Day 7 - Listen and Live

Today's Reading is Proverbs 4:1-17 (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 wisdom. Though it cost all you have, 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.

Questions to Consider about the Reading:

What stands out to you about how wisdom is personified in this passage? How does the father describe the benefits of pursuing wisdom?

Notice how verse 7 emphasizes "Get wisdom" twice. Why do you think this repetition is significant, and what does it mean that this is "the beginning of wisdom"?

What consequences are described for both following the path of wisdom and the path of wickedness? How do these relate to your own life choices?

This passage presents wisdom as something to be cherished, loved, and protected. Which of these attitudes toward wisdom do you find most challenging to maintain in your daily life?

The father refers to wisdom as "your life" in verse 13. In what ways is wisdom not just about making good decisions but actually life-giving?

What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?

Ending Prayer

God, thank you for the gift of wisdom that guides our steps and protects our path. Help me to value wisdom enough to pursue it wholeheartedly, even when it's difficult or costly. Show me where I might be tempted to walk in paths that lead away from you. Give me the courage to turn away from those paths and follow the straight ways you've set before me. I want to cherish your wisdom more than any earthly treasure. Amen.