“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding” (v. 1). These verses aren’t necessarily a command but an invitation. A father speaks with the trembling urgency of love, not with the thunder of a judge. He doesn’t merely give rules; he offers himself. “For I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law” (v. 2). Solomon speaks as both a father and a son, passing down what his father David once gave him (v. 3). Wisdom is generational—a sacred inheritance not to be squandered but treasured. The faithful father doesn’t point to himself but to the fear of the Lord. “Do as I say, not as I do,” the father jokingly says. Even better, the wise father says, “Do as the Lord says, and do as Christ does.”
“[My father] taught me and said to me: ‘Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands and live’” (v. 4). Notice where wisdom must be held: not just in memory but in the heart. Wisdom isn’t simply about knowing right and wrong; it’s about loving what is good and hating what is evil. Solomon’s command to “get wisdom” and “understanding” is not a casual suggestion but a desperate plea (v. 5). The world offers many treasures, even its own wisdom, but none of it compares to the wisdom of God that guards the soul, directs the path, and grants life. And yet, she must be pursued. She doesn’t fall into the lap of the lazy; she comes to those who seek her as silver.
“ ‘Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you’” (v. 6). Wisdom is personified as a faithful guardian. She is not cold knowledge but a living companion. The one who loves wisdom is kept by her—preserved in temptation, upheld in trial, and protected from folly. “ ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding’” (v. 7). In other words, if you gain nothing else in life, gain this: let wisdom crown you with grace and adorn your life with honor (vv. 8-9). You may not gain fame or fortune, but you will walk with God—and that is an eternally better glory.
“Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many” (v. 10). Echoing Proverbs 3:1-2, this is no empty promise but a reflection of how wisdom shapes a life of peace, righteousness, and godly fear. The way of wisdom is a well-trodden path, laid down by the Lord and lit by His Word. “Take firm hold of instruction; do not let go. Keep her, for she is your life” (v. 13). This is not the grip of anxiety but the grip of faith. Hold fast to what you’ve heard from the Lord in Scripture and preaching.
As we confess about the 3rd Commandment (“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”), “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it” (SC, I, The Third Commandment). Keep the Word close, for it keeps you close to the Giver of life. And in every season—whether strong or stumbling—let your hand cling to wisdom, and your feet stay on the path.
The Lutheran Column 