Heard or applied?
As with most of the proverbs, contrast is the tool by which life responses are evaluated. Pride enters, destruction is close on its heels. Haughtiness results in a fall; humility results in an increase in one's life. Pride or haughtiness are set out as "wrong" paths for a Christian's life. Wisdom and insight are presented as better than all the wealth we could accumulate. Trust in God and listening to wise instruction outweighs doing things our own way. God commends the wise, because they have come to the place of doing more than appreciating good teaching - they embrace it, putting it into application and then seeing the results of its application born out in the reputation they form. Two paths may lead to the same destination - but only one is right. Contrasts are set forth in order to get us to evaluate our choices. Get wisdom—it’s worth more than money; choose insight over income every time. The road of right living bypasses evil;...