Proverbs 4:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Keep my words constantly before you and treasured in your heart.
The Context of Proverbs 4:21
The father instructs his son to keep his words in constant view and in his heart.
What Does Proverbs 4:21 Mean?
Eyes and heart represent the two channels through which truth must enter and remain. Keeping the words before the eyes means continuous, conscious awareness. They must be visible, remembered, not shoved out of sight or forgotten. The visual imagery suggests meditation and reflection—returning to these words repeatedly.
Keeping them 'in the midst of thine heart' places them at the center of your emotional and spiritual life, not at the periphery. The heart, as the seat of will and affection, indicates that these words must not be mere intellectual knowledge but a lived commitment. Memory, meditation, and heartfelt allegiance are the three movements needed to make instruction effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 4:21
What does Proverbs 4:21 mean?
Keep my words constantly before you and treasured in your heart.
What is the context of Proverbs 4:21?
The father instructs his son to keep his words in constant view and in his heart.