King James Version

What Does Proverbs 3:1 Mean?

Proverbs 3:1 in the King James Version says “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:”

Proverbs 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2

For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. long: Heb. years of life

3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces chapter 3's series of commands for wise living. 'Forget not my law' (תּוֹרָתִי אַל־תִּשְׁכָּח/torati al-tishkach) uses 'torah' (law/instruction) to denote fatherly teaching rooted in God's revealed will. Forgetting is not mere intellectual lapse but functional rejection—living as if the commandments don't matter. The positive complement, 'let thine heart keep my commandments,' employs 'natsar' (נָצַר), meaning guard, preserve, observe carefully. The 'heart' (לֵב/lev) as the center of volition and affection must actively maintain the commandments, not merely the memory. The verse promises blessing for obedience (v.2): 'length of days, and long life, and peace.' This reflects covenant theology where faithfulness to God's commands brings flourishing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon wrote these instructions as a father to his son, following the ancient Near Eastern tradition of wisdom literature.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific commandments or biblical teachings have you functionally 'forgotten' by not applying them?
  2. How can you move from merely knowing God's commands to actively guarding them in your heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בְּ֭נִי1 of 7

“My son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תּוֹרָתִ֣י2 of 7

“not my law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אַל3 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁכָּ֑ח4 of 7

“forget”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י5 of 7

“my commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יִצֹּ֥ר6 of 7

“keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

לִבֶּֽךָ׃7 of 7

“but let thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 4:5John 14:21-24Deuteronomy 6:6-9Psalms 119:16Proverbs 1:8Psalms 119:93

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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