Listen, my son,
This phrase emphasizes the importance of heeding wisdom and instruction, a recurring theme in Proverbs. The address "my son" suggests a familial relationship, indicating the personal and intimate nature of the teaching. It reflects the traditional Jewish practice of passing down wisdom from father to son, highlighting the value of generational teaching. This mirrors the relationship between God and His people, where God is seen as a Father imparting wisdom to His children.

and receive my words,
Receiving words implies not just hearing but accepting and internalizing them. In the biblical context, this means embracing divine wisdom and commandments. The act of receiving is active, requiring humility and openness. This is akin to the New Testament call to not only be hearers of the Word but doers (James 1:22). The emphasis is on the transformative power of God's Word when it is truly received into one's heart and life.

and the years of your life will be many.
This promise of longevity is a common biblical motif, often associated with obedience and righteousness (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16). In ancient Israel, long life was seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience leads to blessing. It also points to the eternal life promised through Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of wisdom and the fulfillment of the law. The phrase underscores the practical benefits of living according to God's wisdom, which leads to a life of peace and fulfillment.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and guidance.

2. The Son
Represents the recipient of wisdom, which can be understood as any believer or follower seeking to live a life aligned with God's teachings.

3. The Path of Wisdom
While not a physical place, it is a metaphorical journey that Solomon encourages his son to embark upon, promising longevity and fulfillment.The Importance of Listening
Emphasize the active role of listening in acquiring wisdom. Listening is not passive but requires intentional focus and openness to receive guidance.

Receiving Wisdom
Highlight the necessity of not just hearing but receiving and internalizing wisdom. This involves a willingness to apply what is learned to one's life.

The Promise of Longevity
Discuss the biblical principle that following God's wisdom often leads to a longer, more fulfilling life. This is not just about physical longevity but also about a life rich in purpose and meaning.

Parental Guidance
Reflect on the role of parents and mentors in imparting wisdom. Encourage respect and consideration for the guidance provided by those who have walked the path of faith before us.

The Path of Righteousness
Encourage believers to choose the path of righteousness, which is marked by adherence to God's word and promises blessings and protection.1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 4:10?

2. How can we "accept my words" in our daily walk with Christ?

3. What does "years of your life will be many" mean for believers today?

4. How does Proverbs 4:10 connect with Ephesians 6:1-3 about honoring parents?

5. In what ways can we actively listen to God's wisdom in Proverbs 4:10?

6. How can Proverbs 4:10 guide our decisions and life choices?

7. How does Proverbs 4:10 emphasize the importance of listening to wisdom for a long life?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 4:10?

9. How does Proverbs 4:10 relate to the overall theme of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 4?

11. How can you speak truthfully with love?

12. What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?

13. What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?

14. How do words defile a person?Listen

“Listen” is an urgent invitation to stop, tune in, and let God’s wisdom penetrate. Scripture never treats listening as passive background noise; it is an active obedience that opens the heart.

• Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “Let the wise listen and gain instruction.” Listening expands understanding, not just information.

• Jesus echoes this priority in Luke 8:18, “Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen,” linking attentive ears to fruitful living.

• James 1:22 warns that hearing without doing deceives us. True listening culminates in action, aligning thought and behavior with God’s truth.

When the Father says “Listen,” He is calling for receptive, humble surrender—ears, mind, and will united.

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my son

The phrase “my son” places the counsel in a warm, relational setting. Wisdom is passed down from a loving parent, not an impersonal lecturer.

• Proverbs 1:8 urges, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,” framing the entire book as family discipleship.

• Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord,” showing our Heavenly Father continues this parental training.

• The tenderness of “my son” assures us the commands flow from love. Acceptance of that love encourages trustful obedience.

Seeing ourselves as cherished children changes the tone of correction. The Father’s words are never harsh demands but heartfelt guidance aimed at our good.

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receive my words

Listening is step one; “receive my words” carries it further. Receive implies welcoming, storing, and applying truth until it shapes convictions.

• Proverbs 2:1 lays it out: “My son, if you accept my words and treasure my commands within you…”—treasuring brings permanence.

• Jesus celebrates receptive hearts in John 17:8, “They have received the words You gave Me.” This reception produces faith.

• Colossians 3:16 tells believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” highlighting saturation rather than superficial exposure.

Practical ways to receive:

– Read and reread Scripture, letting it sink in.

– Memorize key verses for on-the-spot guidance.

– Meditate, turning truth over in the mind until it fuels prayer and decisions.

The promise attached comes alive only when God’s words move from page to practice.

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the years of your life will be many

Here God links wisdom with longevity. While life’s length ultimately rests in His hands (Psalm 31:15), He plainly states that obedience tends to extend earthly days.

• Proverbs 3:1-2 agrees: “Keep my commands… for they will add length of days and years of life and peace to you.”

• The fifth commandment promises, “Honor your father and your mother… so that your days may be long” (Exodus 20:12), a principle echoed in Ephesians 6:2-3.

• Even common observation confirms that godly living—free from many self-destructive habits—often promotes health and stability.

Though tragedies occur in a fallen world, the general rule stands: embrace God’s wisdom and you position yourself for a fuller, longer life, both in quality and, often, in quantity.

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summary

Proverbs 4:10 strings together four vital moves:

1. Listen—actively open your life to God’s voice.

2. My son—receive counsel as loved children.

3. Receive my words—welcome truth until it governs you.

4. The years of your life will be many—expect God’s favor, including extended, peace-filled days.

Take the verse at face value: attentive, child-like acceptance of God’s wisdom paves the way for a richer, longer life under His faithful care.

Verse 10. - Many commentators, e.g. Jerome, Bede, Ewald, Bertheau, and Hitzig, suppose that the father's instruction closes in the preceding verse, but it seems more appropriate to consider the father as here passing to another branch of his instruction, which is to point out the way of wisdom, and so to prepare for his warnings which follow from ver. 14 to ver. 19. Receive; kakh, from lakah, "to receive" (on the force of this verb, see ch. 1:3). He who shows a delighter willingness in admitting the words of Wisdom - for such a character the father claims for his teaching, as we see from, the next verse - shall receive a blessing. It is a sign of grace when any even show themselves open to listen to instruction; but it is a greater sign when this instruction is received with readiness and pleasure (Muffet). The years of thy life (sh'noth khayyim); literally, years of thy lives. The plural "lives" expresses the idea of life in the abstract. There is no absolute statement of a future life here, though by the Christian this idea may be indulged in on the ground of a fuller revelation. The promise is one that not only implies the prolongation of life, but also a life of prosperity and enjoyment. Shall be many; literally, shall be multiplied.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Listen,
שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

my son,
בְּ֭נִי (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and receive
וְקַ֣ח (wə·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

my words,
אֲמָרָ֑י (’ă·mā·rāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 561: Something said

and the years
שְׁנ֣וֹת (šə·nō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of your life
חַיִּֽים׃ (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

will be many.
וְיִרְבּ֥וּ (wə·yir·bū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:10 Listen my son and receive my sayings (Prov. Pro Pr)