The Wisdom of Proverbs

In my daily devotional readings, I have just begun Proverbs. I am struck by how relevant Solomon's words remain today. And the imagery he uses that makes concepts (like wisdom, for instance) take on physical attributes.

I have watched in pain as too many people derail their lives for fleeting moments of pleasure. Oh, how I wish we would listen to the Wise One. Here are just a few exerpts from my reading today, as Solomon says what we can expect if we seek wisdom:

"then you will understand what is right and just and fair -- every good path . . .
It will save you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her return or attain the paths of life."

"The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without konwledge.
She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.
'Let all who are simple come in here!' she says to those who lack judgment.
'Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!'
But little do they know that the dead are there.,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave."

"Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

These words alone could save so much heartache! They would have even saved Solomon a lot of pain if he had just listened to his own advice.