stored up your word in my heart’ parallels the injunction not to forget and to keep the teacher's sayings internalized.
- Joshua 1:8 (thematic): Command to keep the book of the law always on one's lips and meditate on it—similar emphasis on continual attention to and obedience to wise words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Get wisdom; get understanding. Do not forget it, nor turn aside from the words of my mouth.
- Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
Pro.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תעזבה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ותשמרך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אהבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ותצרך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:5 (verbal): Immediate context: same exhortation to acquire and not abandon wisdom—continues the imperative language (’do not forsake her’) addressed to the reader.
- Proverbs 2:10-11 (verbal): Parallel language and thought: when wisdom/understanding enters the heart, discretion and understanding will 'guard' or 'keep' the person—echoes the promise that wisdom will preserve and protect you.
- Proverbs 8:35 (thematic): Thematic parallel: finding wisdom equals finding life and favor; like Prov 4:6, wisdom is presented as life‑giving and protective for those who embrace her.
- Proverbs 3:18 (thematic): Wisdom depicted as 'a tree of life' to those who grasp her—parallels the motif that holding to/loving wisdom yields life and well‑being (she 'keeps' or sustains you).
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
- Do not abandon her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
Pro.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- קנינך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:5 (verbal): Commands the same pursuit—'Get wisdom, get understanding'—using near-identical language and imperatives as Prov 4:7.
- Proverbs 16:16 (verbal): Frames wisdom as superior to wealth ('to get wisdom rather than gold'), echoing Prov 4:7's prioritization of acquiring wisdom.
- Proverbs 8:10-11 (thematic): Urges acceptance of wisdom over silver and gold and asserts wisdom's incomparable value, thematically reinforcing Prov 4:7's call to obtain wisdom and understanding.
- Job 28:12-15 (thematic): Treats wisdom as a rare, sought-after treasure whose true source must be sought, paralleling Prov 4:7's emphasis on actively acquiring wisdom.
- Proverbs 1:7 (structural): Uses the language of 'beginning' (the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge/wisdom), resonating with Prov 4:7's opening term 'ראשית' (the principal/beginning thing).
Alternative generated candidates
- Wisdom is supreme—get wisdom; and with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.
- The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; and in all your acquiring, get understanding.
Pro.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- סלסלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותרוממך: VERB,hiph,impf,3f,sg
- תכבדך: VERB,hiph,impf,3f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- תחבקנה: VERB,qal,impf,3f,pl
Parallels
- Prov.4.7 (structural): Immediate antecedent exhortation to ‘get wisdom’—4:8 continues the same address, urging that wisdom be prized and exalted.
- Prov.4.9 (verbal): Direct continuation of the promise in 4:8—here wisdom is said to bestow an ornament and a crown of glory, explicating how embracing her brings honour.
- Prov.3.16 (thematic): Wisdom is associated with long life, riches and honour (‘in her left hand riches and honour’), echoing 4:8’s claim that embracing wisdom brings exaltation and honour.
- Prov.8:18-21 (thematic): Personified Wisdom promises riches, honour and favour to those who love and keep her—parallels 4:8’s assurance that holding fast to Wisdom brings promotion and honour.
Alternative generated candidates
- Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you when you embrace her.
- Prize her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will bring you honor.
Pro.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- לראשך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- לוית: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עטרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- תפארת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תמגנך: VERB,qal,imperf,3,f,sg+2ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:9 (verbal): Uses virtually identical adornment language—wisdom/instruction as an ornament or garland for the head and chains for the neck (wisdom depicted as bestowing graceful adornment).
- Proverbs 12:4 (thematic): ‘A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband’—uses crown imagery to signify honor and dignity conferred by a person (parallel motif of personal honor bestowed by wisdom/virtue).
- Isaiah 62:3 (verbal): ‘You shall be a crown of glory…’—the explicit phrase ‘crown of glory’ appears, echoing the idea of being honored or glorified by a crown. “},{
- Psalm 103:4 (thematic): God ‘crowns you with lovingkindness’—the motif of bestowing a crown representing God’s favor/esteem parallels wisdom’s act of crowning the recipient.
- 1 Peter 5:4 (allusion): ‘When the Chief Shepherd appears you will receive the crown of glory’—NT appropriation of ‘crown of glory’ as an honor/reward, echoing the OT image of receiving a crown for faithfulness/virtue.
Alternative generated candidates
- She will put on your head a garland of grace; she will place a crown of glory upon you.
- She will place a graceful wreath on your head; a crown of splendor she will bestow upon you.
Pro.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- וקח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- וירבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- שנות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:1 (verbal): Same father-to-children address and call to 'hear' instruction—immediate structural parallel within the same discourse ("Hear, O children, the instruction of a father").
