4:2

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The first line gives the reason to obey the command in the second line.

2a For I give you sound teaching;

2b do not abandon my directive.

4:2a–b

For: In the Hebrew, 4:2a begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as For. It explains the reason why the father’s children should listen to his commands in 4:1.

I give you sound teaching: The word teaching comes from a Hebrew root that means “receive.” In the context of 4:3–4, the whole clause implies that the teacher is passing on advice that he received from his own father when he was a child.

sound teaching: The phrase translated as sound teaching is literally “good learning/teaching.” It is parallel with “my directive” in the second clause. In this context, “good” probably means “true” and “accurate” as well as “useful.” Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

My advice is useful (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
good guidance (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
good instruction (NET Bible)

In some languages, the phrase “sound teaching” or “good teaching” may be expressed more naturally as a verb. For example:

What I am teaching you is good (Good News Translation)

4:2b

do not abandon my directive: The command do not abandon my directive indicates that the listeners should not abandon or turn away from what the father instructs or teaches them. In some languages, it may be more natural to translate this clause as a positive command. For example:

so remember it all (Good News Translation)

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