Bible Strands
Proverbs 4:11
I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A father or wise mentor addresses his son during a formal instruction to receive parental teachings for a long life. The speaker promises active guidance following the son's initial commitment to listen and receive the words.
The words — The Hebrew דֶּרֶךְ (de.rekh) denotes "way," paired with חָכְמָה (chokh.mah) for "wisdom," while הִדְרַכְתִּי (hid.rakh.ti) literally means "I led you" along tracks of יֹשֶׁר (yo.sher), "uprightness."
The thread — This theme of guidance appears in Psalms 25:4 where the psalmist asks to be shown God's ways, Ecclesiastes 12:9 noting the Teacher arranged many proverbs, and Proverbs 8:9 describing wisdom's words as plain to the discerning.
Why it lands — The text states that the speaker will actively guide and lead the reader on straight paths rather than leaving them to self-direction. It demands acceptance of this external instruction, promising that following this taught path prevents stumbling in both walking and running.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
Cross-references
- Psalms 25:4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
- Ecclesiastes 12:9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.
- Proverbs 8:9 They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.
- Psalms 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
- Proverbs 8:6 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.
- Deuteronomy 4:5 See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.
- Proverbs 4:4 he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
- Proverbs 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
- Acts 13:10 and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?