- Proverbs 1:8 (thematic): Early proverb with the same paternal admonition to a son to accept a father's instruction—establishes the recurring wisdom theme of obedience to parental teaching. ("Hear, my son, your father's instruction...").
- Proverbs 3:1-2 (verbal): Closely echoes the promise tied to obedience: keeping a father's/wisdom's words results in 'length of days and years of life'—near-verbal correspondence in reward language. ("My son, do not forget my teaching... For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you").
- Proverbs 13:1 (thematic): Summarizes the ethical principle: a wise son listens to parental instruction and thereby aligns with the reward of wisdom—reinforces the link between heeding a father and wise/blessed outcomes. ("A wise son accepts his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke").
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear, my son, and receive my words, and they will lengthen your days.
- Hear, my son, and accept my words, and the years of your life will be many.
Pro.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הרתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- הדרכתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- במעגלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישר: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.2:6-8 (verbal): Same book and close teaching: wisdom/understanding come from the Lord and he 'guards/keeps the paths'—language of guiding and preserving the upright way echoes 'led you in the paths of uprightness.'
- Prov.3:5-6 (thematic): Theme of divine guidance: trusting the LORD results in him directing or making straight your paths—parallels the idea of being taught and led in the way of wisdom.
- Ps.32:8 (verbal): God’s promise to instruct and teach the way one should go ('I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you...') closely parallels the imagery of being taught and led along right paths.
- Isa.48:17 (verbal): The LORD declares, 'I, the LORD, your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go'—a prophetic formulation that parallels Proverbs’ language of teaching and leading in the right way.
- Ps.119:105 (thematic): Metaphor of God’s word as a lamp for one’s feet and a light for one’s path complements Proverbs’ motif of guidance along straight/upright paths by wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have guided you in the paths of uprightness.
- I have guided you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.
Pro.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בלכתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- יצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- צעדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- ואם: CONJ
- תרוץ: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תכשל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.4.11 (structural): Immediate context: the teacher has already 'taught you the way of wisdom' and 'led you in the paths of uprightness,' which grounds the assurance about unhindered steps in 4:12.
- Prov.3.23-26 (verbal): Close verbal and thematic parallel—promises secure walking and that 'your foot will not stumble,' linking trusting wisdom/safety with freedom from stumbling.
- Ps.37.23-24 (thematic): Similar theme of divinely established steps and protection: though one may fall, the LORD upholds him so he is not finally cast down—assurance about steadiness on the way.
- Ps.18.36-37 (verbal): Uses near-identical imagery of enlarged/established steps and feet not slipping, emphasizing divine enablement that prevents stumbling.
- Ps.121.3 (thematic): Expresses the same concern for the stability of the foot—God prevents the foot from being moved—paralleling the promise of not stumbling when walking or running.
Alternative generated candidates
- When you walk, your step will not be impeded; and when you run, you will not stumble.
- When you walk your step will not be hindered; when you run you will not stumble.
Pro.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- החזק: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- במוסר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תרף: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- נצרה: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- חייך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:47 (verbal): Uses the same rationale—God’s instruction is not empty but 'your life'—explicit verbal parallel linking law/teaching to life.
- Joshua 1:8 (thematic): Commands continual attention to the book of the law (meditate, do not let it depart) with promised success—similar exhortation to hold and keep instruction as vital.
- Proverbs 6:20 (verbal): Addresses a son to 'keep' a father's command and the teaching of the mother—parallel diction and the household transmission of instructional wisdom.
- Proverbs 3:1-2 (thematic): Admonishes not to forget teaching and links adherence to long life and peace—similar encouragement to retain moral instruction because it benefits life.
- Psalm 119:9 (thematic): Asks how a young person keeps his way pure and answers by guarding it according to God's word—connects the idea that preserving divine instruction sustains life and purity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hold fast instruction; do not let go—keep her, for she is your life.
- Hold firm to discipline; do not let go—guard it, for it is your life.
Pro.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בארח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- תבא: VERB,qal,impf,2,f,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תאשר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.1:15 (verbal): Directly parallels the warning not to walk in the sinners' way — "my son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path." (same verb and path imagery).
- Prov.2:12-15 (verbal): Speaks of deliverance from the way of the evil man and from men who leave the paths of uprightness—uses the same 'way/of the wicked' language and theme of avoidance.
- Prov.4:15 (structural): The immediate continuation of 4:14—commands to turn away and pass from the wicked path (a close, parallel imperative sequence within the same admonition).
- Ps.1:1 (thematic): Contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked: 'Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,' echoing the motif of avoiding the wicked's path.
