diff --git a/codex-rs/core-skills/src/render.rs b/codex-rs/core-skills/src/render.rs
index 9089a05436e8..59cac8348867 100644
--- a/codex-rs/core-skills/src/render.rs
+++ b/codex-rs/core-skills/src/render.rs
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ pub fn render_skills_section(skills: &[SkillMetadata]) -> Option<String> {
 - Trigger rules: If the user names a skill (with `$SkillName` or plain text) OR the task clearly matches a skill's description shown above, you must use that skill for that turn. Multiple mentions mean use them all. Do not carry skills across turns unless re-mentioned.
 - Missing/blocked: If a named skill isn't in the list or the path can't be read, say so briefly and continue with the best fallback.
 - How to use a skill (progressive disclosure):
-  1) After deciding to use a skill, open its `SKILL.md`. Read only enough to follow the workflow.
+  1) After deciding to use a skill, open and read its `SKILL.md` in full. This is the primary workflow definition. Then load additional resources (e.g. `references/`, `scripts/`, `assets/`) progressively as needed.
   2) When `SKILL.md` references relative paths (e.g., `scripts/foo.py`), resolve them relative to the skill directory listed above first, and only consider other paths if needed.
   3) If `SKILL.md` points to extra folders such as `references/`, load only the specific files needed for the request; don't bulk-load everything.
   4) If `scripts/` exist, prefer running or patching them instead of retyping large code blocks.
@@ -46,3 +46,32 @@ pub fn render_skills_section(skills: &[SkillMetadata]) -> Option<String> {
         "{SKILLS_INSTRUCTIONS_OPEN_TAG}\n{body}\n{SKILLS_INSTRUCTIONS_CLOSE_TAG}"
     ))
 }
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::render_skills_section;
+    use crate::model::SkillMetadata;
+    use codex_protocol::protocol::SkillScope;
+    use std::path::PathBuf;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn renders_full_skill_read_instruction_before_secondary_resources() {
+        let skills = vec![SkillMetadata {
+            name: "demo".to_string(),
+            description: "Demo skill".to_string(),
+            short_description: None,
+            interface: None,
+            dependencies: None,
+            policy: None,
+            path_to_skills_md: PathBuf::from("/tmp/demo/SKILL.md"),
+            scope: SkillScope::User,
+        }];
+
+        let rendered = render_skills_section(&skills).expect("skills section should render");
+
+        assert!(rendered.contains(
+            "1) After deciding to use a skill, open and read its `SKILL.md` in full. This is the primary workflow definition. Then load additional resources (e.g. `references/`, `scripts/`, `assets/`) progressively as needed."
+        ));
+        assert!(!rendered.contains("Read only enough to follow the workflow."));
+    }
+}