Veritable King James Version
1Hear, O children, a father’s counsel, and heed it to gain understanding,
2for I offer sound wisdom; do not forsake my teaching.
3Once I was my father’s child, tender, cherished by my mother.
4He taught me, saying to my heart, “Cling to my words, keep my commands, and live.
5Seek wisdom, pursue insight; forget not, nor stray from my words.
6Do not abandon her; she will shield you; love her, she will guard you.
7Wisdom is chief—seek wisdom! With all you gain, gain understanding.
8Exalt her, and she will raise you high; embrace her, and she will bring you honor.
9She will crown you with grace, and adorn you with a wreath of splendor.
10Listen, my child, and take my words; your years of life will multiply.
11I teach you the way of wisdom, and guide you on upright paths.
12Your steps will not be hindered; your running will not falter.
13Hold fast to instruction, never release it; guard it, for it is your life.
14Do not tread the path of the wicked, nor walk the way of evil ones.
15Avoid it, do not cross it; turn aside, and pass it by.
16They cannot sleep without evil; their rest flees unless they cause a fall.
17They feed on the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18The righteous path shines like dawn, growing brighter to full day.
19The wicked’s way is deep darkness; they know not what trips them.
20My child, attend to my words; bend your ear to my sayings.
21Keep them ever in your sight; store them deep in your heart.
22They are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
23Above all, guard your heart; from it flow the springs of life.
24Banish crooked speech; cast far all devious talk.
25Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your gaze fixed firmly forward.
26Make level your foot’s path; let all your ways be sure.
27Veer not right nor left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 5 The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 – VKJV
Translation notes
Hebrew banim (“sons”) in verse 1 is translated as “children” for inclusivity, applicable to offspring or learners in wisdom contexts. Shema (“hear”) implies obedient listening, paired with “heed” to reflect the imperative’s urgency. In verse 3, “tender, cherished” renders rak and yachid, suggesting a beloved status, not strictly an only child. Verse 4’s “cling” translates tamak (firm holding), and “live” (chayah) denotes flourishing life; cross-reference Deuteronomy 32:47 for life through obedience. Verse 5’s qanah (“seek” or “acquire”) is repeated for emphasis, mirroring Hebrew parallelism to urge active pursuit. In verse 7, “chief” interprets re’shit (lit. “beginning” or “first”), emphasizing wisdom’s primacy; cross-reference Job 28:28 (wisdom as fearing the Lord). Theologically, wisdom’s personification reflects its divine source, central to covenantal living. No significant Dead Sea Scrolls variants (e.g., 4Q102) alter this section, affirming Masoretic Text stability.
In verse 8, “exalt” renders salal (lit. “build up”), implying active valuing of wisdom, while “embrace” (chabaq) suggests intimate commitment; theologically, wisdom’s personification mirrors divine care (cf. Proverbs 8:35). Verse 9’s “crown… with grace” (livyat chen) and “wreath of splendor” (ateret tiferet) are poetic images of divine favor; cross-reference Proverbs 3:22. In verse 10, ben (“son”) is translated as “child” for inclusivity, and “take” (laqach) implies intentional acceptance; “multiply” reflects longevity promises (cf. Psalm 91:16). Verse 12’s “not hindered” (lo yatsar) and “not falter” (lo tikashal) emphasize ease through wisdom’s guidance. Verse 13’s “your life” (chayyim) echoes verse 4, underscoring wisdom’s vital role; cross-reference Proverbs 3:2. No notable Dead Sea Scrolls variants affect this section.
Verse 14’s rasha’im (“wicked”) and ra’im (“evil ones”) denote active unrighteousness, with parallelism reinforcing avoidance. Verse 15’s four imperatives (al-tavo, al-tashar, s’teh, avor) urge complete rejection of evil; theologically, this reflects covenant loyalty (cf. Psalm 1:1). In verse 16, “rest flees” interprets nimta (lit. “taken away”), suggesting compulsive sin. Verse 17’s “bread of wickedness” and “wine of violence” are metaphors for a sinful lifestyle; cross-reference Proverbs 1:10–16. Verse 18’s “shines like dawn” (or nogah) and “full day” depict progressive righteousness; cross-reference Psalm 119:105 (God’s word as light). Verse 19’s “deep darkness” (afelah) contrasts verse 18, symbolizing moral blindness; theologically, this reflects spiritual ignorance (cf. Isaiah 59:9–10). No significant Dead Sea Scrolls variants noted.
In verse 20, “attend” and “bend your ear” (hateh ozen) emphasize active listening, echoing verse 1. Verse 21’s “deep in your heart” (betoch libbeka) urges internalizing wisdom; cross-reference Psalm 119:11 (storing God’s word). Verse 22’s “healing to all their flesh” (marpe l’kol besar) suggests holistic benefits, physical and spiritual; cross-reference Proverbs 3:8; theologically, wisdom’s restorative power mirrors divine healing. Verse 23’s mikkol mishmar (“above all guarding”) prioritizes heart protection, with “springs of life” (totza’ot chayyim) tying the heart to vitality. Verse 24’s “crooked speech” (iqqeshut peh) and “devious talk” (lezut) denote dishonesty. Verses 25–26’s “straight ahead” (nokach) and “level… path” (palles) urge disciplined focus. Verse 27 echoes Deuteronomy 5:32–33, reinforcing covenantal obedience; theologically, the straight path symbolizes adherence to God’s law. No notable Dead Sea Scrolls variants affect this section.
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