Proverbs 4:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

NIV: I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

NASB: I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.

CSB: I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths.

NLT: I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.

KJV: I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

NKJV: I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.

Solomon reminds his son that he taught him the way of wisdom and led him in the paths of uprightness. Two observations are significant in this verse. First, it is important to teach others how they should live. Second, it is also important to lead by example. This statement is complicated, coming from someone like Solomon. Scripture records that he drifted from following wisdom (1 Kings 11:4), only to realize his mistakes (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Spoken to a student (Proverbs 4:1), using fatherly terminology, this might be more literally true. Even so, a good father can use his own mistakes to help a child learn what is best. Solomon's own experience might have enhanced that message, in fact (Proverbs 4:13).

The use of a "path" as a metaphor for life is used often in the Bible. A rocky, twisting, darkened road is harder to navigate, and enhances the risks of falling. Straight and clear paths are much better—this is why truth and godliness are spoken of as "paths of uprightness," and so forth.

The apostle Paul both preached and lived out godly wisdom. He reminded the Christians at Thessalonica that he and his coworkers had declared God's Word to them "in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction" (1 Thessalonians 1:5), and had modeled the Christian life among them (1 Thessalonians 5:6). As a result, the Thessalonian believers had become imitators of Paul and his teammates and "an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia" (1 Thessalonians 1:7). In his first letter to Timothy, Paul commanded Timothy to teach good doctrine and set an example for the believers "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:11–16).

Proverbs 4:10–19 contains both positive and negative counsel: ''do'' and ''do not'' statements. Solomon urges his son to choose the positive path of wisdom and avoid the negative ways of wickedness. Those caught in evil are portrayed as overcome, addicted, and desperate. Solomon concludes this section by comparing the path of the righteous to bright light and the way of the wicked to deep darkness.

Common for the first nine chapters of Proverbs, Solomon urges his sons—possibly also other students—to listen to his words. He recalls his early years, when he heard some of these words from his father, David. Wisdom is upheld as the most beneficial thing a person can acquire in life. It brings honor and safety. In contrast, the wicked are perpetual wrongdoers whose goal is to lead others astray. They live for wickedness and violence, and they stumble in the darkness. Solomon urges his sons not to deviate from the path of godly wisdom, either ''to the right or to the left.''

The first nine chapters of the book of Proverbs focus on extolling the value of godly wisdom. In this chapter King Solomon continues to pass along this message to his son. His advice to his sons—possibly also meaning his students—in chapter 4 is similar to what he says in Proverbs 1:8–9; 2:1–6; 3:1–2, 21–26; 5:1–2; 6:20–22; 7:1–3, 24; and 8:22–36. The words of this chapter are partly taken from advice Solomon recalls hearing from his own father, David.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.