![]() ![]() Our temptation is to leave these when we become adequately proficient and move on to things that we find more interesting and exciting. Success usually comes to those who keep concentrating on and perfecting the basics in their work. The last pericope of this chapter emphasizes the importance of persisting in the good practices that will lead to life. The main opposing elements set in contrast in Proverbs 4:10-19 alternate between safety and danger, and between certainty and uncertainty. "With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures." This section closes with another summary comparison ( Proverbs 4:18-19 cf. "How sick to find peace only at the price of another man’s misfortune!" Another writer commented on Proverbs 4:16-17 in these words. However, this is upside down morality ( Proverbs 4:16 cf. "Don’t take the first step, for you may not be master of your destiny thereafter." Ī person can become as zealous for evil as for good. One writer restated Proverbs 4:14-15 as follows. "The road metaphor does not depict life from the cradle to the grave, but the road to eternal life versus the road to eternal death." They help travelers stay on the proper part of the road so they do not have accidents, but instead arrive safely at the right destination. God’s commands are similar to the lines on modern highways. It offers the fewest potholes, detours, and dangers. "Upright" paths ( Proverbs 4:11) are straightforward ways of behaving, morally and practically. In Proverbs 4:10-19, two paths again lie before the youth: the way of wisdom ( Proverbs 4:10-13) and the way of folly (the way of the wicked Proverbs 4:14-17). Do you want it? Come and get it." The second half of this verse probably means, "Be willing to part with anything else you may have to get understanding." One writer paraphrased Proverbs 4:7 a as follows: "What it takes is not brains or opportunity, but decision. Normally those who keep God’s commandments live ( Proverbs 4:4), but there are exceptions. The Hebrew word translated "instruction" ( Proverbs 4:2) can also mean "law" (cf. His is not a bad example for other fathers to follow. This father structured formal times of instruction for his sons. Proverbs 3:27-31), he wanted his sons to realize that by heeding his counsel they could find the best life possible. Rather than saying, "Don’t do this and that!" which he did elsewhere (cf. Solomon’s instruction here was very positive. The first section of verses in this chapter shows how parents can pass along the love of wisdom: mainly by personal influence. "This chapter is comprised of three discourses on the value of wisdom, each including the motifs of instruction, exhortation, command, and motivation." ![]()
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