Having been taught and having learned wisdom (at least to some degree), today's verses remind us the importance of staying on the right path. As you read these words, visualize yourself on a winding path through a dense forest. The light grows dim. If you focus hard enough, you can keep on the path. You can feel the smoothness of the path under your feet. But it's not easy. It takes all of your attention to stay on the path. But, if you wander off the path or take other paths - intentionally or unintentionally - the consequences might be severe. You might never find your way back to the right path; you might lose the way to your destination. 

Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong .. unless they have made someone stumble. 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 what they stumble over. My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance .. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.  (Prov. 4:10-27)

Jesus warned us that we would face temptations. We see something shiny off in the distance and we wander off the path in that direction. Friends encourage us to go with them on another path and we go - convinced we can return to the right path later. Sometimes we get tired of the path and believe the path others are on is easier, and so we run from our path to another. Every time we swerve to the right or left, we find it more difficult to get back to the path God has laid out for us. Wisdom helps us understand the importance of staying on the right path and the consequences of straying.

Prayer suggestion: Pray that God continually show you the right path for your life and that God continually assist you to resist any and all temptations that would cause you to move off the path God has laid out for you.