To learn and to follow wisdom’s teaching leads to temporal blessings and favor with God and man.
The young person, once a child, is now on his own, having been instructed for the path that lies ahead. This instruction is the same today as it was the day it was written. It is universal — it is wisdom’s voice to everyone entering public life. Now the inward governing power of the heart is to be tested, and he is warned not to forget the teaching that still echoes in his youthful heart. If he forgets, there will be shame in spite of all the knowledge.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).
Should he do this, he will find favor in the sight of God and man. Jesus at twelve years of age had favor and understanding in the sight of God and man (Luke 2:52).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).
A blossoming youth, if he neglects the instruction that he has received and leaves his place of prayer and communion with God, will find a life of bitterness. Communion is the lifeline — it is wisdom. In communion (through prayer and reading of the Word) we learn to know God and to trust Him in everything. One who does not trust God in all circumstances does not know Him. One is saved by believing in the Saviour, but that is only the beginning of the path of faith.
Simplicity is a great thing for walking in the presence of God — no pretention, no jealousy, no mischief or wrong peace. If we become wise in our own eyes, we are liable to fall into evil because we do not fear the Lord.
Wisdom gives us to judge between the pleasures of sin and heavenly things,
We are to honor the Lord with our substance; we are to give to the needy.
We are not to despise the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of His correction. It results in wisdom which is more precious than rubies. Correction is never without cause in us, and never without love with the Lord.
Wisdom gives length of days, ways of pleasantness and paths of peace; it is the tree of life. It gives safety and protection from the enemy.