- Matt.7:13-14 (allusion): Jesus' gate/way imagery (wide gate leading to destruction vs. narrow to life) parallels the biblical motif of choosing or avoiding paths that lead to wickedness and ruin.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not enter into the path of the wicked; do not proceed in the way of evildoers.
- Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers.
Pro.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פרעהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תעבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שטה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועבור: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.4.14 (verbal): Immediate literary parallel in the same pericope: both verses warn against entering the way of the wicked and repeat the injunction to avoid and turn away.
- Prov.1.10-16 (thematic): Similar parental warning not to consent to sinners' enticement or walk in their path—both counsel refusal to join the company and ways of the wicked.
- Prov.2.12-15 (thematic): Speaks of deliverance from the ways of evil men and those who leave upright paths to walk in darkness—echoes the command to avoid and turn from a harmful road.
- Ps.1.1-2 (thematic): Contrasts the blessed person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked with the wicked’s way; thematically parallels the injunction to avoid the wicked path.
- Matt.7.13-14 (allusion): Jesus’ teaching to enter the narrow gate and avoid the broad way that leads to destruction echoes the wisdom tradition’s call to shun the wicked way and turn aside.
Alternative generated candidates
- Turn away from it; do not pass by it—shun it, and pass on.
- Turn away from it; do not pass by it—keep far from it and go on your way.
Pro.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישנו: VERB,qal,pres,3,m,pl
- אם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ירעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ונגזלה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- שנתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3mp
- אם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכשילו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 36:4 (verbal): Speaks of one who 'devises mischief upon his bed' and does not reject evil—close verbal and thematic parallel to sleeping only to plan wrongdoing.
- Proverbs 1:11-12 (thematic): Warns against joining those who lie in wait to shed blood and bring others down—similar motif of conspirators who plan harm and cause others to fall.
- Proverbs 6:12-15 (thematic): Describes a wicked, restless schemer who plots mischief and will suddenly come to ruin—parallels the character and outcome of those who cannot rest apart from harming others.
- Isaiah 59:7-8 (thematic): Depicts people whose feet run to evil and whose ways are crooked, emphasizing continuous activity of wrongdoing—echoes the idea of persistent plotting and causing others to stumble.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they do not sleep unless they have done harm, and their sleep is robbed unless they make someone fall.
- For they do not sleep unless they have done wrong; their sleep is stolen unless they make someone stumble.
Pro.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לחמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.1:31 (verbal): Uses the eating metaphor for receiving the consequences of wicked ways—"they shall eat the fruit of their way" parallels "they eat the bread of the wicked."
- Prov.23:29-35 (thematic): A vivid warning about the destructive effects of wine and drunkenness; connects drinking with ruin and suffering similar to "wine of violence."
- Amos 6:1-7 (thematic): Condemns the wealthy who feast and drink while oppressing others—links lavish eating/drinking with social violence and injustice, echoing "bread of the wicked" and "wine of violence."
- Isaiah 51:17 (allusion): Speaks of drinking the cup of the Lord's wrath (a cup of violent judgment); parallels the motif of wine/cup as an instrument or symbol of violence and retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- For their bread is the bread of wickedness, and their wine is the wine of violence.
- For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
Pro.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וארח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צדיקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כאור: PREP
- נגה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ואור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 112:4 (verbal): The upright are said to 'arise as light in the darkness'—similar verbal imagery of the righteous producing light.
- Psalm 119:105 (structural): Combines the motifs of 'path' and 'light'—'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,' echoing the proverb's path-as-light metaphor.
- Isaiah 60:1 (thematic): Calls the people to 'Arise, shine, for your light has come'—the idea of increasing radiance until full illumination parallels the proverb's growing light to the 'perfect day.'
- Matthew 5:14–16 (allusion): Jesus' teaching that disciples are 'the light of the world' who let their light shine before others resonates with the proverb's link between righteousness and shining light.
- Philippians 2:15 (thematic): Believers are described as 'lights in the world' amid a crooked generation—echoing the moral and social radiance attributed to the righteous in Prov 4:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, shining more and more until the full day.
- But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, growing brighter until the full day.
Pro.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כאפלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- במה: PREP+PRON,interr
- יכשלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.4:18 (structural): Direct structural contrast within the same context — the righteous' path is like the light of dawn, whereas 4:19 says the way of the wicked is darkness and they do not know where they stumble.
- Prov.2:13-15 (verbal): Uses similar language about those who walk in the way of darkness, are crooked in their paths, and do not know where they will stumble — close thematic and verbal affinity within Proverbs.
