Proverbs 4:20

Study note

Setting — A father (or wise teacher) addresses his son at a pivot point: the previous verse has just described the way of the wicked as dark, and the next will command the son to hold these sayings in his heart. Verse 20 is the hinge between warning and retention.

The words — הַקְשִׁיבָה (haqshivah, Hiphil imperative of qashav) is an intensive "be attentive!" — active, directed listening rather than passive hearing. הַטְּ (hattet, "incline") adds a physical gesture, as if bending the head to catch the words.

The thread — Proverbs 5:1 repeats the formula almost verbatim ("pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight"), and Isaiah 55:3 uses the same "incline your ear" language in a divine summons.

Why it lands — The verse makes listening a command with a physical posture, not a suggestion; the father is saying the words will not reach you unless you actively lean toward them.

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.