Wise Words about Life - Proverbs 4:4-27

Wise Words about Life- Proverbs 4:4-27
cinops be gone Monday, May 19, 2008
The following is the entry for the 19th of May, The Best of the Bible – 365 Must-Read Bible Passages, 1996, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois

My father told me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don’t forget or turn away from my words. Don’t turn you back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever you do, get good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won’t limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions; don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.
Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path evildoers. Avoid their haunts. Turn away and go somewhere else, for evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest unless they have caused someone to stumble. They eat wickedness and drink violence.

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.

Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.

Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead, and fix you eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

What priority does finding wisdom have in your life?

If you want wisdom, you must decide to go after it. It takes resolve – a determination not to abandon the search once you begin no matter how difficult the road may become. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime step but a daily process of choosing between two paths – the wicked (vv. 14-17, 19) and the just (v. 18). Nothing is more important or more valuable. Choose your path wisely today.
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George H. Kubeck