12. How should wisdom and discernment benefit us?

¹² Wisdom​—how often this is mentioned in the book of Proverbs, 46 times in all! “The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom.” This is the godly, practical wisdom based on knowledge of God’s Word that enables his people to steer a safe course through the dangerous tempests that rage in Satan’s world. (Proverbs 9:10)

All the material wealth on earth does not begin to compare with the saving power of wisdom and discernment. Wise King Solomon stated on another occasion: “Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Happy indeed are all who today walk in Jehovah’s ways of pleasantness and who in wisdom choose the “length of days,” the everlasting life that is God’s gift to everyone exercising faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice!​—Proverbs 3:16; John 3:16; 17:3.