Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.
Proverbs 4:10-17
There seems to be an infinite number of gurus selling a pill, a fitness plan, or a lifestyle to make you live longer and healthier. I’ve never seen one that says: “Want to live longer? Listen to wisdom, honor your parents, and do not enter the path of the wicked.” Only Solomon. He describes the way of wisdom, a manner of living that traffics in God’s blessings. It’s not “Let go and let God” relaxation, but “Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life”; “Do not enter…do not walk…Avoid it…turn from it.” In other words, strong will, deliberate action, purposeful avoidance. Look at how dedicated the wicked are. They can’t catch a wink of sleep without doing evil and making some fall. They feast on sin and drink violence like vintage cab. Christ-followers should be more committed than that with greatest motivation: glorifying and enjoying God, long life, solid steps without stumbling.