Proverbs 4:11
Proverbs 4:11 in Multiple Translations
I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness.
I have given you teaching in the way of wisdom, guiding your steps in the straight way.
I have explained to you the way of wisdom; I have guided you along the right paths.
I haue taught thee in ye way of wisedom, and led thee in the pathes of righteousnesse.
In a way of wisdom I have directed thee, I have caused thee to tread in paths of uprightness.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
I will shew thee the way of wisdom, I will lead thee by the paths of equity:
I am teaching you the way to live wisely; I am showing you how to act justly toward others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:11
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 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
חָ֭כְמָה
הֹרֵתִ֑י/ךָ
הִ֝דְרַכְתִּ֗י/ךָ
בְּ/מַעְגְּלֵי
יֹֽשֶׁר
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
הֹרֵתִ֑י/ךָ
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
הִ֝דְרַכְתִּ֗י/ךָ
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/מַעְגְּלֵי
maʻgâl
H4570
track
Prep | N-mp
יֹֽשֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
uprightness
N-ms
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 4:11
בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ
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.
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
הֹרֵתִ֑י/ךָ
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
הִ֝דְרַכְתִּ֗י/ךָ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
בְּ/מַעְגְּלֵי
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
יֹֽשֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
"uprightness"
N-ms
Uprightness means being morally straight and even, like doing what is right and fair. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah, guiding people to live with integrity. God values uprightness, as seen in Psalm 92:15.
Definition: 1) straightness, uprightness 1a) straightness, evenness (moral implications) 1b) rightness, uprightness 1c) what is right, what is due
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: equity, meet, right, upright(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:5; Psalms 119:7; Psalms 25:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:11
Context — A Father’s Instruction
9She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”
10Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.
11I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.
12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. 13Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 25:4–5 | Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 12:9 | Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:9 | They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. |
| 4 | Psalms 23:3 | He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. |
| 5 | Proverbs 8:6 | Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 12:23–24 | As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:5 | See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess. |
| 8 | Proverbs 4:4 | he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. |
| 9 | Proverbs 8:20 | I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, |
| 10 | Acts 13:10 | and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? |
Proverbs 4:11 Summary
[Proverbs 4:11 means that God will help us make good choices and live a good life if we listen to Him and follow His teachings, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:6. He promises to guide us on the right path and help us avoid mistakes, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. This verse reminds us that we don't have to figure everything out on our own, but we can trust God to lead us and give us wisdom, as encouraged in James 1:5-6. By following God's guidance, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and fulfilling for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be guided in the way of wisdom?
To be guided in the way of wisdom means to be directed by God's principles and teachings, as seen in Proverbs 4:11, and to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:6.
How can I ensure I am on straight paths?
To be on straight paths, one must seek God's guidance and wisdom, as promised in Proverbs 4:11, and trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Is this promise only for believers?
The promise of guidance in Proverbs 4:11 is specifically for those who are willing to listen and receive wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, which implies a personal relationship with God through faith.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse relates to our daily lives by reminding us that God is our guide and will lead us in the right direction if we seek His wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-6, and trust in His goodness and love for us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's guidance and wisdom, and how can I apply Proverbs 4:11 to those areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's guidance and leadership, as promised in Proverbs 4:11, and how can I surrender my will to His?
- How does the promise of being led on straight paths give me hope and confidence in my daily walk with God, and what are some scriptures that support this promise, such as Psalm 32:8 and Isaiah 30:21?
- What are some potential consequences of not seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as warned in Proverbs 1:24-32, and how can I avoid those consequences by applying Proverbs 4:11 to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:11
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom,.... In the way that leads to it, or is concerning it; in the Gospel, which is the wisdom of God in a mystery, the manifold wisdom of God, and which directs to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:11
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:11
In the way of wisdom; either 1. Which procureth wisdom. Or, 2. Which wisdom directeth thee to walk in.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:11
Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.Ver. 11. I have led thee in right paths.] Impli ambulant in circuitu, The wicked walk the round. So doth the devil, that great peripatetic. "How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter?" "How long wilt thou run retrograde, or turn aside unto crooked ways?" "The ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall therein."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:11
Eighth Address. Chap. Proverbs 4:10-1911. right paths] Rather, paths of uprightness, R.V., as at once being a more exact rendering and preserving better the parallelism.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Grace Distinguished From the Experience of Devils by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinction between true grace and the experiences of devils, emphasizing that mere intellectual belief, earnest desires for salvation, a sense |
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Psalm 119:9 by Brent Yim | Brent Yim emphasizes the struggle young men face with immorality and rebellion, stemming from a sin-stricken nature that rejects God's standards. The remedy to this pervasive issue |
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Facing Your Failures by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and his journey from failure to success. He encourages listeners not to give up just because they have failed, emphasizing |
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The Miracle-Working God of Mercy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their convictions about God. He suggests that they circle three titles for God mentioned by David in the psalm. Th |
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God's Demands by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of God's spirit working within believers. He highlights that through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God enables |
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Tragic Price of Unbelief by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story from 2 Kings chapter 6 to chapter 9 in the Bible. The sermon focuses on the events surrounding the promise of God that there will b |
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His Manifest Presence - Part 2 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal encounter with God. He highlights that while acquiring knowledge is valuable, it is our personal relation |