It is important in life to be prudent and watchful so that we don’t walk into danger (v3). A foolish person just ploughs ahead irrespective of the consequences. On the other hand, a lazy person can make any justifiable excuse for not doing what he should do (v13). There can be a fine line at times between being wise and just making excuses for what we don’t want to do. The answer is to examine our hearts and question what we really desire.

There are two proverbs about children (v6, 15). A child needs good positive training focusing on what is good to set them in the right direction (v6). But a child also needs the negative training of discipline when they go wrong (v15).

Verses 17-21 rather than being individual proverbs are a call to seek wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge and wisdom must become part of us, living deep inside (v18). They lead us to trust the Lord (v19) and equip us to respond properly in this world we live in (v20-21).

Are you humble enough and God aware enough to hunger and thirst for God’s wisdom and knowledge?