Proverbs 4:6
Proverbs 4:6 in Multiple Translations
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.
Do not give her up, and she will keep you; give her your love, and she will make you safe.
Don't give up on wisdom for she will keep you safe. Love wisdom and she will protect you.
Forsake her not, and shee shall keepe thee: loue her and shee shall preserue thee.
Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee.
Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee: love her, and she shall preserve thee.
Do not turn away from wisdom, because if you are wise, you will be protected from all evil/danger. If you love wisdom, wisdom [PRS] will guard you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:6
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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּעַזְבֶ֥/הָ
וְ/תִשְׁמְרֶ֑/ךָּ
אֱהָבֶ֥/הָ
וְ/תִצְּרֶֽ/ךָּ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעַזְבֶ֥/הָ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
וְ/תִשְׁמְרֶ֑/ךָּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
אֱהָבֶ֥/הָ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/תִצְּרֶֽ/ךָּ
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:6
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.
תַּעַזְבֶ֥/הָ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
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.
וְ/תִשְׁמְרֶ֑/ךָּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֱהָבֶ֥/הָ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/תִצְּרֶֽ/ךָּ
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:6
Context — A Father’s Instruction
4he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.
6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
7Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. 8Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Thessalonians 2:10 | and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:21–22 | 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. |
| 3 | Ephesians 3:17 | so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, |
| 4 | Proverbs 2:10–12 | For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, |
Proverbs 4:6 Summary
Proverbs 4:6 is telling us not to abandon or turn away from wisdom, but instead to love and follow it, because it will keep us safe and guide us in making good decisions. This means trusting in the Lord and seeking to understand and apply His Word to our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:97-104 and Proverbs 3:5-6. When we prioritize wisdom, we can have confidence that God will guide and protect us, even in uncertain times, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By loving and following wisdom, we can experience God's peace and guidance in our lives, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to forsake wisdom in Proverbs 4:6?
To forsake wisdom means to abandon or turn away from the principles and teachings of God, as seen in Proverbs 4:6, which is contrary to the command to get wisdom and understanding in Proverbs 4:5, and to trust in the Lord with all our heart as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How can wisdom preserve and guard us?
Wisdom can preserve and guard us by guiding us in making right decisions and avoiding harm, as stated in Proverbs 4:6, and by giving us discernment to navigate life's challenges, as seen in Proverbs 2:10-12, and by teaching us to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.
What does it mean to love wisdom in this context?
To love wisdom means to have a deep affection and commitment to following God's teachings and principles, as expressed in Proverbs 4:6, which involves trusting in the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, and seeking to understand and apply His Word to our lives, as seen in Psalm 119:97-104.
How can we apply Proverbs 4:6 in our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 4:6 by prioritizing wisdom and seeking to apply God's teachings to our decisions and actions, as stated in James 1:5-8, and by trusting in the Lord's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, and by praying for wisdom and discernment, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7 and Colossians 1:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen wisdom preserve and guard me in my life, and how can I be more intentional about seeking wisdom in the future?
- How can I cultivate a deeper love for wisdom and a greater commitment to following God's teachings in my daily life?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be forsaking wisdom, and what steps can I take to repent and seek wisdom in those areas?
- How can I balance the desire for wisdom with the recognition of my own limitations and need for God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:8-9?
- What does it look like to prioritize wisdom in my relationships, work, and decisions, and how can I seek to honor God in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:6
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee,.... That is, Wisdom, or Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:6
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
Love her; he intimates that it is not enough to do what is good, which may sometimes proceed from worldly or sinful motives, but that we must have a sincere and fervent more and more unto the perfect day; just men do daily love to it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
Proverbs 4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.Ver. 6. Forsake her not, &c.] Wisdom is her own reward. If she forsake us, it is because the desertion is first on our part. But she cannot but be "justified of her own true children." Falling stars were never but meteors; temporaries were never Christians indeed. What wonder though some hold falling from grace, since they mistake common grace for true grace? Hence Bellarmine saith, That which is true grace, veritate essentiae, only may be lost, not that that is true veritate firmae soliditatis: which latter being rightly understood, may be called special, as the other common grace. Love her, and she shall keep thee,] viz., From recidivation and utter apostasy, caused by the overflow of iniquity. This to prevent, let knowledge and affection, like two individual twins, grow up together, and mutually transfuse spiritual vigour into each other.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
Verse 6. Forsake her not] Wisdom personified is here represented as a guardian and companion, who, if not forsaken, will continue faithful; if loved, will continue a protector.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 4:6
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.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:6
6. Keep thee — As a watchman; stand guard over thee.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Thessalonians) Things He Wants Them to Remember by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses five important aspects related to the return of the Lord and the believer's role. The first is the anticipation of the Lord's return. The sec |
|
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) 7. Being Protected From Deception, Ourselves by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in fear and seeking God's light to protect ourselves from deception. He warns that even genuine believers can become |
|
(Pdf Book) the Cross in the Crossfire by Sister Joela | Sister Joela emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing our susceptibility to deception and the necessity of clinging to the truth of the cross in her sermon 'The Cross in t |
|
The Way of Cain by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the attitudes and behaviors of people in the end times as described in the Bible. He highlights four phrases that describe these individuals: |
|
We Have Known and Believed the Love by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's love and how it affects every aspect of our lives. He highlights that God's love is the driving force behind everything t |
|
The Rise of Antichrist Pt 2 by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of receiving the love of the truth in order to be saved. He references Second Thessalonians chapter two, which warns about the |
|
|
Building the Body of Christ - 6 Loving the Truth by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in relationships, both in marriage and within the church. It highlights the need for deep fellowship and love among believers, stress |