Get wisdom
The call to "get wisdom" emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and acquiring wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom in the biblical context is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It is often personified as a woman calling out to be embraced (Proverbs 1:20-33). The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, reflecting the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This pursuit is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously (James 1:5).

Get understanding
Understanding is closely linked with wisdom but focuses more on discernment and insight. It involves the ability to see things from God's perspective and to make decisions that align with His will. In the Hebrew context, understanding is often associated with the heart, the center of moral and spiritual life. The call to get understanding suggests a deep, reflective process that goes beyond surface-level knowledge. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke in parables to reveal deeper truths to those who sought understanding (Matthew 13:10-17).

Do not forget my words
The admonition to "not forget my words" underscores the importance of retaining and meditating on the teachings of wisdom. In ancient Israel, oral tradition was a primary means of transmitting knowledge, and memorization was crucial. The phrase suggests a deliberate effort to remember and internalize the teachings of the wise, much like the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which instructs the Israelites to keep God's commandments in their hearts and teach them diligently to their children. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to let the word of Christ dwell richly within them (Colossians 3:16).

Or turn from them
The warning against turning from wisdom's words highlights the danger of straying from the path of righteousness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, turning away from wisdom was equated with turning away from God Himself, leading to moral and spiritual decline. This concept is reinforced throughout Proverbs, where the consequences of ignoring wisdom are depicted as leading to destruction (Proverbs 1:24-33). The New Testament similarly warns against drifting away from the truth (Hebrews 2:1), emphasizing the need for steadfastness in faith and adherence to God's word.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom and understanding.

2. The Son
The recipient of Solomon's teachings, representing anyone who seeks wisdom and understanding.

3. Wisdom
Personified in Proverbs as a valuable treasure, wisdom is a central theme in the book, representing divine insight and practical living.

4. Understanding
Closely linked with wisdom, understanding involves discernment and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.

5. The Path of Life
A metaphorical journey that represents living according to God's wisdom and commands.The Pursuit of Wisdom
Wisdom is not passive; it requires active pursuit. We are called to "get" wisdom, indicating effort and intentionality.

The Value of Understanding
Understanding is more than knowledge; it is the ability to discern and apply truth in various situations. It is essential for navigating life's complexities.

The Importance of Remembering
Forgetting wisdom leads to folly. We must continually remind ourselves of God's truths and teachings.

Avoiding Deviation
Turning from wisdom leads to destructive paths. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to God's ways.

Wisdom as a Lifelong Journey
Acquiring wisdom is a continuous process. We must be lifelong learners, always seeking to grow in understanding.1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 4:5?

2. How can we actively "get wisdom" in our daily lives today?

3. What does "do not forget" imply about our commitment to God's teachings?

4. How does Proverbs 4:5 connect with James 1:5 on seeking wisdom?

5. In what ways can we "turn away" from worldly distractions to gain insight?

6. How can Proverbs 4:5 guide our decisions and actions in challenging situations?

7. What does Proverbs 4:5 mean by "Get wisdom; get understanding" in a modern context?

8. How does Proverbs 4:5 relate to the pursuit of knowledge in today's world?

9. Why is wisdom emphasized over material wealth in Proverbs 4:5?

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

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

12. What are common questions about proverbs?

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

14. What does the Bible say about chemtrail conspiracy?Get wisdom

The command is proactive: “Get wisdom.” Scripture treats wisdom not as an optional accessory but as life’s chief pursuit.

• Wisdom begins with “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 9:10), so seeking wisdom is ultimately seeking God Himself.

• Solomon valued wisdom above riches or power (1 Kings 3:9–13). His example reminds us that God gladly grants wisdom to those who prize it.

• James 1:5 urges, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” We get wisdom by humble petition, daily Bible intake, and obedience.

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Get understanding

While wisdom speaks to skillful living, understanding speaks to clear perception—seeing situations as God sees them.

• Proverbs 2:2–5 shows the two operating together: “incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding… then you will understand the fear of the LORD.”

