BibleProject | The Wisdom of ProverbsSample

Chapter 4: Embrace Lady Wisdom

In this chapter we find three more speeches from the father to his son.

5th Speech from Father to Son

Verses 1-9: At the beginning of this chapter the father gathers his sons around for a special speech. It’s almost like he’s a proud, slightly worried dad giving a wedding toast. He shares the words he received years ago from his own father, urging him to embrace Lady Wisdom. “She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown,” he says. Notice the reverent, relational way the father speaks of Lady Wisdom to his sons.

6th Speech from Father to Son

Verses 10-19: Now the father and son sit down for a man-to-man talk. No more soft words like “cherish,” “honor,” or “embrace.” He uses stark contrasts to make his point: there are only two ways of life—wickedness or righteousness. Notice that there’s not a third option. Choose light or dark, life or death; it’s up to you. Just like in chapter 3, the father uses very pointed, descriptive vocabulary to clarify the benefits and consequences of the two distinct paths.

7th Speech from Father to Son

Verses 20-27: For the seventh speech, the father builds on the preceding one. Once the correct path is chosen, the father makes his son ready for the journey. He stresses that following this path will require his heart, eyes, ears, mouth and feet. Count how many times each is referenced. To stay on this path requires your whole being. These words are not just mere advice— they are “life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”

The Book of Proverbs teaches us how to live the GOOD life – walking the radiant path with Lady Wisdom at our side. What paths are you ready to forsake to choose the good life?