Note: verse 20-25 form a neat chiasm. We might think that the unit begins with “My son” but this leaves verses 26-27 without a parallel. However, verses 18-19 provide a parallel reference to the path dnthe way. Any thoughts?
A. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
B. 20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes;
C. keep them in the midst of thine heart.
D. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
C’. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
B’. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
A’. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Here is a way to include vv.20-27: (Notice the emphasis on the body; emphasis on the heart; then emphasis on the body)
(ASV) Anacrusis: 20a) My son, attend to my words
A – OUTWARD MAN: (20b) Incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21a) Let them not depart from thine eyes;
B – INWARD MAN: (21b) Keep them in the midst of thy heart. 22a) For they are life unto those that find them,
C – OUTWARD MAN: (22b) And health to all their flesh.
B’ – INWARD MAN: 23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
A’ – OUTWARD MAN: 24) Put away from thee a wayward mouth, And perverse lips put far from thee. 25) Let thine eyes look right on, And let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26) Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established. 27) Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: Remove thy foot from evil.