Proverbs 11:4-6 Will direct his way.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. Proverbs 11:4-6

"Will direct his way aright"

Direct: make smooth, straight

Way: course of life, or action, undertakings

When one follows wisdom and listens to the leading of the Lord... all things really do work out for HIS glory and honor. 

Yesterday, I had to take my Mom to the ER. After they ran some tests, they decided to transfer her to another town where a specialized Doctor could run more tests. My Dad and I drove to the hospital and even on the drive there, God directed our ways as we were in the correct lane to get our exits, etc. 

After getting Mom settled into a room for the night, I tried to call several hotels to see if they had rooms available for Dad and I. The first I could not get through; they simply did not answer the phone. The second said they had rooms, but we were disconnected. So, Dad and I decided to just drive until we saw a place and see if we could get some rooms. 

We found a Motel and next store was a restaurant. We inquired the hours, since is was already past 9 pm. They were still open. Dad and I enjoyed a bowl of Thai chicken soup — very good after such a long day. As we were enjoying our soup, we noticed that the music playing was Christian. We heard "Blessed Assurance" and a few other songs. 

After our meal, Dad gave the owner one of his Bible Studies. The owner perked up. He went to get his wife from the kitchen. We enjoyed talking with them for about 30 min. They have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and had some questions. We answered their questions and they even video taped Dad as he answered some. This way they can share it with their relatives in Thailand! It was a God-designed appointment! And a great blessing after a long day at the hospital. 

Will direct his way. God directed us the place we needed to be so that we could encourage believers. Having a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), gives one great peace and assurance that God is working and will direct us to where He wants us to be. 

Will direct his way. Are you being directed by God and His wisdom?

Proverbs 8:18-21: Wisdom's Fort Knox

Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:18-21

Riches: far richer

Honor: splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances

With: in one's possession or keeping, in his power

Enduring: valuable, advanced, eminent, surpassing

Riches: wealth, sufficiency

Righteousness: prosperity

Fruit: figurative of fruit of actions, i.e. their consequences

Revenue: income, what is produced

Traverse: walk steadfastly, unswervingly

Way: mode of action

Righteousness: as ethically right

Paths: moral action, and character

Justice: pronounce sentence (for or against); to vindicate or punish

Inherit: give as a possession

Fill: be full of, have wholly

Treasuries: a depository, armory, storehouse

Fort Knox Bullion Depository

Have you ever read some of the facts about the Fort Knox Vault? The vault door weighs more than 20 tons! Wow! Since Fort Knox is filled with gold, it has very high levels of security in place. 

Once again Proverbs explains that wisdom is far more valuable than the finest and purest gold. As of 5:47 am ET on Nov 3, 3015 the value for ONE OUNCE of 24K ranges from $1129.5 - $1138.8. That is just ONE OUNCE of pure gold. 

Think of the value of gold in Fort Knox. Then try to comprehend the value of wisdom, which is even greater. It's incomprehensible. Yet, even with the value of wisdom and how easily we can get wisdom, we still continue to ignore it. 

We have the "ultimate Fort Knox of Knowledge" at our disposal. We have the combination to the vault. It's available to us 24/7. But sadly, we'd rather search elsewhere and be content in our foolishness. 

If someone gave us access to Fort Knox and said, "Help yourself. Don't worry about taking it all, because we'll refill it. It will never be empty." Once someone picked us up off the floor, from fainting, we'd be in awe. But that is EXACTLY what WISDOM says. And instead of being in awe and enjoying all the wisdom wants to give us, we simply say, "No, thanks. I'll do it on my own." And we leave Wisdom's Fort Knox empty handed. 

I WANT access to Wisdom's Fort Knox! So, the first thing I must do, is make sure that my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For that is the combination to gain access to the vault. 

Wisdom's Fort Knox is available. Will you put it to good use? Or ignore it? 

Proverbs 3:6: Practice Being Wise

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6

In all: the direction of the whole, every

Your ways: course of life, or action, undertakings, including moral character, good sense.

