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Proverbs / A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom
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Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord Warning Against Enticement by Sinners Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery The Example of a Young Man Seduced Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman

A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom

Proverbs 4:1-27

4
Chapter 4
1 Hear, sons, the discipline of a father, and listen to know understanding. 2 For I have given you good teaching, my Torah—do not leave it. 3 For I was a son to my father, tender and only one before my mother. 4 And he instructed me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments and live." 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will preserve you. 7 The beginning of wisdom: acquire wisdom, and in all your acquisition acquire understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will raise you; she will honor you when you embrace her. 9 She will give a wreath of grace to your head, a crown of glory—your shield. 10 Hear, my son, and take my words, and they will multiply for you years of life. 11 In the way of wisdom I have instructed you; I have directed you in circuits of straight. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be narrow, and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold fast to discipline; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not stand in the way of the evil ones. 15 Let it loose—do not cross in it, turn aside from upon it and cross. 16 For they do not sleep unless they do evil, and their sleep is robbed unless they cause someone to stumble. 17 For they eat the bread of the wicked, and wine of violent ones they drink. 18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until the day is established. 19 The way of the wicked is like gloom; they do not know what they stumble over. 20 My son, give attentive ear to my words, to my good sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them and healing to all their flesh. 23 Above all guards, keep your heart, for from it come the outgoings of life. 24 Remove from yourself crookedness of mouth and deviousness of lips; keep them far from yourself. 25 Your eyes shall look straight ahead, and your eyelids shall make straight before you. 26 Make level the circuit of your foot, and all your ways will be made firm. 27 Do not turn to the right or left; keep your foot away from evil.