Proverbs 4

Wisdom is learned, not gained through osmosis nor found innately. 

In the beginning of the chapter a father has taught his son the way of wisdom. It is the most important thing. I love the way verse 7 says it: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

One wise thing is listening to others. There's so much value in hearing and asking questions to older people who have experienced life when it has been good, when it has been difficult, when it has been bad, when it has been painful, etc. Someone once said to me that experience is the best teacher. 

But wisdom says that experience is NOT the best teacher, and if you can learn from others who have walked a similar or same path, that is way better. I would rather hang out with middle aged/the elderly than people my own age because I love hearing the elder's life stories and listening to how they navigated through situations. Just by talking about their own lives they often teach me a thing or two.

Keep in mind, though, that elderly does not = wise. Many elders don't have wisdom, so be discerning on who you take advice from.

Wisdom also helps you choose the correct path. Understand that there's only 2 paths - no option to have a foot on both: the path of the wicked/evil man and the path of the just. For the path of the wicked, don't even go by it, don't look at it, don't go investigate. It's dark. Don't just remove yourself from sin, but actively withdraw, reject it. Instead, stay on the path that leads to the light. Walking on it allows you to grow, be transformed, and have clarity. Sanctification for the Christian is a process throughout life. Each day you walk on the path, you receive more and more light to be a reflection of Jesus. 

To have a good outward reflection, though, the inward has to be right. Listening to God's commandments and applying them has an effect on a person's whole being: physical, mental, and emotional. The inner life drives the outer life. This is why verse 23 implores, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

More than anything, seriously protect and guard your heart. It's not talking about the organ itself, but your inner life: thoughts, desires, will, conscience.

Why is the heart so important? Because what fills the heart ends up flowing to the mouth. Actively reject words that are corrupted, harsh, & manipulative that hurt and tear down and instead choose to speak life-giving, truthful, gracious words that help. 

Then also when your heart is guarded and focused on the right thing, you can live with a moral and spiritual focus. Have a vision that's anchored in God's will. Live intentionally and don't drift into sin or be pulled off course and away from your vision by lesser things.