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Proverbs 4:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

My son, pay attention to my words; listen carefully to what I'm telling you.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is urging someone to listen closely and give full attention to wise instruction.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical era, King Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs as part of Israel's wisdom literature to guide his son in righteous living, drawing from his own experiences as a wise ruler in the 10th century BC. This verse reflects the cultural practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, where fathers imparted moral and practical advice to their children to help them avoid folly and pursue a God-honoring life. It underscores the emphasis placed on attentive listening to wisdom in a time when oral tradition was central to education and community values.

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