Conclusion of 'Tie My Commandments Upon Your Fingers'

"Tie them [my commandments] upon your fingers," continues Solomon, "and write them upon the tablet of your heart." (Proverbs 7:3)   As fingers are prominently before our eyes and are vital in carrying out our purposes, the lessons learned from a Scriptural upbringing or the gaining of Bible knowledge are to be a constant reminder and guide in everything we do. We are to inscribe them upon the tablet of our heart, making them a part of our nature. 

Not forgetting the importance of wisdom and understanding, the king exhorts: "Say to wisdom:  'You are my sister'; and may you call understanding itself 'Kinswoman.' " (Proverbs 7:4)  Wisdom is the ability to put God-given knowledge to proper use. We should have affection for wisdom as for a dearly loved sister.  What is understanding?  It is the ability to see into a matter and get the sense of it  by grasping the connection between its parts and the whole. Understanding must be as close to us as an intimate friend. 

Why should we adhere to Scriptural training and cultivate closeness with wisdom and understanding?  So as "to guard  [ourselves] against the woman who has made her own sayings smooth." (Proverbs 7:5)   Yes, doing so will protect us from the smooth and persuasive ways of a stranger, or foreigner-an immortal person. 

Next time: The Young Man Meets 'a Cunning Woman'

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000