5-14-07 Proverbs 4:5, 6

Proverbs 4:5, 6 (NAS)
Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.

Proverbs 4:5, 6 (NRSV)
Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

Proverbs 4:5, 6 (NLT)
Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don’t forget or turn away from my words. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.

In a capitalistic society, in which everyone is free to buy and sell goods, people can develop an attitude of trying to get everything that they desire. In fact, as this "I want" attitude grows, so does greed and the love of money, which results in all sorts of evil.

However, the word of God does encourage you to try to get certain things that will actually benefit your life, things to which you should erect an edifice. One of these things is wisdom, which makes you skillful and artful. It also increases your intelligence so that you can be more productive in what Adonai the Lord God has asked you to do.

The Lord also wants you to gain knowledge and understanding. He has made your mind capable of separating and distinguishing good from evil. You are able to diligently consider what is put in front of you, so that you can make the right choice. When you gain wisdom and understanding, you become more teachable, perceptive, and prudent. Then you look well to all who observe you.

Once you are diligent in your pursuit of wisdom and understanding, you must also remain diligent not to mislay what you have learned. You should continue to pay attention to it and commit it to memory. You will prove yourself unwise if you forget.

You should never bend away from the words that come forth from the mouth of God. If your decline to hear what He says, you will be overthrown and perverted. However, if you do not forsake Adonai's commands and promises, in which you find wisdom and understanding, you will not fail and be left destitute, but you will be protected and preserved. God will hedge you about, guarding you from the enemy's onslaughts.

Therefore, choose wisdom as you would a friend. Love her and she will guard and maintain you. Wisdom will watch over you, so that you are not besieged. You will be hidden within the monument of God's word.