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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 4:7–13

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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7 selected · 3 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

35 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 7

  1. Ecclesiastes 7:12Rank 1 from verse 7
    Open

    12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

  2. Ecclesiastes 9:16–18Rank 2 from verse 7
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    16Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

    17The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

    18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  3. Proverbs 23:23Rank 3 from verse 7
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    23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

  4. Proverbs 16:16Rank 4 from verse 7
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    16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

  5. Philippians 3:8Rank 5 from verse 7
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    8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

From verse 8

  1. Daniel 12:3Rank 1 from verse 8
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    3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

  2. 1 Samuel 2:30Rank 2 from verse 8
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    30Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

  3. Proverbs 3:35Rank 3 from verse 8
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    35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

  4. 1 Kings 3:5–13Rank 4 from verse 8
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    5¶ In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

    6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

    7And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

    8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

    9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

    10And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

    11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

    12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

    13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

  5. Proverbs 22:4Rank 5 from verse 8
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    4By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

From verse 9

  1. Proverbs 1:9Rank 1 from verse 9
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    9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

  2. 1 Peter 5:4Rank 2 from verse 9
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    4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

  3. Hebrews 2:7–9Rank 3 from verse 9
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    7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

    8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

    9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

  4. Isaiah 28:5Rank 4 from verse 9
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    5¶ In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

  5. Proverbs 16:31Rank 5 from verse 9
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    31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

From verse 10

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:13Rank 1 from verse 10
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    13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  2. Proverbs 3:2Rank 2 from verse 10
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    2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

  3. Deuteronomy 6:2Rank 3 from verse 10
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    2That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

  4. Jeremiah 9:20Rank 4 from verse 10
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    20Yet hear the word of the Lord, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.

  5. Proverbs 3:16Rank 5 from verse 10
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    16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

From verse 11

  1. Psalms 25:4–5Rank 1 from verse 11
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    4Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

    5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

  2. Ecclesiastes 12:9Rank 2 from verse 11
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    9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

  3. Proverbs 8:9Rank 3 from verse 11
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    9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

  4. 1 Samuel 12:23–24Rank 4 from verse 11
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    23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

    24Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

  5. Proverbs 8:6Rank 5 from verse 11
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    6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

From verse 12

  1. Proverbs 3:23Rank 1 from verse 12
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    23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

  2. Psalms 18:36Rank 2 from verse 12
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    36Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

  3. 1 Peter 2:8Rank 3 from verse 12
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    8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  4. 2 Samuel 22:37Rank 4 from verse 12
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    37Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.

  5. John 11:9–10Rank 5 from verse 12
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    9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

    10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

From verse 13

  1. Hebrews 2:1Rank 1 from verse 13
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    1THEREFORE we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

  2. Proverbs 23:23Rank 2 from verse 13
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    23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

  3. Proverbs 3:18Rank 3 from verse 13
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    18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:21Rank 4 from verse 13
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    21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

  5. Deuteronomy 32:47Rank 5 from verse 13
    Open

    47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:7

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

principal

↗

Sense 1: First, chief, or highest in rank or importance. Sense 2: A chief person or leading thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

get

↗

To procure; to obtain; to gain possession of, by almost any means.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:8

COMBINED MEANING

exalt

↗

To raise, lift up, set on high, promote, honour, magnify, or praise; of oneself, to seek or assume a high place, power, or estimation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

honour

↗

Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

dost

↗

Sense 1: Do: perform, act, or carry out. Sense 2: Used as an auxiliary verb.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:9

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

head

↗

The upper part of the body; a chief, source, summit, or leading position.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

ornament

↗

Something that adorns, beautifies, or gives honour.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616 · Cawdrey 1604

COMBINED MEANING

grace

↗

Sense 1: Favor, acceptance, goodwill, kindness, or mercy. Sense 2: A favor, gift, benefit, or help freely bestowed, especially God's favor and enabling help; in salvation, explicitly contrasted with works and debt. Sense 3: Pleasing quality, beauty, attractiveness, or elegance, including gracious speech. Sense 4: Thankfulness or gratitude.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

crown

↗

Sense 1: A royal head ornament; by extension, kingship, honour, reward, or the top of the head. Sense 2: To invest, adorn, or honour with a crown, dignity, or reward.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

glory

↗

Sense 1: Splendour, honour, praise, majesty, or a ground of rejoicing or boasting. Sense 2: To boast, exult, take pride, or rejoice in a person or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

deliver

↗

Sense 1: To rescue, save, free, or bring safely out of danger or bondage. Sense 2: To hand over, give up, or place into another's power or possession. Sense 3: To bring forth, convey, declare, or commit something to another. Sense 4: To give birth or be delivered of a child.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:10

COMBINED MEANING

hear

↗

Sense 1: To perceive sound or spoken words. Sense 2: To receive or learn by report. Sense 3: To listen to, regard, or heed. Sense 4: To attend favourably to a request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

son

↗

1. A male child or descendant. 2. One belonging to, related to, or characterized by the person, people, place, condition, or quality named.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:11

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

right

↗

1. Correct, just, upright, proper, lawful, fitting, true, or due; also a rightful claim or authority. 2. The direction or side opposite the left. 3. Straight, favourable, skilful, or approved. 4. Very, quite, or fully.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

paths

↗

1. Figuratively, ways or courses of conduct, action, or direction. 2. Tracks, roads, routes, or ways of passage or travel.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:12

COMBINED MEANING

thou

↗

The singular second-person subject pronoun, meaning you when directly addressing one person, being, or individually treated addressee.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

steps

↗

Movements or paces of the feet; footsteps, courses, degrees, or stages in going.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

straitened

↗

1. Confined, narrowed, or restricted in room, movement, or power. 2. Inwardly pressed, distressed, or constrained. 3. Narrowed or restricted in affection or openness.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

runnest

↗

Second-person singular present form of run, meaning to move swiftly on foot; to flow, spread, proceed, continue, or carry out a course.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

stumble

↗

Sense 1: To trip, lose footing, or fall by striking against something. Sense 2: To err, fall, or be hindered figuratively. Sense 3: To cause another to trip, fall, err, or be hindered.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 4:13

COMBINED MEANING

take

↗

To receive, seize, carry, accept, choose, or lay hold of.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

fast

↗

Sense 1: Firm, fixed, or secure. Sense 2: Moving quickly. Sense 3: A period or act of abstaining from food. Sense 4: To abstain from food for a time.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

hold

↗

Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

instruction

↗

Teaching or information that directs understanding and conduct; correction, discipline, or an instructive warning.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

keep

↗

To guard, watch, protect, preserve, secure, retain, possess, hold, maintain, support, tend, manage, observe, obey, fulfil, celebrate, continue in, refrain from, or remain faithful to a person, place, trust, command, promise, way, time, or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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Surrounding Verses

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6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Selected passage

8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Selected passage

9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Selected passage

10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

Selected passage

11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

Selected passage

12When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Selected passage

13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Selected passage

14¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

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