Proverbs 4:20 Meaning and Explanation
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Listen carefully to my words and open your heart to my instruction.
The Context of Proverbs 4:20
The father again calls his son to attentive listening to his instruction.
What Does Proverbs 4:20 Mean?
The father returns to direct address after his vivid contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. The call to 'attend' and 'incline thine ear' emphasizes active, intentional listening. Hearing requires not just the physical reception of sound but the mental and spiritual effort of truly understanding.
This is a renewal of the opening plea. After showing the stakes—the light of righteousness versus the darkness of wickedness—the father reinforces the call to genuine listening. He is not speaking to those who merely hear his words passively but to those who will lean in, open themselves, and truly receive what he teaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 4:20
What does Proverbs 4:20 mean?
Listen carefully to my words and open your heart to my instruction.
What is the context of Proverbs 4:20?
The father again calls his son to attentive listening to his instruction.