Proverbs 4:9

At the end of this poem, the royal family speaks about a crown. This crown is not a gold crown or a silver crown. It is a crown for a king, but a poor person can wear a crown, too. Wisdom gives honour to us. This gift is like a beautiful crown.

In the introduction to this poem, we saw that it was about every family. This poem was not just about Israel’s royal family. Every family can teach wisdom. Every person can trust God and learn to be wise. We can all wear wisdom’s crown. Jesus said, ‘God will give honour to anyone who serves me.’ (John 12:26)

v10 My son, believe my words!

They will bring you long life.

v11 I am guiding you in a wise way.

I am leading you along straight paths.

v12 You will walk in safety.

When you run, you will not fall.

v13 Hold on to my instructions! Learn them well!

Guard my instructions, and they will give you a long life.

v14 Do not choose the same path as wicked men!

Do not walk with evil men!

v15 Keep off evil paths! Do not travel on them!

Turn away! Go elsewhere!

v16 Evil men cannot sleep before they have done an evil action.

They cannot sleep before they have tripped up someone!

v17 An evil man thinks that his evil ways are better than bread.

An evil man thinks that cruelty is better than wine.

This passage returns to the idea that life is like a journey.