Here are many duties! Be generous! Of course we must discriminate-to whom it is due; and we must be prudent-when it is in the power of thine hand, Proverbs 3:27. Moreover, be prompt, Proverbs 3:28. Don't stir up strife or take a mean advantage, Proverbs 3:29-30. In the presence of the prosperity of the violent and evil man, repress envy and recall Psalms 37:1-40.
The word translated secret in Proverbs 3:32 should be rendered "friendship." See Psalms 25:14. Remember that Jesus calls us into this sacred inner circle, John 15:15. Count on God blessing your home-life, Proverbs 3:33. Be lowly and claim your great inheritance, Proverbs 3:34-35. See Matthew 5:3.
We are next admitted into an ancient Hebrew home, Proverbs 4:1-9. We can hear the old patriarch advising his son, with deep and fond anxiety, that he should make the best of his life. What a difference would come over the land if fathers spoke more often like this! But to speak thus needs a background of noble living. [source]
Chapter Summary: Proverbs 4
1persuades to wisdom 14and to show wickedness 20He exhorts to sanctification
What do the individual words in Proverbs 4:8 mean?
Exalt herand she will promote youshe will bring you honorwhenyou embrace her
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Piel, Conjunctive imperfect, third person feminine singular, second person masculine singular
Root: יָרוּם
Sense: to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted.
Parse: Verb, Piel, Imperfect, third person feminine singular, second person masculine singular
Root: כָּבֵד
Sense: to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured.