Proverbs 4:21

Proverbs 4:21 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
• New International Version (NIV)Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
• English Standard Version (ESV)Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;

Context of Proverbs 4:21

19The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. 20My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. They are not to escape from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22For they are life to those who find them, And healing to all their body. 23Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:21 word by word

אַל־יַלִּ֥יזוּ מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗ם בְּת֣וֹךְ לְבָבֶֽךָ׃Read the interlinear

• They are not to escapeלוּזlûz · be deviousH3868
• from your sightעַ֫יִן‛ayin · eye: seeingH5869
• Keepשָׁמַרshâmar · to keep: obeyH8104
• them in the midstתָּ֫וֶךְtâvek · midstH8432
• of your heartלֵבָבlêbâb · heartH3824

Cross-references for Proverbs 4:21

• Proverbs 3:3Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
• Proverbs 2:1My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,
• Psalms 40:8I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

Commentaries on Proverbs 4:21

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 21Keep them in the midst of thine heart - Let them be wrapped up in the very center of thy affections; that they may give spring and energy to every desire, word, and wish.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-27Verses 14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 20-21pay attention: See also Proverbs 1:8, 23; 2:1; 5:1–2; 7:1–3; 8:1. The child should let these teachings change his personality, symbolized by his heart. Following wisdom for life needs a change of heart.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 20-2220-22. (Compare Pr 4:10, 13; Pr 3:8, &c.).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 4:21

• Children
• Wisdom
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Diligence
• Getting
• Hold
• Look
• Ponder
• Principal
• Promote
• Right
• Stumble
• Hezekiah (2)

Commentaries on Proverbs 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings