Proverbs 4:2
Proverbs 4:2 in Multiple Translations
For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.
For I give you good teaching; do not give up the knowledge you are getting from me.
for what I am passing on to you is reliable. Don't reject my teachings.
For I doe giue you a good doctrine: therefore forsake yee not my lawe.
For good learning I have given to you, My law forsake not.
for I give you sound learning. Don’t forsake my law.
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
I will give you a good gift, forsake not my law.
What I am teaching you is good, so do not turn away from it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:2
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 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֶ֣קַח
ט֭וֹב
נָתַ֣תִּי
לָ/כֶ֑ם
תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗/י
אַֽל
תַּעֲזֹֽבוּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֶ֣קַח
leqach
H3948
teaching
N-ms
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗/י
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעֲזֹֽבוּ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
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 4:2
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֶ֣קַח
leqach
H3948
"teaching"
N-ms
This word refers to teaching or instruction, and it can also mean learning or insight. In the Bible, it is used to describe the teachings of God or the wisdom of a teacher, like in Proverbs 1:8 where it says to heed the teaching of a father.
Definition: 1) learning, teaching, insight 1a) instruction (obj) 1b) teaching (thing taught) 1b1) teaching-power 1b2) persuasiveness
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: doctrine, learning, fair speech. See also: Deuteronomy 32:2; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 1:5.
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
תּֽ֝וֹרָתִ֗/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.
אַֽל
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.
תַּעֲזֹֽבוּ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:2
Context — A Father’s Instruction
1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.
3When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother, 4he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 4:6 | By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:2 | Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. |
| 3 | Titus 1:9 | He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:6–9 | Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse. They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. |
| 5 | Psalms 89:30–32 | If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they violate My statutes and fail to keep My commandments, I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes. |
| 6 | Job 33:3 | My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know. |
| 7 | John 7:16–17 | “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. |
| 8 | Job 11:4 | You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ |
| 9 | Psalms 49:1–3 | Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike. My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 7:19 | But if you turn away and forsake the statutes and commandments I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods, |
Proverbs 4:2 Summary
[Proverbs 4:2 is a reminder that God gives us wise instruction to follow, and it's up to us to listen and obey. This verse encourages us to hold on to the good teachings we've received, just like a precious gift. As we read in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through life's challenges. By following God's teachings, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and fulfilling for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'sound teaching' in Proverbs 4:2?
The term 'sound teaching' refers to instruction that is based on God's wisdom and principles, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, which emphasize the importance of fearing the Lord as the foundation of knowledge.
Why is it important not to abandon the directive given in Proverbs 4:2?
Abandoning the directive would mean rejecting the wisdom and guidance provided by God, leading to a life of folly and sin, as warned in Proverbs 1:24-32 and Psalm 1:1-6.
How does Proverbs 4:2 relate to the concept of discipleship?
This verse highlights the importance of passing on wisdom and instruction from one generation to the next, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and 2 Timothy 2:2, where the responsibility of teaching and mentoring is emphasized.
What is the role of the father in Proverbs 4:2?
The father in this verse represents a symbol of authority, wisdom, and guidance, similar to God's role as our Heavenly Father, as seen in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, where Jesus teaches us to pray to our Father in heaven.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the 'sound teaching' mentioned in Proverbs 4:2 to my everyday life?
- How can I ensure that I do not abandon the directive given in this verse, and instead, hold fast to it?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek wisdom and guidance, and how can I find it?
- How can I pass on the wisdom and instruction I have received to others, just like the father in Proverbs 4:2?
- What are some potential consequences of rejecting the wisdom and guidance provided in Proverbs 4:2?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:2
For I give you good doctrine,.... Whose author, matter, use, and tendency, are good, and therefore should be received; so the Gospel is called, 1 Timothy 4:6; and no other is here meant: it is the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:2
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
Good doctrine; not vain, or foolish, or false, or pernicious counsels, but such as are true and profitable. My law; God’ s law or commands, delivered to you by my mouth. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
Proverbs 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.Ver. 2. For I give you good doctrine.] The common cry is, "Who will show us any good?" and every man will lend both ears to a good bargain. The doctrine here delivered is good every way, whether you look to the author, matter, or effect of it, and is therefore worthy of all men to be received, as the Hebrew word here used for doctrine importeth. The Vulgate renders it, Donum bonurn tribuam vobis: I will give you a good gift, even that good part that shall never be taken from you. μχη a verbo ψχη quod est accipere.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:2
Seventh Address. Chap. Proverbs 4:1-9 Resuming, after the parenthesis (Proverbs 3:27-35) the style and tone of fatherly address of the preceding sections, the Teacher commends Wisdom to his scholars as his children, by the example of his own early education. Mr Horton happily remarks, “This chapter begins with a charming little piece of autobiography,” and quotes Wordsworth’s words, “Wisdom doth live with children round her knees.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 4:2
Doctrine - Knowledge orally given and received.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:2
2. Good doctrine — Better, a good taking; that is, what a pupil takes from a teacher — a good lesson. My law — Or, direction; what I point out to you.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Via Media. No. I. by J.H. Newman | In this sermon by J.H. Newman, a dialogue between Laicus and Clericus explores the perceived similarities between Protestantism and Popery, questioning whether the Church has devia |
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Not Cast Away by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches about the unshakeable truth of God's eternal preservation of His people, emphasizing the doctrines of grace and the sovereignty of God. He highlights the s |
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A Biblical Pastor Part 2 (Tharptown Baptist Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of warning the people about the apostasy in the world and the need for pastors, preachers, and teachers to constantly warn the |
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2 Timothy - Part 6 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of belief in becoming a son of God. He refers to Galatians 4:4-5, which states that God sent his son to redeem those under the |
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1 Timothy 4:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of departing from the faith in the latter times, warning against seducing spirits and doctrines of demons that lead to hypocrisy and a se |
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Truth, or Consequences by Miles J. Stanford | Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the strength of young men in whom the Word of God dwells, highlighting the unchanging truth found in faith alone. He delves into the concept that God's |
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Prophecy in the Old Testament by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the significance of prophecy in the Bible, highlighting that all prophecy is history pre-written and credible as God's word. He explains that a right |