This chapter gives some practical counsel on how to be wise. First, listen to rebuke and instruction (v. 1) and learn to take advice (v. 10) and discipline (v. 24). Walk with the wise (v. 20) and listen to their conversation (v. 14), and you will become more like them. As you meditate on the Word of God, you walk with the wisest of the wise, so do not neglect the Scriptures (v. 13).
The chapter also offers counsel concerning wealth. Diligent people will work and gain wealth (v. 4) and not get it dishonestly (v. 11). verse 7 cautions you not to be rich in the things money can buy while you ignore the things money cannot buy. The rich are often poorer than the poor when it comes to what really counts!
Discipline
“Spare the rod and spoil the child” is an old English proverb that was probably based on a similar Latin proverb. The Bible’s version is Proverbs 13:24. When parents discipline their children in love, they follow the example of the Lord Himself (Prov. 3:11–12; Heb. 12:5–6; Rev. 3:19). The purpose is improvement (Prov. 22:15), not the venting of anger, and their only desire must be the welfare of the child (Prov. 19:18; 23:13–14; 29:15, 17).
