The source of our instruction is not the law, but it is much like the instruction which was given to Abraham before the law. Evil was not forbidden, but instead there was a divinely appointed path that rested upon Abraham’s communion with his God.
Wisdom is taught so as to remain in the heart to be discerned, attained. There is nothing to discover in law; we need only obey.
Instruction is life — wisdom is the principal thing. The path of the wicked is darkness and is to be avoided; it leads to death.
The mature young person has been taught in the way of wisdom, not only by the Word, but also in practice, so that he knows how to resist the enemy. He has had experience in the fear of God, so his steps should not falter, nor should he stumble.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence [above all that is guarded]; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:2323Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)).
The heart is the center of joy, sorrow, secrets, decisions, objects, worship, purpose and treasures — a sacred place.
Evil comes from the right hand and the left. If tempted, we are to remove our foot from evil. We need to ponder the path of our feet (God does), so that our ways might be established.