- Psalm 119:105 (thematic): ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet’ contrasts the guiding light for the righteous with the darkness of the wicked’s way in Prov 4:19.
- Isaiah 59:10 (thematic): Imagery of groping and stumbling in darkness at noonday parallels the depiction of the wicked as walking in darkness and not knowing where they will stumble.
- Psalm 1:6 (thematic): Contrasts the Lord’s care for the righteous with the fate of the wicked; thematically related to the divergent destinies and moral paths described in Prov 4:18–19.
Alternative generated candidates
- The way of the wicked is darkness; they do not know on what they stumble.
- The way of the wicked is darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
Pro.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לדברי: PREP
- הקשיבה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,_,sg
- לאמרי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- הט: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אזנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.1.8 (verbal): Father's direct injunction to a son to 'hear' parental instruction—same imperative and parental-teaching context as Prov 4:20.
- Prov.4.1 (structural): Immediate chapter parallel: opening summons 'Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father'—same address and pedagogical framework.
- Prov.2.1 (verbal): Call to 'receive my words' and treasure the teachings—echoes the appeal to attend to and retain a father's sayings.
- Ps.34.11 (structural): 'Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you'—similar vocative appeal to children to listen and be taught.
- Isa.55.3 (verbal): 'Incline your ear...hear' shares the specific expression of inclining the ear to listen, a parallel exhortation to attentive hearing for life and instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
- My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
Pro.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- יליזו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- שמרם: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg+OBJ:3,m,pl
- בתוך: PREP
- לבבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:3 (verbal): Similar wording and idea—do not let mercy/truth depart but bind them and write them on the heart; both urge retention of moral instruction in the inner life.
- Proverbs 6:21–23 (verbal): Commands to bind parental/wise instruction continually on your heart and keep their guidance close; language of binding and heart parallels Prov 4:21.
- Deuteronomy 6:6–9 (allusion): Deuteronomic injunction to keep God's words in your heart and teach them to your children (bind on hand/doorposts); foundational background for idiom of 'keeping words in the heart.'
- Psalm 119:11 (verbal): ‘I have stored up your word in my heart’ echoes the theme of internalizing divine/wisdom instruction to guide conduct and prevent sin.
- Joshua 1:8 (thematic): The command that the law shall not depart from your mouth and you shall meditate on it day and night parallels the insistence that teaching remain ever-present in heart and life.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let them not depart from your sight—keep them within your heart.
- Let them not depart from your eyes—keep them within your heart.
Pro.4.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- למצאיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מרפא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:8 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language linking wisdom/commandments to physical well‑being: “for health to your body and nourishment to your bones,” echoing ‘life… and a healing to all his flesh.’
- Proverbs 16:24 (verbal): Describes pleasant/wise words as producing sweetness and ‘health to the bones,’ a close metaphorical parallel to words/wisdom as life and healing.
- Proverbs 12:18 (thematic): Contrasts destructive speech with the tongue of the wise that ‘brings healing,’ thematically aligning with the idea that wise words give life and health.
- Deuteronomy 32:46–47 (structural): Presents God’s words/commandments as non‑futile and constituting ‘life’ for the listener—a legal/Mosaic parallel to wisdom being life and a healing.
- Psalm 119:93 (thematic): Explicitly connects God’s precepts to life—“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life”—echoing Proverbs’ link of wisdom/commands to life and healing.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they are life to those who find them and a healing to all their flesh.
- For they are life to those who find them, and a healing to all their flesh.
Pro.4.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מכל: PREP
- משמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- תוצאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Luke 6:45 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 'Out of the heart come... the mouth'—both teach that words and actions flow from the inner life, so the heart is the source of conduct and life.
- Matthew 15:18-19 (verbal): Jesus states that what proceeds from the heart (thoughts, murder, adultery, etc.) defiles a person, echoing Proverbs' claim that life’s outcomes originate in the heart.
- Proverbs 23:7 (verbal): Within the same book: 'For as he thinks in his heart, so is he'—emphasizes that inner thoughts/attitudes determine a person's character and actions, supporting the injunction to guard the heart.
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 (thematic): Describes the heart as deceitful and subject to divine searching and testing—underscores the need to watch and guard the heart because it governs life and behavior.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (allusion): God's promise to give a 'new heart' and put His Spirit within addresses transformation of the inner life; connects the heart's condition to true life and obedience, the very concern of Prov 4:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life.
- Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life.
Pro.4.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הסר: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- עקשות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- פה: ADV
- ולזות: CONJ+ADJ,f,du
- שפתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הרחק: ADV
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 34:13 (verbal): Almost identical injunction—keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit; direct verbal parallel to putting away a deceitful/perverse mouth.
