In Proverbs chapter 4, the fatherly instructor reflects on the teachings of his own father and advises his son to make the pursuit of wisdom his primary goal. Verse 6 states, “Love her, and she will keep you.” Verse 7 emphasizes that “wisdom is the principal thing,” while verse 8 encourages the young man to “exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor when you embrace her.” 

In verses 10 through 19, the instructor explains that pursuing wisdom will bring order to one’s life! He warns the young man to avoid the path of wicked individuals, as verses 14-15 instruct, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.” Verse 19 states, “the way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” 

Verses 20 through 27 stress the importance of paying attention to instruction. The instructor urges the young man to guide his ear, heart, mouth, eyes, and feet. Specifically, verse 23 advises, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Verse 26 instructs him to “ponder the path of your feet; let all your ways be established,” while verse 27 further advises, “Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil.” 

We can learn to avoid pitfalls through the wisdom shared in these proverbs. Reflecting on my own life, I often wish I had heard such teaching when I was younger. God’s word offers guidance that can save us from a world of heartache and regret. There are so many mistakes I’ve made in my youth that I wish I could take back; they still sometimes haunt my memory, memories of missed opportunities and lingering hurt. 

We also could learn from the mistakes of others, thereby avoiding similar consequences. Often, God’s word teaches us about things to avoid, in order to escape the repercussions of sin. For example, engaging in reckless behaviors like drinking and driving can lead to severe lifelong consequences, such as arrest, being maimed, or killed in car accidents. Moreover, pursuing relationships that God does not ordain can leave lifelong scars, such as the implications of fornication and adultery. Those who commit various crimes may face significant legal consequences, including imprisonment. To put it another way, every sin has its price to pay. And even if God forgives one, some consequences of sin will carry with us throughout the rest of our journey on earth (2 Sam. 12:10-14).

So, young man, pay attention to the wisdom shared with you. Remember that Satan has long sought to convince us that God is withholding something good, which is a great deception (Gen. 3:4-5; Jn. 8:44). In reality, God aims to protect us from a life filled with suffering and heartache. Make the pursuit of wisdom your principal objective, and it will support and uphold you!

Much of Proverbs chapter 3 revolves around truisms—statements that are generally true. Following these teachings, one can usually expect favorable outcomes, although there may be exceptions to the rule. This chapter is rich in guidance, especially for the young. 

Solomon instructs his son not to forget his teachings and to keep his commands in his heart. He writes that following this wisdom will lead to a longer life filled with peace (Prov. 3:1-2). However, this does not guarantee that one will live to a ripe old age; instead, it suggests that making wise decisions based on God’s word generally leads to a more favorable life (through the making of better choices). 

The author emphasizes the importance of “mercy and truth” (yes, both), urging his son to keep them close, like binding them around his neck and writing them on the tablet of his heart. This means always incorporating God-like values into our consciousness. By doing so, one can find favor with both God and others. 

A well-known verse in this chapter is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (vv. 5-6, New King James Version). Acknowledging God in all aspects of life requires a wholehearted commitment. By recognizing Him in every decision, we can trust that He will guide our paths. 

When we allow God to lead us, we avoid relying solely on our own wisdom. We will honor the Lord with our possessions, and He will continually provide increase for us. Embracing God’s discipline, rather than resenting it, allows us to find true happiness in life, seeing things from God’s perspective (vv. 11-12). 

God created the universe through His wisdom, and we can find safety and security by pursuing and following it (vv. 18-26). Additionally, we can put wisdom to use while helping others who are in need. Good and right thinking encourages us to act in faith for the betterment of others. 

Moreover, wisdom teaches that we should not envy the oppressor, but rather, recognize the futility of following their ways. 

While this chapter offers diverse guidance for young people, there are exceptions to this guidance. However, adhering to these truisms can help individuals make wiser choices, leading to more favorable outcomes (generally speaking). Lord, grant me more wisdom so that I can be a good steward of the many blessings You provide. In Jesus’ name, I ask for an increase in wisdom, and I pledge to put it to use in every aspect of my life.

Oh God, I desire to receive Your words and, beyond that, the treasures of Your commands within me. Turn my ear to focus on Your wisdom; help me to lift my voice and diligently seek and search for it. This is what I long to do. You said that if I actively seek out wisdom, I will understand the fear of You and find knowledge. I know that You are the source of all these treasures spoken of in Proverbs, and I pray that You will guard my path and preserve my way so that I may understand righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path (Prov. 2:1-9). 

Father, I want to exercise discretion and possess an accurate understanding. Please preserve and keep me. I also pray that You will deliver me through the wisdom in my heart, mind, and life, protecting me from those who speak perverse things and from those who stray from the path of righteousness to follow wicked ways (2:10-15). 

I pray not only for myself but for other men as well, that You will grant them wisdom as they seek it. May they attain that abundance and use it rightly. We must be aware of the seductress as a lurking danger; men and women both need to recognize this. There are men, too, who seek to take advantage of women for their own perverse desires (2:16-18). 

Father, give us wisdom and a strong heart, and grant us moral fortitude. May all Your people see the consequences of those who do evil, and may we abstain from anything that could ensnare our souls. Give us the courage and boldness to cling faithfully to You, even when we encounter enticing, yet evil ways. Please help us remember the consequences that await those who indulge in sinful behavior, so that we may avoid such actions at all costs (2:19-22). Amen.

