Proverbs 23:19
Proverbs 23:19 in Multiple Translations
Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And guide thy heart in the way.
Give ear, my son, and be wise, guiding your heart in the right way.
Pay attention, my son, and be wise; make sure your mind concentrates on following the right way.
O thou my sonne, heare, and bee wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, And make happy in the way thy heart,
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thy heart in the way.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise: and guide thy mind in the way.
My son/child, listen carefully to me and become wise, and think about ◄all that you do/your behavior►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:19
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 23:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁמַע
אַתָּ֣ה
בְנִ֣/י
וַ/חֲכָ֑ם
וְ/אַשֵּׁ֖ר
בַּ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
שְׁמַע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בְנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וַ/חֲכָ֑ם
châkam
H2449
be wise
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וְ/אַשֵּׁ֖ר
ʼâshar
H833
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
בַּ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:19
שְׁמַע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בְנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וַ/חֲכָ֑ם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
וְ/אַשֵּׁ֖ר
ʼâshar
H833
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To bless means to make someone happy or content. In the Bible, it can also mean to guide or lead someone in the right direction, like in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress 1a)(Qal) to go straight on, make progress 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to go straight on, advance 1b2) to lead on (causative) 1b3) to set right, righten 1b4) to pronounce happy, call blessed 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be advanced, be led on 1c2) to be made happy, be blessed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. See also: Genesis 30:13; Proverbs 23:19; Psalms 41:3.
בַּ/דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
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.
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:19
Context — Saying 16
17Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
18For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course.
20Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. 21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:26 | My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:12 | Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:10–23 | Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body. Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 6:6 | Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:6 | Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
Proverbs 23:19 Summary
Proverbs 23:19 is encouraging us to pay attention to God's wisdom and to make intentional decisions that align with His will. This means being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, and seeking to direct our inner life towards righteousness. As we listen to God's wisdom, we can trust that He will guide us on the right path, as promised in Psalm 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By guiding our heart on the right course, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from living in obedience to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'guide your heart on the right course' in Proverbs 23:19?
This means to intentionally direct your thoughts, emotions, and desires towards wisdom, righteousness, and obedience to God, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 4:23.
Why is it important to 'listen' as mentioned in Proverbs 23:19?
Listening is crucial because it allows us to receive instruction, wisdom, and guidance from God and others, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:19.
How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 23:19 in my daily life?
You can apply this wisdom by being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions, and seeking to align them with God's will and Word, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2 and Romans 12:2.
What is the relationship between being wise and guiding your heart in Proverbs 23:19?
Being wise and guiding your heart are closely related, as wisdom involves making intentional decisions that align with God's will, and guiding your heart involves directing your inner life towards righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 37:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'listen' to God's wisdom and guidance in my life, and what might be hindering me from hearing His voice?
- How can I balance the desire for wisdom with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can I 'guide my heart on the right course' in the midst of challenging circumstances or tempting situations?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate wisdom and guide my heart towards righteousness, and how can I hold myself accountable to this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise,.... Hear the instruction of a father, of the word of Wisdom, of the ministers of the Gospel, which is the way to be wise unto salvation; faith comes by hearing;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Hear thou ... be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
Be wise; rest not in hearing, but see that thou growest wiser and better by it. Guide thine heart; order the whole course of thine affections and actions. In the way; in God’ s way, oft called the way, as hath been observed before.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.Ver. 19. Hear thou, my son, and be wise.] Hearing is one of the learned senses, as Aristotle calls it. Wisdom entereth into the soul by this door, as folly did at first, when the woman listened to the old serpent’ s illusions. This sense is first up in the morning; and this preface the wise man purposely premiseth to his following discourse; as well knowing how hardly young men are drawn off from drinking matches and good fellow meetings, And guide thine heart in the way.] That is to say, Let knowledge and affection be as twins, and run parallel; let them mutually transfuse life and vigour, the one into the other. Practise God’ s will as fast as thou understandest it. The Tigurine translation reads it, Ut beatura sit in via cor tuum: That thine heart may be blessed in the way.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
(19) Hear thou, my son, whatever others may do. (Comp. above, on Proverbs 22:19.) Guide thine heart in the way.—That is, of God. (Comp. Isaiah 40:3, and note on Acts 9:2.)
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:19
19. In the way — Meaning the right way, the way in which it ought to go. Control the affections, sentiments, and intellectual processes. Direct your studies aright.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith gives fatherly exhortations and advice to his son. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the crowd of drinkers and gluttons, a |
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Changing the Heart of a Rebel by S.M. Davis | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents being committed to long-term change rather than seeking quick fixes when dealing with rebellious children. The spea |
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A Truly Wealthy Man by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and godly parenting. He shares a personal story of witnessing a mother and her joyful son in the congregation, |
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The Law and the Commandments by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who war |
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Give God Your Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a house with missing keys to illustrate the concept of giving our whole hearts to God. The buyer of the house insists on having all |
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The Perfect Heart by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting a chapel in the Philippines and seeing nuns praying and meditating. He uses this experience to emphasize the im |