Proverbs 3:1

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:
Proverbs 3:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“My son, forget not my law, etc.] Or, “doctrine”f53; the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, and the several truths of it; which, being of the utmost moment and importance, should be kept in memory, and not let slip, or be in the least slighted and neglected; see (<580201>Hebrews 2:1-3); but let thine heart keep my commandments; as the ark, or chest, kept the two tables of the law put into it; it denotes a cordial affection for the commandments and ordinances of Christ, a hearty attention and obedience to them, and a constant and cheerful observance of them, flowing from love and gratitude to him, (<431415>John 14:15,21).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The study of truth commended. God must be feared, honored, and trusted, and filial submission, under chastisement, exhibited. The excellence of wisdom urged and illustrated by its place in the divine counsels. Piety enforced by a contrast of the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. (Pro. 3:1-35) law [and] commandments--all divine instructions (see on Psa 119:1 and Psa 119:4). let thine heart keep--or sincerely observe (Pro 4:13; Pro 5:2).”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“My law - The law of God, which might be called his law, as the gospel is called Paul's gospel, Ti2 2:8, because delivered by him. Proverbs 3:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:1-12 The Lord blesses those who trust him and seek his will. His correction benefits those who follow him. 3:1 To store God’s commands in your heart means not just memorizing them but making them an integral part of life and acting on them.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“forget: Pro 1:8, Pro 4:5, Pro 31:5; Deu 4:23; Psa 119:93, Psa 119:153, Psa 119:176; Hos 4:6 let: Deu 4:9, Deu 6:6-9, Deu 8:1, Deu 30:16-20; Psa 119:11, Psa 119:16, Psa 119:34, Psa 119:47, Psa 119:48; Isa 51:17; Jer 31:33; Joh 14:21-24 Proverbs 3:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification