Proverbs 4:1
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Hear, my'sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Give ear, my sons, to the teaching of a father; give attention so that you may have knowledge:
Webster's Revision
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
World English Bible
Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding;
English Revised Version (ERV)
Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding:
Clarke's Proverbs 4:1 Bible Commentary
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.
Barnes's Proverbs 4:1 Bible Commentary
The words "ye children" indicate as usual a new section returning, after the break of Proverbs 3:27-35, to the old strain of fatherly counsel.
Wesley's Proverbs 4:1 Bible Commentary
4:1 A father - Of me, who have paternal authority over you and affection for you.
