Old Testament
Proverbs 4:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Listen, my son, and accept my words, and the years of your life will be many.
Compare translations
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
What Proverbs 4:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a father is advising his son to listen carefully to his teachings. The emphasis is on the importance of accepting wise counsel, which can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life. The phrase 'years of your life will be many' suggests that wisdom and understanding can protect one from harmful choices and guide one towards a better path. This teaching reflects a broader theme in Proverbs, where wisdom is often personified and presented as a valuable asset. By heeding wise advice, the son is encouraged to make choices that will benefit him in the long run, highlighting the connection between wisdom and longevity. The verse serves as a reminder that listening to and applying wise teachings can lead to a more prosperous and meaningful life.
How to apply Proverbs 4:10 to your life
To apply this verse, take time to seek out and listen to wise counsel from trusted mentors or family members. Reflect on their advice and consider how it can guide your decisions. Embracing wisdom can lead to better choices and a more fulfilling life.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 4:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 4:10
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 4:10 mean?
Proverbs 4:10 advises a son to listen to his father's teachings, emphasizing that accepting wise counsel can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life. It highlights the connection between wisdom and making beneficial life choices.
What is the meaning of 'years of your life will be many' in Proverbs 4:10?
The phrase 'years of your life will be many' suggests that following wise advice can protect one from harmful decisions and guide them towards a better path, ultimately contributing to a longer life.
How can I apply Proverbs 4:10 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 4:10, seek out advice from trusted mentors or family members and reflect on their guidance. Embracing their wisdom can help you make better choices and improve your overall life satisfaction.
What themes are present in Proverbs 4:10?
The themes present in Proverbs 4:10 include wisdom, listening, fatherly advice, longevity, and the impact of life choices. These themes emphasize the value of wise counsel in achieving a fulfilling life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.