Chapter 4
Growing up with two professional drivers as parents was… let’s just say, educational. Especially my mom. Every time we got in the car — and I mean every single time (I promise I’m not exaggerating) — she would go into full-blown “driver’s ed instructor” mode.
She preached to my brother and me about everything: how to approach a traffic light, when to signal for a lane change, how to control your speed, and the proper following distance. She pointed out every road sign like she was giving a live tour: “That’s a yield. Here’s a merge. Never ignore this one.” Honestly, it was like riding with a human DMV manual.
One day at school — I was in the fourth grade — my teacher started talking about driving. Her boyfriend worked for the DMV, and she thought it’d be funny to give the class the actual written driving test just to see how clueless we were. She was cracking up grading the papers… until she got to mine. I was the only 9-year-old in the school to pass the DMV written exam. I guess all those car sermons paid off!
And to this day, I can honestly say her constant teaching helped me out. Sure, I’ve had a few fender benders over the years, but never because I wasn’t paying attention. (Knock on wood!)
Think of a parent, mentor, or maybe even an overly vocal car passenger who’s passed down some hard-earned wisdom — teaching you how to manage money, avoid toxic people, or just keep your head on straight. Usually, those lessons come from their mistakes, and they’re just trying to save you from the same pain.
That’s exactly how Proverbs 4 reads — like a loving parent sitting their kid down and saying, “Listen. Please don’t ignore this stuff.” It urges us to hold tightly to wisdom and not let go. It describes two paths: the way of the righteous, which grows brighter like the morning sun, and the path of the wicked, which leads to stumbling and regret.
Life is full of paths — and we’re all walking one. The real question is: Where is yours leading?
Proverbs 4 reminds us that every choice we make is taking us somewhere. Wisdom is the compass that keeps us moving toward peace, purpose, and clarity — and away from chaos and regret.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He’s not just offering advice — He’s offering the actual path to walk. He is the road that leads to life.
So if the path you’re on is pointing you toward Jesus, you’re in a good place. If not… well, this is your friendly reminder to safely make a U-turn!
Get Wisdom at Any Cost
1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 16 For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
