Chapter 1 of Proverbs starts out with a Prologue called "Purpose and Theme".    I was reading this today and it really struck me.    The purpose and theme of the proverbs is exactly what I want.

It says the proverbs are:

for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;

for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-

let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-

for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Come on, be honest, who doesn't want this?  I think all other things in life flow from these qualities.

Here's the last part, what verse 7 says:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

What is "fear of the Lord"?    Here's what Wikipedia says:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_the_Lord  I like the last sentence:  

As Robert B. Strimple says, "It is the convergence of awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, confidence, thankfulness, love, and fear."