Acknowledge: learn to know, perceive with added idea of observing, taking note of, know by experience, recognize, be wise

Direct: make smooth, straight, in ethical sense

Paths: of course & fortunes of life, mode of living, or of character

Acknowledge. Take note of.  

When asked why I blog.. it's so that I can "remember" all that God has taught me. I often take time to go back and re-read blog posts. And sadly, as I read them... I realize that I have forgotten lessons God taught me, and blessings He's supplied. 

Throughout Scripture, God tells people to build monuments, or do certain things to remember things God has done. It's important to remember. Take note of what God has done and is doing. Take note of what God says in the Bible. Take note of what God is teaching. Take note of. 

Acknowledge. Take not of. Know by experience. 

Do. Experience helps cement the "knowing". Book knowledge is good, but actual hands-on experience cements that knowledge into our hearts and mind. Think about it for a minute. Which surgeon would you rather have: 1. Who has read all the books on the subject, but has NEVR performed any surgeries. 2. One who has read the books, and has gone through resident training, spent time practicing surgeries (usually on cadavers), and has performed the surgery on live people. Book knowledge vs Experience.

Acknowledge. Take not of. Know by experience. Be wise. 

Sadly, so often we take note of, learned by experience..... only to act foolishly. The key is to learn, know, experience and put all that into use—be wise. Just because you KNOW something doesn't mean that you'll make wise choices or act wisely. For there has to be follow-through. Practice being wise. 

Acknowledge. Take note of. Know by experience. Be wise. Then God can easily direct you on the path of life He has chosen for you. 

The very first aspect of Acknowledging God is to fear Him (Proverbs 1:7). When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then it is ready to accept God's Wisdom and then one can take note of and practice being wise. 

Proverbs 1:28-33: Hate or Hear?

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.

Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:28-33 (NKJV)

Once we find ourselves in the midst of trouble, we then realize the mistake we made, and cry out for help. This is the position Wisdom is referring to regarding those who have ignored her warning. 

Wisdom has given many opportunities to avoid trouble and the consequences of choosing sin, but each was ignored. There comes a point, where Wisdom says, "Sorry, you have no more chances." 

Proverbs 1:29

Because: the end of

Knowledge: in the highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Fear: fear of God, reverence, piety

Lord: of deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Notice the two verbs in this verse: HATED and CHOOSE. 

The later is a result of the first. When one hates knowledge (including obedience) that leads to the choices; in this case—not to fear God.

In Proverbs 1:30-32, Wisdom continues to describe how the sinners ended up where they are and the consequences. 

BUT— there is hope!

Listens: hears, hear with attention, interest

Dwell: settle down to abide

Safely: quietness and security

Secure: be at ease or at peace, rest securely

Fear: terrifying, dread

Evil: misery, distress

So, the choice is HATE or HEAR. The consequences of both actions are clearly explained. 

Hate Wisdom = fear, chaos, trouble, destruction

Hear Wisdom = a secure and safe place without terrifying fear or distress. 

Sadly, often it seems easier and more enticing to choose Hate. But, when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will easily Hear Wisdom and want to obey. 

Which verb will you choose: HATE or HEAR? 

Proverbs 1:24-27: Wisdom shouted. Did you listen?

Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Proverbs 1:24-27 (NKJV)

Wisdom did all she could to get your attention—but Wisdom was ignored. 

Called: shouted 

Refused: be recusant (deny to submit one's self to an authority or follow a set of rules)

Stretched out: extend; of wisdom's appeal

Regarded: incline, attend, gave attention

Disdained: neglect, let alone

Counsel: advice

Would: be willing, consent

None: zero

Rebuke: chiding, correction

Now the result is—

 

Laugh: usually in contempt, derision

Calamity: distress, under which one bends, burden

Mock: deride, have in derision

Terror: dread, terrifying

Comes: arrives

Storm: devastating storm

Destruction: calamity, oppression

Whirlwind: storm-wind—that makes an end; of ruin

Distress: adversary, specifically of travail

Anguish: pressure, distress, troublous

Why do we think that after multiple opportunities to accept Wisdom, which we've ignored, that she would be willing to continue to hand around waiting for us to listen. There comes a point and time when Wisdom says, "You didn't listen, and now you find yourself in trouble. So be it." 

