Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 7:4

ESV Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend,
NIV Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and to insight, 'You are my relative.'
NASB Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' And call understanding your intimate friend,
CSB Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your relative.
NLT Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
KJV Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

What does Proverbs 7:4 mean?

A theme of these early chapters in Proverbs is the value one ought to place on godly wisdom. In this passage, Solomon continues to extol the importance of wisdom, here comparing it to one's trusted family and friends. These are the kinds of people who can be trusted to understand what a person is experiencing. They can empathize with him in times of trouble and counsel him when he faces decisions.

Wisdom and discretion enable a person to persevere in trials, knowing God's purpose is to prove our faith and make us spiritually mature. James invites us to ask God for wisdom when we encounter "trials of various kinds" (James 1:2–5). He also promises the crown of life to those who, by faith, endure trials (James 1:12). Romans 8:28–29 assures us that God uses the sufferings of this present time to work for our good so that we will become like Jesus. According to Colossians 1:9 god-driven wisdom and knowledge enable believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
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