- Proverbs 21:23 (thematic): Same proverbs tradition theme of guarding one's mouth and tongue to avoid harm—moral imperative to control speech.
- James 3:6-10 (thematic): NT reflection on the destructive potential of the tongue and the moral responsibility to tame speech; echoes the ethical concern about perverse/deceitful lips.
- Proverbs 15:4 (verbal): Contrast between wholesome speech ('a tree of life') and perverseness in the tongue that harms the spirit—uses similar vocabulary and moral contrast regarding speech.
- Isaiah 59:3 (allusion): Condemns lips that speak lies as part of communal wrongdoing; shares the motif of lips/mouth as indicators and instruments of moral corruption.
Alternative generated candidates
- Put away from you crooked speech; and put perverse lips far from you.
- Put away perversity of mouth; put devious speech far from you.
Pro.4.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עיניך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- לנכח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יביטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ועפעפיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,poss2ms
- יישרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- נגדך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
Parallels
- Proverbs 4:26 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same exhortation — after instructing to keep the eyes straight, the next verse directs making one's path level, forming a single unit of moral/behavioral guidance.
- Psalm 119:37 (verbal): Requests God to turn the eyes away from worthless things (vanity) — language and concern about where one looks parallels the Proverbs admonition to keep eyes fixed ahead.
- Philippians 3:13-14 (thematic): Paul's call to forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal echoes the forward-looking, single-minded orientation implied by 'let your eyes look straight ahead.'
- Hebrews 12:2 (thematic): Urges believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith — a New Testament instance of the motif of spiritual focus and steadfast gaze toward a goal.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze before you.
- Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Pro.4.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פלס: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg
- מעגל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגלך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- דרכיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- יכנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:6 (verbal): Both verses use the imagery of 'straightening' or 'establishing' one's path—Proverbs 3:6 promises straightened paths when one acknowledges the Lord, echoing the call to make one's ways firm in Prov.4:26.
- Proverbs 16:9 (thematic): Contrasts human planning and divine direction: Prov.4:26 urges careful shaping of one’s steps, while Prov.16:9 notes that the heart plans a way but the LORD directs the steps—both focus on the orientation and outcome of one's path.
- Psalm 37:23 (verbal): Uses nearly identical imagery of 'the steps of a man' being established/ordered (often by the LORD), paralleling Prov.4:26’s concern with established, settled ways.
- Psalm 119:105 (thematic): Employs the lamp/foot and path metaphor—God’s word guiding the feet and path—complementing Prov.4:26’s emphasis on examining and fixing one’s course.
- Isaiah 30:21 (thematic): Speaks of being directed to 'this is the way, walk ye in it,' resonating with Prov.4:26’s imperative to make a straight course and follow established ways.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ponder the path of your feet; let all your ways be established.
- Ponder the path of your feet; make firm all your ways.
Pro.4.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תט: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- ימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמאול: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הסר: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- רגלך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- מרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 1:7-8 (verbal): Command to be strong and careful to do the law and not turn from it 'to the right hand or to the left' — very close verbal parallel about avoiding deviation from the prescribed way.
- Psalm 119:101 (verbal): 'I have restrained my feet from every evil way' echoes the warning to keep one's feet from evil and not turn aside — a verbal and thematic kinship concerning moral steadiness.
- Proverbs 4:25-26 (structural): Immediate context in the same pericope: 'Let your eyes look straight ahead... ponder the path of your feet' — same instructive sequence urging straight conduct and refusing to turn aside.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (thematic): Trusting the LORD and acknowledging him so that he 'will make straight your paths' resonates thematically with the admonition not to turn right or left and to keep feet from evil.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not swerve to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.
- Do not turn to the right or the left—remove your foot from evil.
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; give ear, that you may gain understanding.
For I impart good teaching to you; do not forsake my instruction.
For I too was a son to my father, tender and the only one before my mother.
He taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments, and live."
Acquire wisdom, acquire insight; do not forget, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth.
Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will protect you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.
Prize her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will set on your head a graceful garland; she will give you a crown of splendor.
Hear, my son, and accept my words; they will add years to your life.
I have guided you in the way of wisdom; I have led you along straight paths.
When you walk your step will not be impeded; and if you run you will not stumble.
Hold fast to instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men.
Shun it—do not pass by it; turn away and go on.
For they do not sleep unless they have worked harm, and their sleep is taken unless they have caused a fall.
For their bread is the bread of wickedness, and they drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, shining brighter and brighter to the full day.
The way of the wicked is darkness; they do not know at what they stumble.
My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape your sight—keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them and a healing to all their flesh.
Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Mark out the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.
Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.