"The phrase, “…they [our instructions] are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck,” is the father’s comparison to an athlete being crowned with a laurel symbolizing his victorious accomplishment."
"Again, in Proverbs 26:17, wordplay uses the image of grabbing a stray dog by the ears to describe the foolishness of getting involved in matters that don’t concern you. One real-life example of this proverb can be seen in workplace conflicts."
"We can always find excuses not to take action; especially when our past efforts were futile. Past disappointments have a way of paralyzing us, and before we know it, we are saying words similar to the slacker in Proverb 22:23."
"...With that being stated, the first kind of fool that Proverbs identifies is the unteachable—people who are closed-minded and refuse to learn from others."
"Worshiping God is the first step towards acquiring this type of knowledge and wisdom. The fear of the Lord mentioned in verse seven does not refer to fear in the sense of danger or punishment but rather deep respect and reverence for God’s power and authority."
"As we learn and grow in wisdom, we are obligated to seek even more godly guidance and instruction – even if we think we possess some level of understanding."