Hello and welcome! Let's continue in Proverbs, as Proverbs 8 contains insight on God's wisdom. Let's consider Proverbs 8:6-11. For commentary on verses 1-5, search "Oct 08"

"6 Listen, for what I say is important, My lips speak what is right; 7 For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked. 8 All the sayings of my mouth are righteous. None of them are twisted or crooked. 9 They are all straightforward to the discerning And right to those who have found knowledge. 10 Take my discipline instead of silver, And knowledge rather than the finest gold, 11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it."

Prov 8:6 Understanding what is truly important in life, discerning the difference between more important matters and those of lesser importance, is part of having true wisdom and finding success in God's eyes--living in harmony with His standards, practicing true righteousness. May we listen to God's inspired word.

Prov 8:7 Notice the truth is uttered while detesting what is bad in God's eyes. May we likewise come to love Jehovah and goodness, and hate what is bad, in harmony with Psal 97:10a: "O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad." This is in harmony with the godly respectful fear of displeasing God.

Prov 8:8,9 There is little reason for servants of God to be deceptive or tricky with their tongue, lying deceitfully. Rather, may we be honest, and forthright where it is needed, although realizing there is also "a time to be silent." (Eccl 3:7)

Prov 8:10,11 Nothing can compare to living life in harmony with godly wisdom, having God's approval and blessing on our life, our marriage, and all our activities, finding true success in life, in harmony with God's right standards.

Psal 49 (Book 2, 8th psalm) Psal 49:3,4a similarly mentions divine wisdom, saying "My own mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will show understanding. I will pay attention to a proverb." In harmony with Proverbs 8:10,11, this psalm speaks of those knowing but disregarding God, and who choose to serve only Riches. Psal 49:16-20 remarks: "16 Do not be afraid because a man becomes rich, Because the splendor of his house increases, 17 For when he dies he can take nothing with him; His splendor will not go down with him. 18 For during his lifetime he congratulates himself. (People praise you when you prosper.) 19 But he finally joins the generation of his forefathers. They will never again see the light. 20 A man who does not understand this, although honored, Is no better than the beasts that perish." Thus, under inspiration Paul told Timothy, at 1Tim 6:17-19: "17 Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy. 18 Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life." The "real life" is, of course, life under God's rulership, the everlasting life God has purposed for man, for most on a cleansed, Paradise earth.

Thus, in Romans 8, we're counseled to set our minds on spiritual things, being mindful of our need for spiritual guidance and instruction, while turning away from anything out of harmony with God's standards, that focuses only on pleasures, for instance, without considering God, this being referred to in the scriptures as "fleshly". Roma 8:4-8 highlights those fulfilling the "righteous requirement of the Law" as being "fulfilled in us who walk, not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. 6 For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; 7 because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. 8 So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God." May we thus be mindful of our needs regarding spiritual matters--our mental and emotional well-being, our relationship with God, and with others, that we may find genuine peace of mind and heart, learning to live peaceably among others, with love, and finding true joy and contentment in our life according to God's purpose.