The unexamined life is not worth living

Proverbs 14

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

       but the folly of fools is deception.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

       but in the end it leads to death.

15 A simple man believes anything,

       but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,

       turning a man from the snares of death.

Socrates is credited with the phrase “the unexamined life is not worth living.” These words echo the words written almost 500 years earlier by Solomon (c. 950 BC), the writer of Proverbs. We are encouraged to “give thought” or examine our ways so that we do not merely assume we are going in the right direction, but are truly on the path that leads to the fountain of life, the fear/reverence of the Lord.

Socrates, in Plato, Dialogues, Apology Greek philosopher in Athens (469 BC - 399 BC)