A worthless person, a wicked man,
    goes about with crooked speech,
winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,
    points with his finger,
with perverted heart devises evil,
    continually sowing discord;

Proverbs 6:12-14 ESV

According to Proverbs 6:12-14, the one who continually sows discord is a “worthless person, a wicked man.” Be careful how much time you spend in the presence of that person. Be careful not to be that person because sowing discord is more than an irritating personality trait. It is sin.

“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,

    and her speech is smoother than oil,

⁴ but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

    sharp as a two-edged sword.”

Proverbs 5:3 ESV

Because everything is not as it appears, wisdom is a necessity. This proverb is an example of the exceedingly deceptive nature of sin. But, wisdom can help us recognize the deception; for wisdom provides discernment and understanding.

Are you preparing for the deceptions that will come your way daily by increasing your wisdom? Or, are you simply playing things as they come? The former is a plan that leads to life; the latter leads to death.

“Hear, my son, and accept my words,

    that the years of your life may be many.”

Proverbs 4:10 ESV

Once again, the writer makes the connection between gaining wisdom and gaining years. Note that here, as in 3:1, the heart is involved. To accept wisdom’s words is a matter of the heart. What is your heart health in relation to wisdom?

“My son, do not forget my teaching,

    but let your heart keep my commandments,

² for length of days and years of life

    and peace they will add to you.”

Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV

Who doesn’t need a reminder now and then? Here’s a gentle and helpful reminder that gives life.

Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “You are keeping the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law.” By this they mean the heart and intent of the law is disregarded while the technical details of the law are obeyed.

Here, I think wisdom is aiming for the spirit of the law by saying, “let your heart keep my commandments.” It is possible to keep the details of a particular commandment without doing so from the heart. And, that is how some unbelievers view the life of faith … as simply a list of rules to obey. However, a fair reading of the biblical text reveals that God doesn’t give rules/commandments “just because.” Rather, through His commandments God guides us to a desired outcome.

In this text, for example, the desired outcome is length of life and peace. The path to that destination is keeping wisdom’s commandments from the heart, not just by rote.

“For the Lord gives wisdom;

    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;”

Proverbs 2:6 ESV

In this modern age it is easy to forget the simplicity of this proverb. The first source of knowledge is God. If we forget that, nothing else really matters.