Day 4 – Read Proverbs 4
Listen and Don’t Turn Away
“I remember a lot of talks with my dad, but some things stick with me to this day.”
That’s Proverbs in a nutshell—thirty-one chapters of one-liners that stick to us. In chapter 4 of Proverbs, Solomon starts off by saying, “Pay attention.” That is where wisdom begins. We need to pay attention and listen if we're going to attain understanding.
For I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. – Proverbs 4:2 NLT
We live in an age of information. Too much information, however, can cause mental clutter, which prevents us from being present and listening attentively to others. If we want to gain wisdom, we need to decide to be a good listener. Here is a quick tip: listen silently. The letters in the word "listen" are the same letters in the word "silent." I learned that one from my father!
The Importance of a Father's Instruction
Solomon also tells us to not turn away from our father’s instructions. That’s a good lesson for us, because we're often tempted to turn away from wisdom. Yes, the enemy will work overtime to distract us and get us off the path. But the writer tells us that wisdom will lead us on a straight course.
The Path of Wisdom
When I read God’s Word, I pray this prayer: “Lord, give me ears to hear what You are saying to me today.” I pray this because my mind is often so cluttered with other voices and messages that I struggle to hear what God is saying.
Staying on the path of wisdom is a decision we must make every day. I’ve learned that this takes humility and a teachable spirit. We must acknowledge our need for wisdom, seek after it wholeheartedly, and then actively apply what we've learned to our daily lives.
With God’s help, we can keep the course!
Dig Deeper
1. What are two benefits of gaining wisdom?
2. Why is God’s Word the best wisdom?
3. Pray this prayer: “Lord give me an ear to hear.”
