He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wisdom: The Choice Between Two Paths Prov 4:18-19
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.
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout Proverbs (15+
times), Solomon pictures our lifestyle as the result of making a choice between
two paths. In this section of the book,
Solomon summaries this choice by presenting it in a very basic, easily
understood comparison.
EXPOSITION:
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.
Solomon
helps us to understand that the basic choice that dictates the lifestyle of
every person on earth. He pictures this
choice as a two roads that can be traveled.
The first of these two roads he describes as the path of the
“just”. He compares this to the second
path he designates the way of the “wicked”.
Here is a brief comparison of these two paths…
Their
titles:
1. “The path of the just” relates to us a
well-trodden road that can be cleared seen. This way is clearly described in
His Word. This well-marked path is followed by those who are pleasing to God. They
are His servants, who are in willing submission to His desires.
2. “The way of the wicked” teaches us that this
road is not as clearly marked, but can involve many assorted variations, all of
which depart from the well-trodden path of the just. Although this way is varied and not easily
discerned, they share in common the type of person who travels upon them and
their destiny. The traveler of the way of the wiced is one who has chosen to
ignore the desires of the Lord, those who are guilty and condemned
already. Each of these varied paths lead
to judgment and separation form Almighty God.
Their
illumination:
1. “The path of the just” is a well-illuminated
path, its twists and turns clearly being revealed in God’s Word. The path becomes more brightly lighted as it
progresses, as the Christian becomes more mature in the faith and gains a
greater understanding of the Word of God.
2. “The way of the wicked” is a way that is
filled with darkness. Due to their lost
condition, these travelers suffer from a lack of understanding of God’s Word. They are walking down a path of life unable
to see the true nature of the way they are traveling, as well as the final
destination to which this way leads.
The
end result:
1. “The path of the just” ends in
increased light (truths of the Word) and entrance into a sinless eternity in
the presence of God. What a “perfect
day” that will be!
2. “The way of the wicked” can be described as
continuing on in the state of spiritual blindness and the inability to discern
one’s true spiritual condition. This path
eventually ends in eternal spiritual blindness and separation from the very
presence of God in the Lake of Fire.
SUMMARY:
When
we see the concise comparison that Solomon has laid before us, surely all of us
would agree that choosing the path of the just is the best choice for anyone to
make. When we make the choice to follow
this path by putting the Lord’s desires first for our life, it will make coming
to faith in Christ our first priority.
If we seek to please God without exercising faith a genuine, God-given
faith in Christ, we are being hypocritical, entirely missing His will for our
lives and actually departing from the true path that the Lord has given us to
travel.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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