What does Proverbs 4:10 mean?

As seen so often in the book of Proverbs, Solomon calls upon his son to pay attention to his words, and bend his ear to his precepts. He assures that his son will experience longevity if he heeds his counsel. In the context of "wisdom literature," like the book of Proverbs, this is understood as a general statement, not an infallible prophecy. Those who live according to godly wisdom are far less likely to experience the life-shortening consequences of sin. And yet, in an eternal sense, those who seek truth are guaranteed life. Heeding God's Word by believing what it teaches about salvation through Christ brings more abundant earthly life as well as eternal life.

The believer enjoys fulfilment throughout his days on earth and bliss in heaven, where life cannot be measured by years. The day after Jesus fed the five thousand, those who followed Him only because they benefited from His miracles left Him. Jesus turned to His twelve disciples and asked, "Do you want to go away as well?" (John 6:67). Peter responded quickly and wisely, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). In Philippians 2:16 we find the expression, "the word of life." True wisdom offers life to all who heed God's Word.