1. In chapter four Solomon uses this principle to summarize and emphasize what he has said in the first three chapters. Personal note: As an experienced educator I have learned the importance of repetition and summaries to get information into the long-term memory.

2. Solomon recalls the teaching of his father when he was still tender. Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom and understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Wisdom will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Listen, my son, accept what I have to say and the years of your life will be many. It will lead you down straight paths. When you run, you will not stumble. Guard her with your life.

3. A necessary caution against bad company and all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. (Verses 14-19) Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble! The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

4. Pay attention to what I say. Do not let my words out of your sight but keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a mans whole body.

5. It is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

6. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.