The proverbs of Solomon provide practical wisdom that can benefit everyone, especially young people (Prov. 1:3, 8). Reading this book can help us grow in discerning our current circumstances, allowing us to see things as they truly are. It also helps us avoid being manipulated or controlled by others. Importantly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; without this reverence for God, no amount of information we acquire will serve us well (1:7). We must respect God, return to His word, and grow through using it in our daily lives. 

In this first chapter, we are reminded to recognize the ungodly schemes and plots of men (1:8-19). Peer pressure can influence everyone, particularly young people, to engage in behaviors that lead to negative, lasting consequences. It is crucial for all people, but especially the youth, to understand that their actions have consequences that can last a lifetime… and even carry into eternity. Solomon warns, “So are the ways of everyone greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners” (Proverbs 1:19). 

Wisdom, in this chapter, is personified as a woman calling out in the streets, urging us to heed her words. If only we would heed her voice and come to her, we could grow in understanding! We must recognize the importance of accepting wisdom, as refusing her can lead to calamity, embarrassing situations, or compromised circumstances in our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. When we ignore wisdom, we are responsible for the consequences that follow (1:20-32). 

There are warnings here, as well as comfort. Wisdom promises that those who listen to her will dwell safely and be secure without fear of evil. To have freedom from fear is the result of possessing true wisdom (1:33). 

I pray that God Almighty will increase my wisdom, enabling me to discern the circumstances around me. When others plot and manipulate for evil, may I recognize it and turn away. I pray that as I seek to grow in wisdom, I will embrace what God offers and that He will provide for me in every way. Moreover, I ask for boldness and confidence in this pursuit. Oh God, please increase my faith! Amen.

The Holy Spirit inspired the collection of proverbs found in the Bible. Most were written or collected by Solomon, but the complete book, as we have it, was not put together until at least 200 years later; this is because it contains the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah copied (see Proverbs 25:1 and 2 Kings 18:1).

The book has a natural outline: 

1. The Fatherly Instructor teaches his son and urges him to seek after wisdom (Chapters 1-9). 

2. The proverbs of Solomon (Chapters 10-24). 

3. Proverbs of Solomon copied by the men of King Hezekiah (Chapters 25-29). 

4. The words of Agur, the son of Jakeh, the oracle (Chapter 30). 

5. The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him (Chapter 31). 

The first six verses of the book inform us about the purpose of the proverbs. 

Know wisdom and instruction: This refers to the ability to see things as they truly are, distinguishing reality from fiction. Instruction refers to discipline, which, when aligned with wisdom, allows one to control and manage one’s affairs effectively. 

Discern the words of understanding: This means to understand the principles by which to evaluate information or discussions, determining whether they are good or bad, true or false. 

Receive instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity: A person guided by the proverbs will act not out of external pressure or custom but through an understanding of the principles of right and wrong. 

Give prudence to the simple: Here, “the simple” refers to the naive person, typically a young man who lacks experience. The inspired proverbs can provide knowledge from experience, teaching care and discretion—the capacity to comprehend the right intentions, implement appropriate actions, and devise effective plans. 

Increase learning for the wise: The wise person will hear and increase their knowledge, while the person of understanding—the one willing to be informed—may gain rules for conduct and management. Thus, proverbs assist those who are already wise to manage both their own affairs and the affairs of others wisely. 

Comprehend wise sayings: Finally, the proverbs enable individuals to grasp profound sayings, helping them understand the words of the wise and their enigmas or puzzles. 

Over the next 31 days, we will read the Book of Proverbs—one chapter a day—and make notes of 3 to 5 observations from each text to draw practical applications for daily life. I invite you to join. Our hope and goal is to be a little wiser 31 days from now than we are today. Let’s take the distilled wisdom of the ages and make practical applications in our lives, starting now. 

Join us tomorrow as we plan to read Chapter 1, and feel free to share any comments or observations you think are worth discussing in the comments section.

Some people do their good deeds to be seen by others, so that they may gain notoriety from men. They have their reward (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 7, 16). 

But then, there are those who have the word of God sown in their hearts. The seed therefore germinates, buds forth, and blossoms out into something so beautiful that others cannot help but notice! 

13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

~ Matthew 5:13-16

In Jesus’ time, the Sadducees were part of a distinct class system within Judea, aligned with beliefs that often led to conflict with the Pharisees. The Sadducees were known for rejecting faith in the resurrection and the existence of angels (Acts 23:8). When they tested Jesus about the resurrection, Jesus did not accept their ignorance. Instead, He rebuked them for “not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:23-33; Mk. 12:18-27; Lk. 20:27-40). Likewise, there are some today who are missing the mark on vital aspects of truth. May we reflect on various points that can and should be affirmed (even those espoused by counterparts)? 

Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus rebuke anyone for striving to faithfully keep all of God’s Law to the best of their ability. Some equated their man-made traditions with God’s word and, as a result, cast aside the true meanings of various passages of Scripture (Mk 7:1-13). Many also had hypocritical and hypercritical attitudes (Matt. 7:1-5; Mk. 7:10-24; Lk. 18:9-14), and Jesus was swift to condemn such sinful attitudes. But the Lord expects much from His followers, and while good intentions are necessary, so is the truth (Jn. 17:17, 20-21). If we constantly hear warnings against one extreme without any against the other, I encourage you to pray, reflect, and exercise discernment.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 

10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 

11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

~ Philippians 1:9-11