Proverbs 4:20-27

Proverbs 4:20-27

[20] My son,  attend  to my words;  incline  thine ear  unto my sayings.  [21] Let them not depart  from thine eyes;  keep  them in the midst  of thine heart.  [22] For they are life  unto those that find  them, and health  to all their flesh.  [23] Keep  thy heart  with all diligence;  for out of it are the issues  of life.  [24] Put away  from thee a froward  mouth,  and perverse  lips  put far  [25] Let thine eyes  look  right on,  and let thine eyelids  look straight  [26] Ponder  the path  of thy feet,  and let all thy ways  be established.  [27] Turn  not to the right hand  nor to the left:  remove  thy foot  from evil. 

What does Proverbs 4:20-27 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The last pericope of this chapter emphasizes the importance of persisting in the good practices that will lead to life. Success usually comes to those who keep concentrating on and perfecting the basics in their work. Our temptation is to leave these when we become adequately proficient and move on to things that we find more interesting and exciting. These verses give the reader a checkup on his or her condition.
Advocates of the "prosperity gospel," who teach that it is never God"s will for believers to experience sickness or privation, appeal to Proverbs 4:20-22 as support for their position (along with Exodus 15:26; Exodus 23:25; Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:16-18; Luke 6:17-19; Acts 5:16; Acts 10:38). The Book of Job and the past earthly career of Jesus are two lessons, among many in Scripture, that prove this view is incorrect. [1]
"By using ears, eyes, and heart, the teacher is exhorting the whole person to receive the traditions." [2]
"Heart" ( Proverbs 4:23) usually means "mind" ( Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 6:32 a; Proverbs 7:7 b; et al.), but it has a much broader meaning that includes the emotions ( Proverbs 15:15; Proverbs 15:30), the will ( Proverbs 11:20; Proverbs 14:14), and even the whole inner person ( Proverbs 3:5). [3] Here the affections are particularly in view. Proverbs 4:23, in conjunction with Proverbs 4:20-22, helps us see that the life in view is not some prize that one gains all at once. It is rather a growing spiritual vitality that empowers the wise person and enables him or her to reach out and help others effectively (cf. Mark 7:15-23; Luke 6:45; John 4:14 and especially John 7:38). One"s words ( Proverbs 4:24) reflect his or her heart"s affections. We must be single-minded in our pursuit of wisdom ( Proverbs 4:25; cf. Psalm 101:3; Psalm 119:37). We must also give attention to practical planning so we end up taking the steps we need to take to arrive at our intended destination ( Proverbs 4:26-27; cf. Hebrews 12:13).