But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. - Proverbs 4:18 –19 (ESV)

So far in our study of Proverbs we have heard the need to listen up and pay attention. Wisdom is available and calling, but we have to lean in and listen. When we do that, there are great benefits to be had that are both temporary and eternal. Then we find that this wisdom also has a role in protecting and healing. If you think you have made mistakes and maybe wisdom is beyond you, this week is for you.

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. - Proverbs 1:8 –9 (ESV)

The older I get the smarter my parents have become. I'm not sure what class they took or books they had read, but they became geniuses. When I was younger they had no idea what the world was really like. Now, my dad seems to have a realistic and wise outlook of what is going on. The truth of this perspective is not that he has changed, but my ears have become uncorked with age.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5 –6 (ESV)

I hate asking for directions. As a guy I feel that I have some innate sense of how to get from here to there. It's almost as if my ancestors passed on to me how to track the sun, look at moss on a tree, and follow the stream to get from my house to anywhere. With those senses and a good cellphone signal I can get anywhere.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

It seems like there are smart people and 'smart people'. We live in a town with a BUNCH of very well-educated people. They know answers to things that I didn't even know were questions. They have some many letters behind their name that it looks like an alphabet soup.

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: - Proverbs 1:20 –21 (ESV)

There is no absence of voices in our world. If you want to fix a car or an appliance, you can call a repairman. If you want to tackle the job yourself, check Youtube for a tutorial. If you want to figure out what to invest in, call a financial advisor, or you can read a book, listen to a podcast, and even consult a 'robo-advisor'. Want to improve your people skills? Take an online course or go to meet-ups or try an app. There is no end to the voices for just about anything.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. - Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)

I feel smarter when I hang out with smart people. Many times, I may have no idea what they are talking about, but it just feels like my IQ goes up a point or two when they are around. Along the way I do pickup a thing or two which helps me learn and grow. Ever had that experience?