Proverbs 4:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Listen to my words and live a long life.
The Context of Proverbs 4:10
The father appeals to his son with a promise of long life.
What Does Proverbs 4:10 Mean?
The exhortation to hear and receive instruction is presented with a concrete promise: long life. In the wisdom tradition, length of days is both a practical blessing and a sign of divine favor. The appeal is to the listener's self-interest rightly understood—obedience brings not punishment but genuine, substantial benefit.
This promise anchors the abstract value of wisdom to something tangible and universally desired. A long life gives time to know, to learn, to love, to contribute. The verse suggests that wisdom is not a burden imposed from outside but the path to the fullness of human life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 4:10
What does Proverbs 4:10 mean?
Listen to my words and live a long life.
What is the context of Proverbs 4:10?
The father appeals to his son with a promise of long life.