King James Version
Proverbs 4
27 verses with commentary
A Father's Instruction: Get Wisdom
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The father's instruction carries divine authority, mediating God's wisdom to the next generation. The imperative 'hear' (shema) is the same word beginning the Shema prayer, demanding obedient response. Familial teaching channels covenantal truth, establishing the home as primary context for discipleship.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**IV.**
(g)* Seventh Discourse:—Recollections of his Father’s Instructions *(Proverbs 4:1 to Proverbs 5:6).
(1) **A father.**—That is, of me, your teacher.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. distress--**literally, "straits," to which "large place" corresponds, as in Psa 4:1; 31:8.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Good doctrine requires diligent attention. The Hebrew 'leqach tov' (good learning/doctrine) indicates quality instruction worth preserving. The command not to forsake implies active retention - wisdom must be guarded or it will be lost. This verse emphasizes both the value of sound teaching and personal responsibility to maintain it. Truth doesn't automatically persist; it requires intentional cul...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. Men are helpless to hurt him, if God be with him (Psa 56:9), and, if enemies, they will be vanquished (Psa 54:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Solomon identifies himself as his father's (David's) son, tender and beloved. The Hebrew 'rak' (tender/delicate) and 'yachid' (only one/beloved) describe parental affection and careful nurture. This personal testimony grounds wisdom transmission in family relationships characterized by love. Good teaching flows from loving relationships, not merely formal instruction. The fact that wisdom came thr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **For I** **was **. . . **son **. . .—It is not only his own advice that he has to offer; he can tell his disciples of the excellent discipline and teaching he received from his parents in his old home. It may be remarked that the notices of Solomon’s early years which occur in this and the following verses harmonise well with what we know of him from the historical books of the Bible.
**Tende...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6-7. Men are helpless to hurt him, if God be with him (Psa 56:9), and, if enemies, they will be vanquished (Psa 54:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
David's instruction to Solomon: keep my words and live. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/guard) indicates vigilant protection, while 'chayah' (live) means flourishing existence. Obedience to wisdom isn't burdensome duty but life-giving practice. The commandments aren't arbitrary restrictions but pathways to abundant living. This reflects Deuteronomy 30:19-20's choice between life/death, blessing/curse, w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **He taught me also.—**Comp. David’s advice to Solomon (l Chron. 28:9, 10).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. Even the most powerful men are less to be trusted than God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repeated emphasis on getting wisdom (also v. 7) shows its supreme value. The Hebrew 'qanah' (get) means acquire at cost, implying wisdom requires sacrifice. Neither forgetting nor declining suggests the constant danger of spiritual drift—wisdom must be actively retained through renewed commitment and dependence on God's grace.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Get wisdom, get understanding.—**Like the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. Even the most powerful men are less to be trusted than God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Don't forsake wisdom, for she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is personified as protective companion. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/preserve) indicates guarding from harm. This verse establishes reciprocal relationship: love wisdom, and she guards you. Wisdom isn't merely abstract knowledge but living relationship requiring affection and commitment. Those who love wisdom rec...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Though as numerous and irritating as bees [Psa 118:12], by God's help his enemies would be destroyed.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse boldly declares wisdom as the supreme acquisition. 'Wisdom is the principal thing' (רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה/re'shit chokhmah) uses 're'shit' (beginning/chief thing) to establish wisdom as the highest priority, the foundation for everything else. 'Therefore get wisdom' (קְנֵה חָכְמָה/qeneh chokhmah) employs the commercial verb 'qanah,' meaning purchase, acquire, buy. Wisdom costs something—time...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Wisdom is the principal thing **. . .—This may also be translated, *The beginning of wisdom is Get *(or, *to get, *comp. Proverbs 16:16) *wisdom: and with *(*i.e., *at the price of) *all thou hast gotten *(thy possessions) *get understanding.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Though as numerous and irritating as bees [Psa 118:12], by God's help his enemies would be destroyed.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Exalt wisdom, and she will promote you; embrace her, and she brings honor. The Hebrew 'salal' (exalt/esteem highly) and 'chabaq' (embrace/cherish) describe affectionate valuing. Those who highly esteem wisdom receive honor in return. This isn't self-promotion but divine exaltation - God honors those who honor wisdom. The embrace imagery suggests intimate relationship, not distant admiration.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Exalt her, and she shall promote thee.**—Comp. 1Samuel 2:30, “Them that honour me I will honour.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-12. Though as numerous and irritating as bees [Psa 118:12], by God's help his enemies would be destroyed.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. a crown: or, she shall compass thee with a crown of glory
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Wisdom places an ornamental garland and glorious crown on the head. Hebrew imagery of 'livyath chen' (garland of grace) and 'atarah tiphara' (crown of glory) describes honor and beauty wisdom bestows. Like royalty wearing crown or athlete receiving wreath, those possessing wisdom are distinguished and honored. Wisdom adorns the possessor with dignity and splendor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-16. The enemy is triumphantly addressed as if present.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Receiving instruction leads to prolonged life, a common Proverbs theme connecting obedience with divine blessing. While not guaranteeing longevity in every case, this reflects the general principle that wisdom conduces to wellbeing. The years multiplied are quality as much as quantity—life lived in God's favor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-16. The enemy is triumphantly addressed as if present.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.</strong><br><br>This verse presents wisdom as both teaching and guidance, using two distinct Hebrew verbs: <em>yarah</em> (taught/instructed) and <em>darak</em> (led/guided). The father doesn't merely give information but provides experiential mentorship—both verbal instruction and lived example. The phrase "way of wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-16. The enemy is triumphantly addressed as if present.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Walking wisdom's path provides unhindered progress; running brings no stumbling. The Hebrew 'halak' (walk) and 'ruwts' (run) describe normal and hurried pace. Whether moving deliberately or quickly, wisdom keeps you from falling. This promises that wise living provides spiritual sure-footedness regardless of life's pace. Hurried circumstances don't excuse unwise choices; wisdom guides in all situa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-16. The enemy is triumphantly addressed as if present.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Instruction is precious enough to guard with utmost care—it represents life itself. The Hebrew 'natsar' (keep) suggests vigilant watching, as over treasure. Letting go brings death, while maintaining grip ensures life. This illustrates total dependence on God's revealed truth for spiritual vitality.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **For she is thy life.—**Comp. 1John 5:12, “He that hath the Son hath life.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-18. He would live, because confident his life would be for God's glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortation to the study of wisdom.(1-13)
Cautions against bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness.(14-27)
**Verses 1-13**
We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank i...
Read full commentary →Avoid the Path of the Wicked
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition: enter not the path of the wicked, go not in the way of evil men. The double negative emphasizes comprehensive avoidance - don't start down that path, and if you've started, don't continue. The imagery of paths presents life as journey requiring constant directional decisions. Association with the wicked and adoption of their ways are linked - companionship influences conduct. Ther...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17-18. He would live, because confident his life would be for God's glory.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Avoid evil's path entirely - don't go, don't pass, turn away, pass on. Four imperatives emphasize complete avoidance. The Hebrew verbs create urgency: 'bo' (come not into it), 'abar' (go not), 'satar' (avoid it), 'abar' (pass away). This isn't passive resistance but active evasion. Wisdom requires decisively turning from evil, not flirting with it or minimizing proximity. Complete separation is ne...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-21. Whether an actual or figurative entrance into God's house be meant, the purpose of solemn praise is intimated, in which only the righteous would or could engage.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall .
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The wicked cannot sleep until they do evil; their rest is taken away unless they cause someone to fall. This disturbing verse reveals sin's enslaving power - wickedness becomes compulsive. The Hebrew 'shena' (sleep) and 'tenuwa' (sleep/slumber) indicate rest that eludes the wicked until they satisfy evil desires. Sin progresses from temptation to action to addiction to compulsion. What begins as c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **For they sleep not **. . .—The practice of evil has become as it were a second nature to them, they cannot live without it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-21. Whether an actual or figurative entrance into God's house be meant, the purpose of solemn praise is intimated, in which only the righteous would or could engage.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
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KJV Study Commentary
The wicked eat wickedness like bread and drink violence like wine - it sustains them. The Hebrew 'lechem' (bread) and 'yayin' (wine) are basic sustenance. What should horrify them has become their nourishment. Moral inversion is complete: they feast on what should starve them. This illustrates total depravity - not that humans are as evil as possible, but that sin pervades every aspect of life whe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The bread of wickedness.—***i.e.*, acquired by wickedness, as (Proverbs 10:2) “treasures of wickedness.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-21. Whether an actual or figurative entrance into God's house be meant, the purpose of solemn praise is intimated, in which only the righteous would or could engage.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This beautiful simile compares the righteous person's life to the dawn. 'The path of the just' (אֹרַח צַדִּיקִים/orach tsaddiqim) describes the righteous person's life journey as progressively brightening 'as the shining light' (כְּאוֹר נֹגַהּ/ke'or nogah). The imagery is of sunrise gradually illuminating the landscape more fully, 'unto the perfect day' (עַד־נְכוֹן הַיּוֹם/ad-nekhon hayom)—until f...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **But the path of the just **. . .—The just have the Lord for their light (Psalm 27:1), on them the “Sun of righteousness” has arisen (Malachi 4:2). as “the light of the morning, even a morning without clouds” (2Samuel 23:4), and this light, that is, their knowledge of God, will become clearer and clearer till the “perfect day,” when they shall see Him as He is (1John 3:2). (Comp. Job 11:17; ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-23. These words are applied by Christ (Mt 21:42) to Himself, as the foundation of the Church (compare Ac 4:11; Ep 2:20; 1Pe 2:4, 7). It may here denote God's wondrous exaltation to power and influence of him whom the rulers of the nation despised. Whether (see on Psa 118:1) David or Zerubbabel (compare Hag 2:2; Zec 4:7-10) be primarily meant, there is here typically represented God's more wonde...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's way is like darkness - they stumble and don't know what trips them. Moral darkness produces both disorientation and ignorance of danger. The wicked lack understanding of what causes their downfall because they lack moral and spiritual light. This contrasts with the righteous's increasing light (v.18). The verse exposes wickedness's self-destructive nature - sin blinds to its own conse...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The way of the wicked is as darkness**.—By refusing to “walk in the light” of God’s Word, and conscience (1John 1:7), the light that was in them has become darkness (Matthew 6:23); they know not whither they are going (John 12:35), and stumble (Proverbs 11:10) over difficulties which in the light they might have avoided.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-23. These words are applied by Christ (Mt 21:42) to Himself, as the foundation of the Church (compare Ac 4:11; Ep 2:20; 1Pe 2:4, 7). It may here denote God's wondrous exaltation to power and influence of him whom the rulers of the nation despised. Whether (see on Psa 118:1) David or Zerubbabel (compare Hag 2:2; Zec 4:7-10) be primarily meant, there is here typically represented God's more wonde...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Guard Your Heart Above All Else
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Inclining the ear demonstrates humble receptivity to God's word. Attention to His sayings demands sustained focus, fighting distraction and spiritual dullness. This posture of active listening is prerequisite to obedience—we cannot follow what we have not heard with understanding.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. This is the day--**or period distinguished by God's favor of all others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Keep wisdom in your sight; don't let it depart from your eyes. The Hebrew 'luwz' (depart/turn aside) warns against allowing wisdom to slip from focus. Wisdom requires sustained attention - momentary neglect allows it to drift away. This verse emphasizes vigilance: actively maintain wisdom's centrality rather than passively assuming it will remain. Spiritual vision requires intentional focus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. Save now--**Hebrew, "Hosanna" (compare Psa 115:2, &c., as to now) a form of prayer (Psa 20:9), since, in our use, of praise.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. health: Heb. medicine
