Proverbs 4:2

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 4:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.
Proverbs 4:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I give you good doctrine, etc.] Whose author, matter, use, and tendency, are good, and therefore should be received; so the Gospel is called, (<540406>1 Timothy 4:6); and no other is here meant: it is the doctrine concerning Wisdom or Christ, as the following verses show; which serves to exalt him, and makes for the good and welfare of immortal souls; and such is the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ and his apostles, even all the doctrines and truths of the Gospel; forsake you not my law; or “doctrine”f86; not the law given on Mount Sinai, as Gersom interprets it; but the doctrine of Christ, which goes out from Mount Zion: this the children of Wisdom should not neglect, relinquish,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Doctrine - Knowledge orally given and received. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:2 Wise people navigate life’s difficulties successfully because they have heeded good guidance.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“good: Pro 8:6-9, Pro 22:20, Pro 22:21; Deu 32:2; Job 33:3; Psa 49:1-3; Joh 7:16, Joh 7:17; Ti1 4:6; Tit 1:9 forsake: Ch1 28:9; Ch2 7:19; Psa 89:30-32 Proverbs 4:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification