A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 4

This is another power packed proverb. In verses 1-2, notice the action words "listen," "pay attention," "gain understanding," and "do not forsake." It is all in reference to sound learning and wisdom. In verses 3-4, we see commanding words like "lay hold," "keep my commands," and "with all your heart." The result of doing so is life.

In verses 5-9, we see more wise instruction concerning getting wisdom and understanding. "Do not forget, swerve from, or forsake." The reward is protection, exaltation, honor, grace, and a crown of splendor. Wisdom is described in the feminine and she comes at a great cost, but she is worth it. In verses 10-13, we see years added to our lives, guidance, straight paths with unhampered steps, and protection from stumbling. This is what wisdom rewards us with; such goodness.

In verses 14-17, we are warned to stay away from the path of the wicked; to not even set our foot upon this path, to avoid it at all cost, and to turn away from it - going our own way. There is no rest for the wicked. They eat and drink wickedness. We definitely want to steer clear of that.

In verses 18-19, we see a contrast between two paths. The path of the righteous is lit up; with dawn's first gleam that cuts through the darkness. This path is brighter than the brightest part of the day. However, the path of the wicked is in such deep darkness that the wicked can not see what causes them to stumble.

In verses 20-22, we are urged to keep our eyes and our heart locked in on wisdom. We are told to pay attention and listen closely, for this brings life and health to our whole body. In verses 23-27, we are urged to guard our hearts, because it is our source of life. Remember that we believe with our heart for whatever we are asking God for. If it is salvation, healing, finances, spiritual breakthrough, or whatever, we believe it with our heart and confess it with our mouth. This is how we receive from God. So, it's no wonder we are to protect our heart.

We are also urged in these verses to put away perverse talk. Why? Because our words have power. We believe with our heart and confess with our mouth. How can we confess the goodness and the blessings of God if we are cursing people or speaking trash into our lives? Finally, we are urged to keep our eyes fixed and set straight ahead. Jesus is our prize. He is wisdom itself and we are to look to Him alone. He is before us. Fix your eyes on Him. We are not to swerve to the right or left of the firm, level path that leads to Him.

Proverbs 4 (NIV)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
² I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching. 

³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live. 

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,^[b] get understanding.
⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
⁹ She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.” 

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life. 

¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶ For they cannot rest until they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence. 

¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble. 

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body. 

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the^[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
2. Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get
3. Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

* Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com