"1 Listen, my sons, to the discipline of a father; Pay attention in order to gain understanding, 2 For I will give you good instruction; Do not forsake my teaching. 3 I was a true son to my father And the one especially loved by my mother. 4 He taught me and said: “May your heart hold fast to my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from what I say. 6 Do not forsake it, and it will protect you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. 7 Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding. 8 Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will honor you because you embrace it."
Prove 4:1-2: Recall that "discipline" is not merely punishment--it comes from the same root as "disciple." Did Jesus always go around punishing his disciples, or did he lovingly correct them? Of course, punishment may at times be necessary, and can be given out of love for that one. But how much better when that one can be corrected more gently, with kind words and such! The counsel here is for the young one to pay attention to such discipline in order to "gain understanding." And gaining understanding reduces the need for disciplinary punishment! In fact, Proverbs 17:10 says: "A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid person a hundred times." Yes, loving parents will attempt to offer such rebukes when needed, correcting, teaching and training in the way of God. Such discipline as well as simply good instruction, or "admonition" may lead to the gaining of understanding, especially regarding spiritual matters, "what is righteous and just and fair, the entire course of what is good." (Pr 2:9).
Prove 4:3-4: Even with faith in Christ there are commandments to follow. Jesus gave us both commands and principles of truth, God's standards that we are to follow. With faith in God and Christ, we are to be obedient to their instruction, and thereby "continue living." Children are encouraged here to be true to their parents, learning whatever godly instruction may be provided in order to grow spiritually, and become loyal Christian disciples.
Prove 4:5-8: Wisdom is the successful application of divine knowledge to benefit others and oneself, honoring God. It's the "most important thing," working along with true love for God and others, which are the greatest of commandments (Matt 22:36-40). Understanding is also highly important. "Knowledge comes easily to a person with understanding." (Pr 14:6). It enables one to see how all the part fit together of something, to make the whole. Knowledge of God should be understood first and foremost, since the fear of God is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Pr 1:7, 9:10). Highly esteem true wisdom, humbly seeking God's honor as did David, Jesus, and other men of faith. Then God may truly bring you honor, safeguarding your reputation, at least as regards Him and His purpose, just as he did with Jesus, despite his being falsely condemned as a terrible criminal.
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DO NOT HESITATE TO OBEY GOD! Psalm 119:60 The psalmist showed a keen sense of priorities, and soundness of mind, by appreciating the urgency and importance of keeping God's commandments. Mundane things should not prevent us from doing so. When we put God first in life, other things seem to fall into place. We may receive "power beyond what is normal" to accomplish God's will, sometimes with spirit enough left over for other necessary things. (2Cori 4:7). May we, likewise, not hesitate to do as God has commanded us, and learning to prioritize our activities in life, making sure God is kept first in our lives. Thus we may maintain His favor and blessing, being rewarded for our loyalty and faithfulness!