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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
4:1-9 Fifth Paternal Appeal: Wisdom Is a Tradition Worth Maintaining. In this appeal the father cites the appeal that his own father made to him. The effect is threefold. First, the father shows he can identify with his sons. He, too, was once young and under the tutelage of a father. Second, the father implies that wisdom did not begin with him but goes back through many generations. It is not a novelty, but is enduring. Third, he suggests that godliness and prudence are part of their family heritage, and he wants his sons to maintain the legacy. The text is structured in two parts: the opening encouragement (vv. 1-2) and the citation of the boy's grandfather (vv. 3-9).
4:1 sons. Usually Proverbs addresses the reader as "my son," but the plural is used here and in 5:7 and 7:24.
4:7 Although at first glance the statement that the beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom appears redundant, it represents a central theme in the book of Proverbs. Notice the words of Wisdom personified in 8:17: "those who seek me diligently find me." The nature of wisdom's benefits is such that the reader is encouraged to search for it and guard it continually--both because it is an invaluable treasure (cf. 2:4; 3:13-15; 4:20-23), and also because humans are so prone to spiritual laziness and moral laxity. However, as is true for many themes in Proverbs, this statement is complementary to and informed by the overall framework of Proverbs that wisdom is grounded in the fear of the Lord (cf. 1:1-7; 9:10) and ultimately is given by him (2:6-8).
