PROVERBS 4:1-27

Security in Wisdom
Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from
the words of my mouth.

Bible commentary:
Get wisdom. If this is typical of the counsel David gave to his favorite son, it is not surprising that Solomon requested wisdom when given an opportunity to ask for a special blessing (1 kings 3:5-15). These verses contain an epitome of much of the instruction in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is like the
shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

Bible commentary:
Path of the just. As the light steals almost imperceptibly across the sky at dawn and then grows brighter at an ever-increasing rate, until the full glory of the day is seen, so the light of truth shines upon the pathway of the righteous. The closer a man comes to his Lord, the more time and effort he gives to gaining a knowledge of God through prayerful Bible study, and the brighter shines the light
It is not only the light shining upon the Christian that increases. The reflected light that shines out from the just man is also magnified in the same measure. The darkness of the last days will accentuate the growth of this radiance. Translation will bring the outward appearance into harmony with the inner brightness of the sinless saints (see GC 470, 476)

Proverbs 4:19
The way of the wicked is like
darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.

Bible commentary:
Way of the wicked. The darkness that blinds those who insist on following their own ways is so deceptive that such men think they are the ones who have the real light. They stumble and fall without knowing it. For them, the revelations of the judgment will come as a fearful surprise (see Matt. 25:44; GC 640,645).

Proverbs 4:22
For they are life to those who find
them,
And health to all their flesh.

Bible commentary:
Health. The close relation between the mind and body seems here to be indicated. Wisdom and understanding bring healing to the body as well as to the soul. Folly misundertanding, anxiety, and guilt are common causes of physical and mental trouble (MH 241)

Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.

Bible commentary:
Keep thy heart. That is, "keep the mind" (see on ch. 2:10). Purity of mind is the first requisite for a sinless life. It is out of the abundance if the heart (mind) that good or evil comes into our lives (Luke 6:45). Sin is the indulging of the desires of the sinful, deceitful human heart (Jer. 17:9), hence the need for diligence in keeping the mind surrendered to God, who alone can keep it pure (see Eph. 4:17, 23)

Proverbs 4:24
Put away from you a deceitful
mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.

Bible comment:
Perverse lips. The tongue is the hardest member to control (James 3:1-12). Only purity of mind and a close watch upon the tongue will eventually subdue this wicked member. What the tongue says is a food indication of the state if the mind. Gossip, especially about unsavory things, shows a mind still filled with earthy interests. Angry words show that pride and selfwill still rule. Every slip of the tongue should send us ti the Lord for cleansing of the mind (Ps. 101:5) Prov. 6:12; Matt. 12:34 Rom. 12:2).

Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.

Bible commentary:
Look right on. When the heart is set upon righteousness, the eyes will cease to rove. Modern city life besets the passer-by scription, and there is no better protection that the straightforward walk, with the eyes fixed with singleness of purpose upon the goal. In the walk through life we must keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus if we are to attain salvation (Heb. 12:2).

Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be
established.

Bible commentary:
Ponder. Heb. palas, "to weigh," "to make level," here perhaps to weigh mentally. Such a course would lead to the removing of every obstacle that might cause the foot to stumble. Purity of heart, truthfulness of speech, and singleness of purpose make possible the advancement of our ways in peace. These qualities bring their own reward, and to this God adds His own blessings.