HOLD IT CLOSE

Proverbs 4:11-14, "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go: guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers." 

I was saved when I was 15 years old.  The Youth Director had me begin my quiet time in Proverbs because there are 31 chapters, and it corresponds with the number of days in a month. Now I know there are months that do not have 31 days, and the answer was easy! If the month only has 30 days, read just the chapter that matches the date! And, all these years later, I still read Proverbs by the date! Now, I have said all of that to say this. At 15, when I read something, I took it at face value! So when I read Chapter 4 on the 4th of  December, you don't know how I would have loved to have verses 11 and 12 be physically true as well as spiritually. Because if it was, I would not have fallen and fractured my femur! But, alas, it is what it is!

And, the spiritual meaning of these verses is so much more than my day dreaming about not falling. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! And by 'fear', it means knowledge. And we get to know God by studying His word. In doing so, He instructs us and leads us on straight paths. The walk mentioned here is our walk with Him! Now, here is the important part! The instruction He gives us we are to hold onto and never let it go! We need to hold it close and  guard it well, for it is our life!