Proverbs 16:16-17 (ESV)
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
whoever guards his way preserves his life.
The Proverbs remind the reader again about the benefit and necessity of gaining wisdom. The upright will pursue the instruction of the Lord, as nothing is more valuable than wisdom.Though wealth may provide comfort and ease in this life, wisdom allows one to thrive eternally. When ancient travelers journeyed along marked roads and noticed an attractive city along the way, they would deviate from the highway, taking a side route to get to the new location. The one who is upright continues on the highway of wisdom, rejecting any lure a side road may offer. What temptation is pulling at you and enticing you today? Is anything causing you to stray from your course? If so, don’t look to the right or the left, but instead, keep on walking straight ahead.Whatever offer requires you to depart from God’s good path is simply not worth it.