Verses 22-25 are frequently understood as a united listen-to-your-father-and-mother wise saying. As part of this message, verse 23 is a specific directive about “truth…wisdom, instruction and insight.”
It says to “buy…and do not sell” these four qualities. Of course, the ancients knew these were not actual commodities available in the local market and understood the message.
These are four principles and character qualities regularly discussed in Proverbs. Like here, they are mentioned as being available to us all and we are actually commanded to practice them.
We can also appreciate this message, today. To daily have a conscious commitment to practice these four qualities would certainly have an impact on my life and ministry.
In light of this verse, I would like to offer a suggestion of something that has been so empowering and liberating to me.
I have learned a discipline that enables me to imperfectly practice these qualities and so many others that we believe are important for our daily lives. It’s the concept of living before God Honest, Open and Willing one day at a time.
As usual, it works if we work it!