Listen. Hear. Take note of what lies ahead. And if you ignore Wisdom—you'll end up just where Wisdom said you would, in trouble. 

Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back we see mistakes and wrong choices we made. Wisdom is doing all she can to help us make the right choices so that we don't have to learn the hard way! Wisdom knows all about right and wrong choices. If one just LISTENS and HEARS what Wisdom is saying, calamity, distress, and anguish can be avoided. 

To be able to hear and listen to Wisdom, a heart must first be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one has a reverence for God, then the ears are open to hear what Wisdom has to say, and the desire to listen and obey is strongest. 

Wisdom shouted. Did you listen? If you ignored her, you will now hear her laughing as anguish comes upon you. 

Proverbs 1:23: Wisdom shouts—TURN!

Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23 (NKJV)

Turn: turn back, return

Rebuke: reproof, chiding, scolding

Surely: certainly

Pour out: as a well or issue forth

Spirit: as endowing men with various gifts—wisdom, understanding

Words: as the sum of that which is spoken

known: be instructed

Proverbs 1:20-22, Wisdom is SHOUTING to get our attention. This is one more plea, to listen and follow after Wisdom. 

VERB: TURN. Take action and not only hear what is being said, but take further action and turn around! 

We all have seen it when a toddler is about do to something wrong. He looks at the parent with a sheepish grin and slowly begins to do the act. The Parent says, very strongly, "NO". But the toddler continues with the action in defiance of the greater wisdom. Then the toddler has to deal with the consequences of disobedience. 

Sadly, this toddler response is too often true of adults. We fully know that the action, attitude, we are about to do is in direct opposition to God. We may hesitate for a moment, then we go right ahead and sin. 

Wisdom tells us "NO", and is willing to instruct us and teach us. But, too often we show a sheepish grin and in defiance — ignore the sound advice. 

Why do we ignore Wisdom? Why do we, knowing that there are consequences to sinful actions, continue to choose sin? Why do we turn a deaf hear to instruction and not accept the gift of wisdom and understanding? 

The answer to each of those questions is the same. We do not have a reverence for God. We do not fear God. We do not respect God. For when there is a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), one will choose to obey God—simply out of respect and love for Him. 

As Wisdom shouts and asks for my response to TURN—will I listen or will I ignore Wisdom and continue on the path of destruction? That is a daily, and sometimes multiple times in a day, question to ask one's self. 

Proverbs 1:20-22: Will I hear?

Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Proverbs 1:20-22

Calls aloud: a ringing cry, cry aloud, in summons, exhortation

Love simplicity: object folly, evil, etc.

Delight: in bad sense of inordinate, ungoverned, selfish desire, take pleasure in

Fools: stupid fellow, dullard

Knowledge: discernment, understanding, wisdom: in highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Love one. Hate the other. 

Love selfish desire. Hate wisdom and obedience to God. 

It's one or the other, the two do not mix. 

Wisdom is crying out: "How long? Until when? You stupid one, who love evil, how long will you continue fulfilling selfish desire?"

An alarm is sounding! Yet, sadly the fools have turned a deaf ear to it. 

How often do I choose folly, evil desires rather than obeying God? How often do I ignore Wisdom shouting at me to change, yet I turn a deaf ear and continue in the ways of sin? 

I'm so grateful that God in His wisdom does SHOUT to get my attention. I'm so thankful that even when I make the wrong choice, God in His grace and mercy is forgiving and loving. 

In order to hear Wisdom shouting above the enticement of sin, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And when I have reverence for God, I'll want to listen to and follow after Wisdom. Wisdom is crying aloud—will I hear? 

