Proverbs 4:5, 7, 13-15, 20-23, 26-27

So make wisdom your quest— search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other.

Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it! Revelation-knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!

So receive my correction no matter how hard it is to swallow, for wisdom will snap you back into place— her words will be invigorating life to you. Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path. Stay away from it; don’t even go there!

Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and pay attention to all that I have to say. Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being. So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.