v7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Very simply, wisdom is the core of everything we seek in life. The primary thing. With wisdom everything else is attainable. So we need to specialize in gaining wisdom. This is the reason I continually study Proverbs because of the wise principles which can be found here. So keep wisdom as a priority. And an understanding of what is wise. We can have access to the wisdom, and read it in Proverbs, but we need the understanding of it so we can apply it to our lives.

v13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Many, when instructions are given either ignore it or defy it, as opposed to just following it. But instructions, as we read here, when coming from the right source are our life. It is what can help us avoid many pitfalls. We should cleave to instruction because it is evidence that we not only want wisdom, but also that one we are ready for wisdom and actually even has some wisdom. Once you realize that you don’t know it all by yourself, you have reached a level of maturity and higher understanding where you recognize that you can benefit from others who offer knowledge outside of the scope of your understanding.

It starts with our acceptance of being open to learning from others and receiving instructions. Instructions are one of the most important aspects of life, from the time we are children and on throughout adulthood where we are broached with more consequential decisions. Unfortunately, many times it becomes easier to dish out instructions as opposed to following them. Why take a chance with life? Follow the lead of someone who can give sound advice guiding you to wiser pastures. If we think about it, many times we may skirt pass invaluable counsel contained in the Word of God. The Word tells us in Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. Thank God He gives us people in our lives whom we can follow their instructions to remain on the right path.

v14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
v15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

We must go out of our way to avoid the paths of evil men. They are stumbling blocks for our journey and can take us away from the destiny we are to achieve. So once we have identified who is righteous, in right standing, we should associate with those people. But whomever is not, we need to avoid. They can potentially pull us in their direction. Many times it is our good intentions to save, or help them, yet we need to be wise.

v23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
The heart is a very complex, yet fragile organ of the body. It is important that we guard our heart. I’m not simply talking about just our physical heart, but the essence of who we are and what we believe. This is what will determine the things we do and what we will become.

Lessons For Life – Proverbs 4
Posted by: samuelstewart at 00:00, June 23 2010

A father is to give instruction.  Direction as to what should be done.  I believe it was in Proverbs 2 it said a father gives instruction while a mother gives wisdom.