• Understanding enables discernment (Philippians 1:9–10) so that right choices flow naturally.

• Practical distinctions:

– Wisdom answers “What should I do?”

– Understanding answers “Why is this right?”

– Pursued together, they guard us from deception and shallow faith (Colossians 2:2–4).

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Do not forget my words

After the twin imperatives comes a caution: retaining truth is as vital as receiving it.

• God required Israel to keep His words “on your heart… talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

• Forgetting often follows neglect; regular meditation cements memory (Psalm 1:2).

• James 1:22–25 pictures the Word as a mirror—blessing comes to the one “who does not forget what he has heard, but actually does it.”

Practical helps: rehearse Scripture aloud, write verses, teach them to others; these simple habits prevent drift.

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Do not turn from them

The final warning guards against deliberate departure.

• Joshua 1:7 commands, “Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper.” The straight path brings stability; deviation invites ruin.

• Proverbs 4:26–27 reinforces, “Make level paths for your feet… do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.”

• Hebrews 2:1 reminds believers to “pay much closer attention… so that we do not drift away.” Drifting is subtle; deliberate course-correction by the Word keeps us aligned.

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summary

Proverbs 4:5 presses us into a lifelong pursuit: actively seek wisdom rooted in reverence for God, cultivate understanding that penetrates to the heart of matters, keep God’s words ever before us, and refuse to veer from their course. By heeding each command, we walk the path of blessing, stability, and intimacy with the One who “is the Source of all wisdom” (Proverbs 2:6).

(5) Get wisdom, get understanding.--Like the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).

Verse 5. - After the general exhortation given above, the father's instruction becomes more specific, and deals with the acquirement of wisdom. This subject seems to be continued in ver. 13, where the second and concluding branch of the instruction begins, which consists mainly of warning, as the first part does with exhortation. We are thus furnished with an example how to teach. In our teaching it is not sufficient simply to point out what is to be done, but we must show what is to be avoided. Get wisdom, get understanding. The father urges the acquirement of wisdom in the same way and with the same importunity as the trader or merchant presses his goods upon buyers. Wisdom and understanding are put forward as objects of merchandise; for the verb kanah, from which the imperative k'neh, signifies not only "to acquire for one's self," or "to possess," but especially "to buy." The verb occurs again in the same sense in ver. 7, "Get [k'neh, i.e. buy] wisdom;" and in Proverbs 23:23, "Buy (k'neh) the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (cf. also Proverbs 15:22: 16:16; 19:9, where we also meet with the same verb). The reiteration of the word "get," as Umbreit remarks, is "an imitation of the exclamation of a merchant who is offering his wares." The importunity of the father measures the value he sets upon wisdom as an inestimable treasure, a pearl of great price (see Proverbs 3:14). Forget it not, etc.; rather, forget not, neither turn from the words of my mouth, - so Zockler, Delitzsch, Hodg., and others; Vulgate, ne obliviscaris, neque declines a verbis oris mei. There is no need to supply "it" after the verb al-tish'-kakh, "forget not," as Holden states, and as appears in the Authorized Version, since shakakh is found with min (מִן), "of" or "from," in Psalm 12:4 (5), "I forgot to eat (shakakh'ti meakol)," and the same construction may obtain here. The two verbs, "forget" and "decline from," are not so very wide in meaning, since the former, shakakh, is to "leave" something from forgetfulness, and the latter, natah, rendered here "decline from," is "to turn away" from something. The words of my mouth represent as it were the means by which wisdom may be purchased.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Get
קְנֵ֣ה (qə·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

wisdom,
חָ֭כְמָה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

get
קְנֵ֣ה (qə·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

understanding;
בִינָ֑ה (ḇî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

forget
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח (tiš·kaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7911: To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention

my words
מֵֽאִמְרֵי־ (mê·’im·rê-)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561: Something said

or turn from them.
תֵּ֝֗ט (têṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr)