4:3, 4 One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise. Here Solomon tells how his father, David, encouraged him to seek after wisdom (see 1 Kings 2:1-9 and 1 Chronicles 28–29 for David’s full charge to his son). This encouragement may have prompted Solomon to ask God for wisdom above everything else (1 Kings 3:9). Wisdom can be passed on from parents to children, from generation to generation. Ultimately, of course, all wisdom comes from God; parents can only urge their children to turn to him for wisdom. If your parents never taught you in this way, God’s Word can function as a loving and compassionate mother or father for you. You can learn from the Scriptures and then create a legacy of wisdom as you teach your own children.
4:5-7 If you want wisdom, you must decide to go after it. This will take resolve—a determination not to abandon the search once you begin no matter how difficult the road may become. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime step, but a daily process of choosing between two paths—the wicked (4:14-17, 19) and the good (4:18). Nothing is more important or more valuable.
4:7 David taught Solomon as a young boy that seeking God’s wisdom was the most important choice he could make. Solomon learned the lesson well. When God appeared to Solomon to fulfill any request, Solomon chose wisdom above all else (1 Kings 3:9). We should also make God’s wisdom our first choice. We don’t have to wait for God to appear to us. We can boldly ask him for wisdom today through prayer (James 1:5).
4:14-17 Even friends can make you fall. It is difficult for people to accept the fact that friends and acquaintances may lure them to do wrong. Young people who want to be accepted would never confront or criticize a friend for wrong plans or actions. Many other people can’t even see how their friends’ actions could lead to trouble. While we should be accepting of others, we need a healthy skepticism about human behavior. When you feel yourself being heavily influenced, proceed with caution. Don’t let your friends cause you to fall into sin.
4:23-27 Our heart—our feelings of love and desire—dictates to a great extent how we live, because we always find time to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to keep our heart with all diligence, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections push you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires: Don’t go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don’t get sidetracked on detours that lead to temptation.