The secret to guarding and guiding your Life

Read Proverbs 2.

Some of the best selling books are those with a so-called new life-guidance plan for success.  Those books will come and go.  In addition, they usually are strongly based upon modern American culture.  But true life principles are timeless and transcend culture.

The Bible continues to be the world's best seller and for good reason.  The Scriptures provide all the basics of life-coaching.  These lessons only come to those who meet the qualifications.

1. "If you receive..." (vv.1-2)
There is no substitute for investing personal time in the Word of God to know exactly what is said.  False thinking and foolish talk come from those who have never studied the Bible for themselves.  More than merely reading, there must be a receiving of God's wisdom and understanding.  An open and ready heart is required.

2. "If you call out..." (v.3)
Even after eagerly reading, there may still be a lack of understanding and of how to apply what is written.  Praying and asking the Author for guidance is essential.  Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of truth" and "he will guide you into all truth."  Without that dependence, one will be left to their own devices and certainly come to error.  In addition to calling out to the LORD for help, there are mature believers available who can provide wise counsel in implementing God's principles.

3. "If you seek..." (v.4)
This is not puzzle to be put together over a weekend and declare it done.  As long as life goes on and so does the search and discovery.  The journey of digging into and mining out the wealth of the Scriptures is the most rewarding adventure.  "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33)

There are two key results:
"Then you will understand the fear of the LORD..." (vv.5-8)
The result here is "he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Guarding your life.

"Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity and every good path." (vv.6-15)
Guiding your life.