Proverbs 4

In months and years past, whenever I read the Proverbs, I used them to compare to people in my life. I never really used them as a mirror to my own soul. I never asked myself if that is how I am living. I never saw the fruits of them in my life. That has recently changed. Now I read them and so many "real life examples" come to memory. I see their fruit blossoming. It is now very few and far between where I read something and someone else comes to mind. As I read Proverb 4, it sunk in more and more how much I myself need wisdom and understanding. Verse 7 states "the beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have; get understanding." For this to be emphasized so greatly, I feel I am not to just read it and move on, but really take it to heart. "Getting wisdom is great, but h o w do you get wisdom?" I feel that there is an answer is there that I have either forgotten, or I have no fully comprehended it yet. I continue to read the Proverbs and I continually pray and seek God. The Proverbs also give guidelines to avoid being a fool, and how to recognize the ways of the wicked. We are reminded to hold fast to these wise words, holding them in our hearts. The age old wisdom that often singles looking to enter into a relationship or courtship are told "GUARD YOUR HEART!" comes from Proverbs 4, verse 23. "With closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life." Lord, guard my heart, teach me to guard my heart. Not only in relationships, but in all things! From within my heart is the source of life. Good things flow.