Hear, my child, and accept my words,
    that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of evildoers.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
    they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
For they eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what they stumble over.
My child, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them
    and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
Let your eyes look directly forward
    and your gaze be straight before you.
Keep straight the path of your feet,
    and all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil. (New Revised Standard Version)

Life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Only those who persevere, and have patience over the course of their lives, will know what wisdom is, and how to live a good life.

We never get to a point in life in which we can simply rest on our laurels and slide effortlessly into end of life, and beyond to eternal life. The wisdom of endurance and humility is needed all the time, because decision-making is continually required.

The Book of Proverbs brings up some constant themes for us to keep in mind with our choices in life: There is always a choice of contrasting ways between wisdom and foolishness. That choice typically involves either a quick solution, or waiting for a good outcome.

In some ways, wisdom is the teacher who keeps giving us remedial instruction. The sage advice of the biblical proverbs continues to remind us of the connection between righteousness, justice, and the good life. Over and over we are instructed to remember the consequences to foolish decisions.

Four times in today’s lesson is the repeated exhortation to “keep:” keep hold of instruction; keep it close to your heart; keep your heart; and keep straight the path of your feet. This has the idea of valuing and treasuring the wise sayings given. To have a hold of the heart is to have hold of the life. For we do what we love.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20-21, NIV)

The orientation of one’s heart happens from the bottom up, through the formation of habits of desire. Learning to love God takes practice. Walking in the way of wisdom takes time.

The best way to avoid the path of evil, and not throw in your lot with the wicked, is to love righteousness, goodness, and justice. Our love for what is right, good, and just shall win out in the competing voices around us and within us. Peer pressure is no pressure at all, whenever our love is oriented toward wisdom.

You will see evil for the sheer foolishness it is, and will steer clear of it, at all costs. Love brings meaning and connection to life. Love, in the path of wisdom, clarifies one’s own spiritual sense, that there is a moral order to this universe; such a person is determined to not violate that good order.

To reach anyone, the heart must be moved to right thinking and right action. Fear of punishment is a poor means of swaying any person. A parent who threatens a child is being foolish. But a parent who gives wise instruction, along with why it’s important, with a heavy dose of love, is building a relationship which will strengthen the child’s resolve to live justly.

Rules without relationship leads to rebellion. However, the time and attention given to a loving relationship with a child helps them understand the rules, so that they have no intention of stoking a rebellious spirit.

When parents, teachers, faith leaders, mentors, and even corporate bosses aptly communicate a real love and concern, with humility and gentleness, then they are learning the way of wisdom. And this sort of leadership is needed medicine to a sick soul. It makes life good; and work, family, and church a blessing, not a burden.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, NRSV)

The wise person guards their heart and protects it as the precious possession that it is. They keep to a right and good path of life. Wisdom is their food and drink, their eyes and ears, their thoughts and intentions.

Wise persons refuse to let bitterness and grudge-bearing enter their hearts. Instead, they pay attention to what wisdom teaches them:

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90:12, NLT

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, NIV)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1, NIV)

In a sense, we are all curators of our own hearts. That is, we decide what goes into it, and what goes out. We choose what others will experience of us, and what they won’t. Through curating our hearts, we display what is truly valuable and important to us.

It’s up to you and me to decide whether we will keep on the sure, yet narrow, road of wisdom. Or whether we will take an exit onto another road that leads to the graveyard of souls.

Choose wisely, my friends. Choose wisely.

All-wise and good God: I will trust You for generous wisdom straight paths, and a peaceful heart. I praise you for being a great decision-making God. For it is Your right choices which make all the difference. And I will trust You to order my steps according to the way of justice and righteousness. Amen.