Proverbs 4:5

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Proverbs 4:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
ESV
5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
NLT
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
MSG
5 Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!
CSB
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; don't forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom, get understanding
Not only moral and political wisdom and understanding, but that which is spiritual and evangelical; Christ, and the knowledge of him; he being the only happy man that has an interest in him, and is possessed of him by faith, which is the meaning of getting him; (See Gill on Proverbs 3:13); by which it appears, that what Solomon had before delivered, and afterwards repeats and urges, was the same his father David, that wise, great, and good man, taught him; and which he mentions, the more to recommend the getting of wisdom and understanding to others; forget [it] not;
when gotten, keep it in remembrance; be continually meditating on Wisdom, or Christ, his glories and excellencies; the fulness of grace and truth in him; the blessings of goodness which come by him; the great use and profit of having and enjoying him; neither decline from the words of my mouth;
the above instructions, and all others he gave unto him.

Proverbs 4:5 In-Context

3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 16:16
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