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.</strong> This verse refers to the words of wisdom from the preceding verses. The Hebrew word for "life" (<em>chayim</em>, חַיִּים) signifies not merely physical existence but abundant, flourishing vitality—the fullness of life that comes from walking in God's truth. The parallelism with "health" (<em>marpe</em>, מַ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **For they are life **. . .—Comp. 1Timothy 4:8, “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, (the highest happiness that man can attain to now, peace of mind,) and of that which is to come,” the assurance of a joyful resurrection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. he that cometh ... Lord--**As above intimated, this may be applied to the visible head of the Jewish Church entering the sanctuary, as leading the procession; typically it belongs to Him of whom the phrase became an epithet (Mal 3:1; Mt 21:9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. with: Heb. above all keeping
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.</strong> This proverb identifies the heart as the central command center of human existence, requiring vigilant protection. The Hebrew word translated "keep" (<em>netsor</em>, נְצֹר) is an intensive term meaning to guard, watch over, or preserve carefully—the same word used for guarding a city, protecting a vineyard, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Keep thy heart with all diligence.**—Rather, *above all things that are to be guarded.*
**For out of it are the issues of life.—**That is, from it comes life (and also death). From it proceed “all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works,” signs of the life with God within the soul; or, “evil thoughts, murders,” &c. (Matthew 15:19), “the end of which things is death” (Romans 6:21...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-29. showed us light--**or favor (Psa 27:1; 97:11). With the sacrificial victim brought bound to the altar is united the more spiritual offering of praise (Psa 50:14, 23), expressed in the terms with which the Psalm opened.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. a froward: Heb. frowardness of mouth and perverseness of lips
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KJV Study Commentary
Put away from you froward (iqqueshut - perverse, crooked) mouth, and perverse lips put far from you. The command addresses corrupt speech requiring active rejection - not passive avoidance but intentional putting away. Perverse speech includes lying, gossip, flattery, cursing, and all verbal corruption. The verse assumes tongue control requires heart transformation - speech reflects character, so ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **A froward mouth.**—Heb. *‘iqqeshûth, *literally, *distortion, *or twisting of the truth, not the same word as in Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 2:14.
**Perverse lips—**i.e., that “turn aside” from the truth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-29. showed us light--**or favor (Psa 27:1; 97:11). With the sacrificial victim brought bound to the altar is united the more spiritual offering of praise (Psa 50:14, 23), expressed in the terms with which the Psalm opened.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
Looking straight ahead prevents distraction and moral compromise. The path imagery continues the chapter's theme—life requires focus on the goal and avoidance of detours. Eyes fixed on Christ (Hebrews 12:2) enables perseverance through temptation and trial, maintaining the pilgrim's progress heavenward.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Let thine eyes look right on**.—Comp. the advice of Ecclesiasticus 7:36, “Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end,” and of Hebrews 12:2, to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-29. showed us light--**or favor (Psa 27:1; 97:11). With the sacrificial victim brought bound to the altar is united the more spiritual offering of praise (Psa 50:14, 23), expressed in the terms with which the Psalm opened.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. let: or, all thy ways shall be ordered aright
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KJV Study Commentary
Pondering the path involves careful deliberation about life's direction. The Hebrew 'palles' (ponder) means to make level or balanced, suggesting thoughtful evaluation of one's course. Established ways demonstrate consistent, habitual righteousness, not merely occasional obedience—this is the fruit of progressive sanctification.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Ponder the path of thy feet.**—Rather, *make it smooth, level: take all obstacles out of it which may prevent thy going in the way God is leading thee. *Comp. the directions to cut off even the hand or the foot that offends (Matthew 18:8). This verse is quoted in Hebrews 12:13.
**Let all thy ways be established.**—Or, *directed aright; *see that they lead straight to the end (Psalm 119:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
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KJV Study Commentary
Don't turn right or left; remove your foot from evil. The Hebrew 'natah' (turn aside) and 'suwr' (remove/depart) command straight forward progression in righteousness. Wandering right or left leads away from God's path. This verse demands focused directness - not exploring alternative routes but steadily pursuing the right way. Moral clarity requires resisting distractions, however appealing they ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Turn not aside **. . .—Comp. the direction of Joshua 1:7, and the praise accorded to David (1Kings 15:5).
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 119 Psa 119:1-176. This celebrated Psalm has several peculiarities. It is divided into twenty-two parts or stanzas, denoted by the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains eight verses, and the first letter of each verse is that which gives name to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises of God's Word, exhortations to its perusal, and reverence for it, prayers for ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-27**
The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perf...
Read full commentary →