Proverbs 4:1-3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Hear, &c., the instruction of a father Of me, who have paternal authority over you, and great affection for you. For I give you, good doctrine Not vain or foolish, much less false or pernicious counsels, but such as are true and profitable. Forsake ye not my law God's law or commands delivered to you by my mouth. For I was my father's son In a special sense, his best beloved son, and designed to be his successor on the throne; tender and only beloved, &c. Young and tender in years, and capable of any impressions, and tenderly educated. Houbigant renders the verse, For I was the principal son of my father, the only beloved of my mother. These circumstances are mentioned to show the necessity and great benefit of wholesome instruction, which his royal parents would not neglect, no, not in his tender years; and thereby to prepare and excite his hearers or readers, by his example, to receive instruction.

Proverbs 4:1-3

1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.