I have {d} taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

(d) Solomon declares what care his father had to bring him up in the true fear of God: for this was David's protest.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

11, 12. way of wisdom-which it prescribes.

led thee-literally, "caused thee to tread," as a path (Ps 107:7).

not be straitened-have ample room (Ps 18:36).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:1-13 We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God! Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking, and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling.