‏ Proverbs 4

* Exhortation to the study of wisdom. (1-13) Cautions against

bad company, Exhortation to faith and holiness. (14-27)

1-13 We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though

instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome.

Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and

godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree

that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to

happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy

corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this

world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This

wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and

grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are

those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting

understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God!

Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of

eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking,

and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being

straitened or stumbling. 14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest

way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end

ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not

said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never

think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous

is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints

will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall

shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness.

The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall

into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble,

but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor

what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to

shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a

work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying

it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all

diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must

set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing

hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of

it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the

Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing

forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put

away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned

from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by

the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and

Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee

more closely for the time to come.