Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Where do I find wisdom for the stages of my life? How can I gain great understanding about life’s big questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? What do I believe?

Some don’t care about wisdom or understanding. They are called mockers. They ridicule the wise and punish those who correct them.

Conversely, the wise relish correction, because it will make them wiser still. They reward their teachers and value true friends.

How do I gain wisdom and understanding? I must fear God — that is the first step on the path to wisdom. Then I must value correction. And finally I must seek to know God.

The great thing about wisdom is it grows in my heart, as a great treasure. And it gives me a long and fulfilling life.

So why would I go anywhere else other than to God in prayer and to read his Word, the Bible? These are the primary sources of the wisdom I seek. Self-help books and modern methods are all subject to God’s Word. It has been proven by over 2,000 years of application to be right and true.

Lord, thank you for this recipe to be wise and full of understanding. It is simple, yet challenging: We must fear you and seek fervently after the knowledge you possess. I will purpose to do that very thing.