Proverbs 1:16-19: Destructive Actions

For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; but they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners. Proverbs 1:16-19 (NKJV)

These verses are a continuation of where the sinner's path leads. 

Run: they are not just running aimlessly, but they have a specific location in mind—evil. 

Evil: specifically for harm, injury

Make Haste: go eagerly with a specific purpose

Shed blood: make blood spill

The concept in verses 17 and 18, is that although a bird sees the net or trap, it still goes after the bait not thinking of the consequences. Meaning that even though the sinners, see that their actions are leading to punishment, and even possible death, they pay no heed and continue. 

Ways: path of the violent

greedy: greedy getter, robber

takes away: gain made by violence, unjust gain

life: life itself; smite mortally

owners: one to whom good, gain, is due

As an outside observer, one can often see the path of destruction ahead. However, often when caught up in the middle of it, one loses sight and full comprehension of what is happening. 

Look at the mob mentality. The looting that takes place with a mob is frenzy activity. Some of those involved would never rob a store alone. Yet, in the midst of the mob, they are swept up in the actions and all judgment is gone. 

These verses are warning, that if one begins to follow the sinner, even though there will be consequence for their sin, they are still caught up in the frenzy of stealing and killing. 

How does one get on this path to destructive actions? It begins back in verse 10—if they entice you, DO NOT consent. The enticement is the hook. 

In order to avoid enticement, a heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one has a deep sense of reverence for God, the Holy Spirit will lead and convict — alerting one of the enticement and destructive path head. 

Proverbs 1:15: Choices—verbs, action—Walk and Keep

My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path. Proverbs 1:15 (NKJV)

walk: go, depart, proceed

the way: of moral action and character, in the bad sense
keep: withhold, hold back (imperative—strong advise!)
path: of moral action, and character (absolute—referring to action)

After reading Proverbs 1:11-14 and the choices that the sinners were making (killing, stealing) once again, we are warned DO NOT proceed down this path. Don't do it! 

Choices. There are two Verbs this verse which give sound advice: Walk and Keep. Walk is proceeded by DO NOT and Keep is written as very strong advice! These verbs are flashing in NEON signs; they are blinking stop signs. 

Often we get caught up in the here and now, and can't see what lies ahead. Right now it's fun and the excitement of the group has drawn us in. However, we are warned of what lies ahead. And we are given STRONG advice—don't even start down this path. Do not go or proceed any further in this direction! Hold back from going with them down this path of sin. 

How often do I ignore the flashing stop sign signals God puts before me? How often do I try to justify and rationalize my choice for following a group? How often do I ignore sound advice and go it on my own? 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will I be able to hear the advice, and willing to follow the advice. Choices—verbs, action—Walk and Keep. Which will I choose? 

Proverbs 1:11-14: Companionship

If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 1et us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse”— Proverbs 1:11-14

with us: companionship, together with

lie in wait: actually, ambush. 

shed blood: blood in quantity, hence sometimes of blood shed by rude violence, and of blood-stains

Lurk: hidden

innocent: free from guilt, clean,

swallow: engulf, of violence, extortion

Sheol: underworld (place to which people descend at death)

whole: sound healthful

Pit: pit of the grave

Find: secure prey, booty, plunder

Precious: costly

Possessions: wealth

Spoil: plunder

Cast: share with us

Lot: cast thy fortune into the midst of us, in with us

One: combine 

Purse: money

"Let us kill anyone in our way, and steal anything we want. We will then share all that we steal." Sounds much like a description of what is happening across our Nation. No regard for human life. No regard for laws. No respect. Pure lawlessness. 

It's vital that we know who we have a companionship with BEFORE they entice us into sin. In many relationships we see the "end result" of the PRIZE—money, riches, fame, etc—and that clouds our judgment. We ignore how the "Prize" was obtained. That end result skews our judgment and make us disregard our morals. 

