Reflections on Proverbs 4

» Go get her! (4:1-9)
A father's (parent's) instruction to his sons to get wisdom ... Solomon's recollection of David's instructions in 4:3??

Do not abandon my instruction; hold fast my words; do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth; do not forsake; prize her! The above exhortations ... a reflection of our tendency to forget and stray from wisdom??

The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom (4:7a)
NIV translation ... Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom ... i.e., the primary thing is wisdom so get wisdom! How does 4:7a square (agree) with "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (1:7)??

And with all your acquiring, get understanding (4:7b)
NIV translation ... Though it cost all you have, get understanding

4:7 reminds me of

(1) Solomon's choice in 1 Kgs 3:5,9-14

(2) The pearl of great value in Matt 13:45-46
... when a merchant found a pearl of great value, he sold all that he had to buy the pearl!

The fundamental question is, "Do you value wisdom?" If you do, go get her!


» Two paths contrasted (4:10-19)
A father's (parent's) instruction ≡ wisdom (4:10-11)??

The way of wisdom ... upright paths

(1) long life (4:10b)
(2) righteous behaviour (4:11b)
(3) a smooth path (to success?) ... you will not be impeded, you will not stumble (4:12)
(4) like the light of dawn ... bright (4:18)

The path of the wicked ...

(1) lack of sleep (4:16)
(2) violence (4:17)
(3) darkness ... stumbling (4:19)

Stay away from the path of the wicked ... stay far far away (do not even pass by it) ... in fact, turn away from it ... definitely, do not enter!


» Health checkup (4:20-27)
ears - incline your ear to my sayings (4:20b)
heart - watch over your heart with all diligence (4:23a) ... heart ≡ source??
mouth - put away a deceitful mouth + devious lips (4:24)
eyes - let your eyes look directly ahead ... straight in front @ the path of wisdom (4:25)
feet - watch the path of your feet ... turn your foot from evil (4:26-27)

Receiving wisdom should affect the whole person ... all aspects of one's life.

Keep them (parental sayings) in the midst of your heart for they are health to your whole body (4:21-22).


Alan's Gleanings | Copyright © October 2005 by Alan S.L. Wong

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