Pro 4:1-4 | Clarke | STEP | The preceptor calls his pupils, and tells them how himself was educated, ; specifies the teachings he received, ; and exhorts his pupil to persevere in well-doing, and to avoid evil, . Verse 1 Hear, ye children - Come, my pupils, and hear how a father instructed his child. Such as I received from my father I give to you, and they were the teachings of a wise and affectionate parent to his only son, a peculiar object of his regards, and also those of a fond mother. He introduces the subject thus, to show that the teaching he received, and which he was about to give them, was the most excellent of its kind. By this he ensured their attention, and made his way to their heart. Teaching by precept is good; teaching by example is better; but teaching both by precept and example is best of all.

Proverbs 4:1-4

Introduction

The preceptor calls his pupils, and tells them how himself was educated, Pro 4:1-4; specifies the teachings he received, Pro 4:5-19; and exhorts his pupil to persevere in well-doing, and to avoid evil, Pro 4:20-27.

Verse 1

Hear, ye children - Come, my pupils, and hear how a father instructed his child. Such as I received from my father I give to you, and they were the teachings of a wise and affectionate parent to his only son, a peculiar object of his regards, and also those of a fond mother.

He introduces the subject thus, to show that the teaching he received, and which he was about to give them, was the most excellent of its kind. By this he ensured their attention, and made his way to their heart. Teaching by precept is good; teaching by example is better; but teaching both by precept and example is best of all. Verse 4

He taught me also, and said - Open thy heart to receive my instructions - receive them with affection; when heard, retain and practice them; and thou shalt live - the great purpose of thy being brought into the world shall be accomplished in thee.