Section 4:10–19

Sixth lesson: Follow wise behavior and avoid the behavior of evil men

In this lesson, the father compares two lifestyles by using the metaphor of two paths. After an opening admonition to listen to his teaching (4:10), he describes the benefits of walking in the way of wisdom (4:11–13). He then describes the way of evil (4:14–17), and concludes by contrasting the two paths (4:18–19). Since the figure of walking on a path is used throughout this lesson, it is recommended that you keep this figurative idea if possible.

Some other headings for this section are:

Stay on the Path of Wisdom (God’s Word)
-or-
The Right Way and the Wrong Way (Contemporary English Version)

Paragraph 4:10–17

4:10

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. There are two parallel commands followed by the promised result of obeying them.

10a
Listen, my son, and receive my words,

10b and the years of your life will be many.

4:10a

receive my words: To receive a person’s instruction means not only to believe it is true but also to follow it. Some versions make this explicit by translating:

do as I say (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
obey my teachings (Contemporary English Version)

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