"If they say"—in order to hear them, I must be in their company. And that is a bad location! Psalm 1:1: 

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful."

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will not feel comfortable in the companionship of sinners, much less want to hear them as they work to entice me to follow in their sinful ways. 

Proverbs 1:10: No means NO!

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV)

Sinners: reckoned as offenders (against God)

Entice: persuade, seduce

Not: expressing a deprecation or prohibition: deny

Consent: desire, be willing 

As I read this verse, I had to think of how easy it is to be enticed. Lately a catching tune caught my ear, and as with many of the popular songs, I had NO idea what the words actually were. So, I googled the song lyrics. I was shocked. The tune enticed me to listen and although I did not understand the words, the correct and very ungodly words were filling my mind. 

I had to stop and evaluate—why I would be willing to listen to such a song? I read this quote the other day: 

"Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone - deep, non-hypocritical integrity." Chuck Swindoll

What opinion of me did people have, when they heard me listening to that song—especially if they knew the lyrics! Not only, that the song does not fit the criteria for what should be entering my thoughts. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Satan makes sin very pleasing and seem very good. However, the consequence of sin can be deadly. 

Do not consent—there is a strong will and desire that one does NOT consent. A pleading to withstand the enticement. Notice that sinners will entice. But in wisdom, we are warned... DO NOT DO IT! 

Don't do it. Period. No, try it to see what happens. No justification. No rationalization. Simply—Deny it. NO, means NO! 

How do I continue to withstand the enticement of sin? It begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when my heart is in tune with God Almighty, I will be more aware of the enticement and be able to say "no".

Proverbs 1:8, 9: Did you hear me?

My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8, 9 (NKJV)

My son: as term of kindliness or endearment

Hear: to heed, pay attention to, take to heart

Instruction: discipline in the school of wisdom, correction

Father: father of individual instructing

Do not forsake: abandon

Law: instruction 

Mother: as rightfully claiming honour, authority,

Graceful: favor, grace, of form and appearance

Ornament: something attached, a wreath, 

Chains: necklace, neck-pendant

"Did you hear me?" 

How often growing up did we hear that phrase? Often because we didn't do something we were told to do! Hearing and hearing and paying attention, are really two different things! 

There are sometimes that we act quickly when we hear something—"Dinner is ready!" lol Yet, often when we hear instruction or correction, or something we do not care to hear, we ignore it, or try to rationalize our lack of action. 

On simple terms, remember when as a kid, you were told to clean your room, but you were busy watching TV? In your mind, you figured that you'd wait until AFTER the TV program was over. But your parents meant.. right now, not later. 

When that same "delay" concept is applied to godly instruction, the consequences can be greater than just delaying cleaning your room. When we hear and learn godly instruction, discipline and take it to heart—action is to begin immediately. 

When one hears the correction and instruction given and then makes it their own, their inward and outward appearance is that of grace and beauty. And to be ready to receive instruction and act in accordance with the instruction, one must have a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Proverbs 1:7: Knowing with Action

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)

Fear: fear of God, reverence, piety

Beginning: first phase, step, or element in course of events

Knowledge: in highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)

Fools: (always morally bad), who despises wisdom & discipline

Despise: despise, show despite toward (Wisdom Literature & poetry) 

Wisdom: ethical and religious

Instruction:  discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction

If wisdom is the goal, the only way to achieve it, is to START at the BEGINNING—the very first step is to FEAR GOD. Having a reverence for who God is, what He can do, and what He does do—is the foundation on which to build wisdom. 

Why is it so important to begin with the "fear of God"? Because God is the source of all wisdom. He is all-knowing, omniscient. God is the standard by which everything is judged. Morally, Spiritually, and Ethically. 

Notice that this knowledge is not just "head knowledge", but INCLUDES obedience! That is key. Just because you KNOW may make you seem smart, but unless there is obedience that follows you are actually a fool. For knowing and knowing with action are two different things. Knowing that the stove it hot is smart. NOT touching the stove, because you KNOW the stove is hot, is wisdom. 

