Proverbs 3:1
Proverbs 3:1 in Multiple Translations
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:
My son, keep my teaching in your memory, and my rules in your heart:
My son, don't forget my instructions. Always keep my commands in mind.
My sonne, forget not thou my Lawe, but let thine heart keepe my commandements.
My son! my law forget not, And my commands let thy heart keep,
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
My son, forget not my law; but let thy heart keep my commandments;
My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my commandments.
My son, do not forget what I have taught you. Keep my commands in your inner being,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:1
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 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ֭נִ/י
תּוֹרָתִ֣/י
אַל
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ח
וּ֝/מִצְוֺתַ֗/י
יִצֹּ֥ר
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
תּוֹרָתִ֣/י
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ח
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וּ֝/מִצְוֺתַ֗/י
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Conj | N-fp | Suff
יִצֹּ֥ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:1
בְּ֭נִ/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.
תּוֹרָתִ֣/י
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשְׁכָּ֑ח
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
וּ֝/מִצְוֺתַ֗/י
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
יִצֹּ֥ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
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 3:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:1
Context — Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
1My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. 3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:5 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. |
| 2 | John 14:21–24 | Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 6:6–9 | These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:16 | I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:8 | Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:93 | I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:34 | Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 8:1 | You must carefully follow every commandment I am giving you today, so that you may live and multiply, and enter and possess the land that the LORD swore to give your fathers. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 31:33 | “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:47–48 | I delight in Your commandments because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes. |
Proverbs 3:1 Summary
This verse is reminding us to remember and obey God's teachings, which are like instructions for living a good life. It's like having a map to follow, and if we do, we'll have a long and peaceful life, as it says in Proverbs 3:2. We need to let God's Word guide our hearts and actions, like it says in Psalm 119:105, and trust that He knows what's best for us. By doing so, we'll experience the joy and peace that comes from following God's commands, as seen in John 14:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not forget' God's teaching in Proverbs 3:1?
It means to remember and obey God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11, where we are warned not to forget God's laws. This is crucial in our daily walk with God.
How can I 'let my heart keep' God's commandments?
This involves committing God's Word to memory, such as Psalm 119:11, and allowing it to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40.
Is this verse only for children, since it says 'My son'?
No, although the verse is addressed to a son, the principles apply to all believers, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where wisdom is available to anyone who fears God.
What is the relationship between keeping God's commandments and our daily lives?
Keeping God's commandments has a direct impact on our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:1-2, where it leads to a long and peaceful life, and in Psalm 19:7-11, where it brings joy and enlightenment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific teachings of God that I have learned, and how can I apply them to my life today?
- In what ways can I let God's commandments guide my thoughts, emotions, and actions, especially in difficult situations?
- How can I prioritize remembering and obeying God's Word in my daily routine, and what tools can I use to help me do so?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more intentional about keeping God's commandments, and what steps can I take to make a change?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:1
My son, forget not my law,.... Or, "doctrine" (e); the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, and the several truths of it; which, being of the utmost moment and importance, should be kept in memory, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:1
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: Proverbs 3:1-35.-The youth is admonished to keep God's law, which brings to the obedient long life and peace; not to forsake mercy
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
CHAPTER 3 Solomon exhorteth his son to obedience, . To faith, ,6, and trust in God; the benefits that they shall receive thereby, ,8. To honour God with our estates, . The advantage in so doing, . To patience under God’ s chastisements, . A reason for it, . The happiness of him that findeth wisdom, . Wisdom set out, with the benefits that attend her, . The effects, ,20. Another exhortation to perform our duty, .
To charitableness, . To avoid strife, ,30. Against envy, . The misery of the wicked, and blessings of the just, . My law; my doctrine or counsel; or the law of God, which might be called his law, as the gospel is called Paul’ s gospel, , because delivered by him. Keep my commandments, by diligent meditation and hearty affection.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:Ver. 1. My son, forget not.] We should be able to say to wisdom, as Coenis did to her Lady Antonia, Frustra, domina, iussisti: haec enim atque caetera omnia quae mihi imperas, ira semper in memoria habeo ut ex ea deleri non possint. You need not, madam, bid me do your business, for I so remember your commands, as I need never be minded of them. Iussa sequi tam velle mihi, quam posse, necesse est, I am ready, to my power, to do your pleasure. But let thine heart keep.] As the ark kept the two tables; as the pot kept the hidden manna. Dio, in Respons.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
CHAPTER III An exhortation to obedience, 1-4; trust in God's providence, 5, 6; to humility, 7, 8; to charity, 9, 10; to submission to God's chastening, 11, 12. The profitableness of wisdom in all the concerns of life, 13-26. No act of duty should be deferred beyond the time in which it should be done, 27, 28. Brotherly love and forbearance should he exercised, 29, 30. We should not envy the wicked, 31, 32. The curse of God is in the house of the wicked; but the humble and wise shall prosper, 33-35. NOTES ON CHAP. III Verse 1. My son] The preceptor continues to deliver his lessons. Forget not my law] Remember what thou hast heard, and practise what thou dost remember; and let all obedience be from the heart: "Let thy heart keep my commandments."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:1
Fourth Address. Chap. Proverbs 3:1-10 Be obedient to my instruction, so shalt thou live long and prosper (Proverbs 3:1-4). Trust, not in thyself, but in God (Proverbs 3:5). Seek His direction (Proverbs 3:5-8): render Him His due (Proverbs 3:9-10): and (see Proverbs 3:12, note) submit to His fatherly correction (Proverbs 3:11-12).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:1
TO AND THE OF GOD, Proverbs 3:1-26.This chapter is a continuation of the moral teachings of the preceding ones. It is rich in precepts, counsels, and admonitions on various topics, all of grave importance.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Solomon speaks to his son, exhorting him to cherish the gift of marriage and to avoid being enticed by other women. He emphasizes that God is watching and pondering |
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(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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Bless the Earth, Oh My Soul! by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking God for the power to convey His word to those gathered who hunger for truth. The sermon is based on Luke chapter 10, where a lawyer te |
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(Proverbs) ch.3:1 - 4:9 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having genuine faith that comes from the heart, rather than just being a mental belief. He encourages the listeners to pray |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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(Proverbs) ch.6:12 - 8:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of young people not realizing their need for God. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acknowledging one's need for God's gu |