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Proverbs 4:20-27
The Voice
Proverbs 4:20-27
The Voice
Fathers have a crucial role in instructing their sons. It’s easy and natural to teach children about some things: how to take care of a car, how to hit a ball, or how to mow the lawn. But what about deeper things, the kinds of things that make life worth living? These are much harder. They must not be left for someone else to do. Paul wrote, “And, fathers, do not drive your children mad, but nurture them in the discipline and teaching that come from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Instructing children in the ways of God is crucial work.
20 My son, pay attention to all the words I am telling you.
Lean in closer so you may hear all I say.
21 Keep them before you; meditate on them;
set them safely in your heart.
22 For those who discover them, they are life.
They bring wholeness and healing to their bodies.
23 Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it
because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life.
24 Do away with any talk that twists and distorts the truth;
have nothing to do with any verbal trickery.
25 Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead,
and your focus fixed on what is in front of you.
26 Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth,
and you will safely reach the end of your road.
27 Do not veer off course to the right or the left;
step away from evil, and leave it behind.
Proverbs 4:20-27
New International Version
Proverbs 4:20-27
New International Version
20 My son,(A) pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.(B)
21 Do not let them out of your sight,(C)
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.(D)
23 Above all else, guard(E) your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.(F)
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes(G) look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet(H)
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;(I)
keep your foot from evil.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level
The Voice (VOICE)
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.