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 gloomy darkness; they do not know what causes them to stumble. 20My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; 22for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body. 23Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life.

Proverbs 4:21 word by word

אַל־יַלִּ֥יזוּ מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗ם בְּת֣וֹךְ לְבָבֶֽךָ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Let them not departלוּזlûz · be deviousH3868
• from thine eyesעַ֫יִן‛ayin · eye: seeingH5869
• keepשָׁמַרshâmar · to keep: obeyH8104
• them in the midstתָּ֫וֶךְtâvek · midstH8432
• of thine heartלֵבָבlêbâb · heartH3824

Cross-references for Proverbs 4:21

• Proverbs 3:3Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
• Proverbs 2:1My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands within you,
• Psalms 40:8I want to do what pleases you, my God. Your law dominates my thoughts.”

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