We’re still in Proverbs, looking at wisdom versus folly—that section that runs from chapter 4 through chapter 9. This is where Scripture shows us how wisdom guards the heart and keeps us on course, while foolishness pulls us off it. Today we’re focusing on how wisdom helps us stay aligned with God’s will so we don’t drift from the path He set for us.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life… Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” — Proverbs 4:23, 26–27 (KJV)

Wisdom pairs inner vigilance with practical direction: guard the heart, guide the steps, and refuse the detours. That’s how we stay the course in God’s will.

In Proverbs 8, wisdom rejoices in God’s works and delights in the children of men (vv. 22–31). Wisdom isn’t a shortcut; it’s alignment with God Himself. When we walk with wisdom, we walk with His will. When we yield to folly, we spend energy but lose direction.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” — Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

1) Guard the heart — the inner life sets the outer path.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

2) Ponder your path — choose steps that align with God’s way.

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” — Proverbs 4:26 (KJV)

3) Do not turn aside — resist detours early and decisively.

“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” — Proverbs 4:27 (KJV)

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” — Proverbs 4:18 (KJV)

Small faithful choices brighten the road ahead; little compromises dim it.

Some hindrances are internal—unwatched words, unfocused eyes, unexamined motives. Others come from the outside—persuasive voices, cultural pressure, seductive paths.

“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” — Proverbs 4:24–25 (KJV)

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you…?” — Galatians 5:7 (KJV)

“…the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” — 1 John 2:16 (KJV)

Wisdom helps us name the hindrance early, so we can avoid the detour altogether.

I was pouring detergent into the measuring cap, but the cap wasn’t under the spout. I kept pressing the lever—waiting—until I noticed soap running down the dryer. Misalignment quietly wastes resource. Spiritually, misalignment wastes strength and time. Wisdom realigns the heart before loss deepens.

Compromise usually starts with inches, not miles. It feels harmless—until it isn’t. Wisdom closes the door while the temptation is still small.

“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come…” — Proverbs 6:10–11 (KJV)

“Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house.” — Proverbs 5:8 (KJV)

“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” — Proverbs 6:27 (KJV)

“A foolish woman is clamorous… to call passengers who go right on their ways.” — Proverbs 9:13–15 (KJV)

Folly is loud and urgent; wisdom is steady and clear. Shut the door quickly, and keep your footing.

God’s words are life-giving truth, not to be diluted by opinion. Wisdom leads to clarity, preservation, and favor.

“Hear; for I will speak of excellent things… Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.” — Proverbs 8:6, 10 (KJV)

“For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul…” — Proverbs 8:35–36 (KJV)

Stay aligned with God’s instruction; set your gaze straight ahead. Wisdom enriches; folly erodes.

Guard your heart diligently. Ponder your path intentionally. Do not turn to the right or to the left. By the fear of the LORD, recognize hindrances early, refuse small compromises, and keep to the road God has marked out for you.

Father, align our hearts with Your will. Teach us to guard what flows from within, to watch our steps, and to turn from every detour. Give us steady reverence, clear eyes, and established ways. Keep us on course until the day is perfect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.