Can one have wisdom and still be a fool? I think, the answer is "yes". One day I may have a reverence for God and act in obedience to His will and wisdom, but the next day, sadly, I may decide to do it "Rhonda's way". And each time I do, I am acting as a fool. 

But thankfully, God is gracious and merciful and allows forgives me of my foolishness and begins to teach me again so that I can grow in wisdom. 

Having a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG) is NOT done by just saying that I fear God. Fearing God must translate into obedience.  Wisdom is knowing with action—and the first action is Fearing God! 

Proverbs 1:6: Understand the Words of the Wise

To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:6

The verb "to Understand" means be intelligent, discreet, discerning, perceive, have understanding.

Proverb: sentences of ethical wisdom

Enigma: satire, a mocking poem

Words: saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse

Wise: principles and collections of wisdom

Riddles: allegorical and figurative sayings, perplexing saying or question

Know. Receive. Give. Hear. Increase Learning. Attain. All results in Understanding. 

Proverbs 1:2-6 (NKJV)

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;

4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.

In Proverbs 1:6, notice whose words you are to understand—The WISE. That is key. For if one listens to the unwise or fools, that will lead to—destruction (Proverbs 1:32). 

How does one differentiate from wise and fools; for often the fools speak with "flowering words" or words that sound wonderful. First of all, one must develop a heart with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). That opens the heart to knowing, receiving, hearing, increasing in learning, and attaining. And that leads to fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), but that verse will study next time.

Proverbs 1:5: Hear, Increase and Attain.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5 (NKJV)

The VERBS in Proverbs 1:5 are Hear, Increase and Attain. 

Hear: hear with attention, interest, listen to

Increase: add strength = grow stronger; be joined, added to

Attain: acquire, procure, get

A WISE man (wise, ethically and religiously) — as a wise learner in school of wisdom hears and increases in learning.

So in order to be WISE, I must hear with attention and interest. Not let the information go in one ear and out the other. PAY ATTENTION to what is being taught. 

I must increase, add and grow, in learning (as personal acquirement; concrete, what is received). PERSONAL acquirement. I have to receive it and make it mine. Concrete it becomes solid, and that provides a good foundation to build upon. 

Man of understanding — be intelligent, discreet, discerning (Proverbs 1:2). In order to be intelligent I must ATTAIN—get, acquire wise counsel. Wise Counsel: "Originally of rope-pulling, i.e. steering, directing a ship." With wise counsel direction is given and you are steered in the right path. 

Hear. Increase. Attain. Each of these verbs are specific to growing in wisdom. I must first be willing to HEAR—with interest—and then INCREASE learning—receive it make it mine to build a strong foundation—and then I'll be willing to  ATTAIN wise counsel—following the direction of godly advice. 

Yet none of those actions will be possible if my heart is not permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For unless my heart is soft and pliable I will not be willing to hear, increase, or attain. 

Proverbs 1:4: Seizing Has Responsibility

To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 1:4

This verse continues the purpose of SEIZING each of the items in Proverbs 1:3. 

Once you have seized instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, the result is to put, set, apply, also means to pay wages. There is a responsibility to growing in wisdom—you are to give it to others. 

The word, "simple" has the idea of one who is naive, who believes whatever is taught whether wisdom or folly. So there is a responsibility to share wisdom so that discernment is developed and practiced. That the younger will gain the power of devising, discretion.

As I read this verse, I think of the young people throughout our society. They do not have discernment, they are naive and will follow the any crowd and anything that may sound good. I've seen videos of young people attending rallies and protests. When those young people are asked what they are protesting, many don't know, or give false information. They are simply caught up in the frenzy of the moment and whatever cause catches their attention. They have no discernment for the Truth. 

If I truly want to seize instruction, justice, judgment, and equity, then I need to continue with the responsibility that comes with it, and GIVE. The ability to give, will only come as I develop a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).