1. Guard the word (10-19)

Solomon shows how a father should instruct his son: to listen to the word, accept it, hold on to it, and not let it go but guard it well. Then it will lead to wisdom and give life. It will keep one's steps from being hampered and from stumbling. We should follow the path of the righteous that is like the morning sun shining ever brighter until the full light of day. On the contrary, we should avoid the path of the wicked that is like deep darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble.

2. Guard your heart (20-27)

We must pay attention to the word of God, listen to it and keep them within our heart, for they are life and health. Above all else, we must guard our heart, for everything we do flows from it. We must keep our mouth from corrupt talk. We must use our eyes to look straight ahead and give careful thought to the path for our feet to take the only way, Jesus.