What does Proverbs 4:21 mean?
What is the meaning of Proverbs 4:21?

Do not lose sight of them

- “Do not lose sight of them” reminds us that God’s wisdom is not a passing thought but a constant focus. Much like Proverbs 3:21 urges, “My son, do not lose sight of these; keep sound wisdom and discretion,” the call is to keep God’s words always in view.

- Think of driving: when you keep your eyes on the road, you avoid danger. In the same way, keeping God’s commands in sight steers you clear of spiritual hazards (Hebrews 2:1, “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away”).

- Practical ways to stay visually locked in:

• Post a short verse on your bathroom mirror or phone lock screen.

• Open your Bible before scrolling social media.

• Read aloud at family meals so everyone’s “eyes” stay on the same truth (Deuteronomy 6:7).

- The literal meaning is plain: don’t let Scripture fade into the background. God’s words deserve our undivided attention because they carry His authority and protection (Psalm 19:7–8).


keep them within your heart

- The heart in biblical language is the control center of thoughts, motives, and emotions. To “keep them within your heart” means to store God’s words where they shape every inner decision (see Proverbs 3:3, “Write them on the tablet of your heart”).

- Why the heart? Out of it “spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). When God’s wisdom sits at the core, everything else aligns—speech, habits, relationships.

- Compare Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Sin loses appeal when God’s truth is treasured deep inside.

- Practical ways to heart-store Scripture:

• Memorize a verse a week; repetition transfers truth from head to heart.

• Journal how a passage applies to today’s choices; reflection cements it internally.

• Sing Scripture-based songs; melody turns doctrine into heart-level memory (Colossians 3:16).

- Mary “treasured up all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). We follow her example, guarding the Word as priceless, not letting distractions crowd it out (Matthew 13:22).


summary

Proverbs 4:21 urges a two-fold relationship with God’s wisdom: keep it always in sight and store it deep within. Visible focus prevents drift; inward treasure produces transformed living. By fixing our eyes on Scripture and hiding it in our hearts, we walk the secure path God lovingly marks out for His children.

Why is listening emphasized in Proverbs 4:20, and how does it affect faith?
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