Posted by Jeff Short on August 23, 2016 · 1 Comment
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
– Proverbs 4:18
Verses 16 and 17 reveal the progression of the path of the wicked. The way of evil men begin with what seems a bright prospect (Proverbs 1:10-14), but progresses to slavery to sin (Proverbs 4:16-17) and finally to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). In contrasts, the way of wisdom is like the sunrise that gives faint light at the first but continues to rise until it reaches full strength at the height of day.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 22, 2016 · 1 Comment
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
– Proverbs 4:17
Eating the bread of wickedness refers to being sustained by wickedness. Eating and drinking are necessary to life and this verse rounds out the picture of those who are completely captive sin. The warning is not to enter or even come close to this way for this is where it ends. The allurements in chapter 1 promised adventure and reward (Proverbs 1:10-14) in this way, but Solomon exposes the real end of this way here. It is bondage and not freedom.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 21, 2016 · 1 Comment
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
– Proverbs 4:16
Verses 16 and 17 express the way the wicked are consumed with evil. The wicked are those who go in the way of wickedness. They are so captive to their sin that they can find no rest except they have done some mischief. Mischief doesn’t sound so bad to our modern ears but it refers to evil or injury. They have to do harm to others in one way or another. This agrees with causing some to fall.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 20, 2016 · 1 Comment
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
– Proverbs 4:15
Solomon gives plain warning to deal with the way of evil. He urges to avoid it, pass not by, turn, and pass away. Such instruction reveals the folly of so many who want to get as close to sin as possible without “crossing the line.” They ask how far can I go before it’s too far? Through wisdom you discern the way of the wicked and then you get far from it.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 19, 2016 · 1 Comment
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
– Proverbs 4:14
Verses 14-19 warn of the way of folly, or the way of the wicked. The warning in these verses is strong and insistent. Path and way contrasts with the way of wisdom. The wicked and evil men have a way as well. Wicked refers to morally corrupt and evil refers to calamitous men. This highlights that there are really only two ways and we will go in one or the other. The warning here is consistent with the warning throughout Scripture concerning avoiding sin. Sin is best kept from when we keep from the very start of it (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 1:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22).
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 18, 2016 · 1 Comment
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
– Proverbs 4:13
We have encountered several statements thus far in Proverbs that reveal the true seriousness of the issue. Wisdom is not a few tips for how to get along in life, it is life itself. The way of wisdom is an issue of life or death (Proverbs 8:36). Solomon three times exhorts what amounts to guarding judiciously—take fast hold, let her not go, keep her. The seriousness of the issue and the supreme worth of wisdom dictate that it be obtained at all cost and not let go for any.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 17, 2016 · 1 Comment
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
– Proverbs 4:12
When the road before us is made plain and clear of any obstructions, we may run safely and freely. This verse reinforces the lesson from the previous chapter (Proverbs 3:23). Straitened means to be narrowed or cramped. Stumbling means to trip or fall down. The way of wisdom is not a hard way to walk in, it’s actually the opposite. The difficulty for us is in obtaining wisdom and keeping wisdom (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 16, 2016 · 1 Comment
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
– Proverbs 4:11
Way means road or path and figuratively is put for the direction of one’s life. The way of wisdom highlights that wisdom is not philosophical or mere matter for thought. Wisdom is understanding and discernment that works out in life day to day. This idea is reinforced with the reference to right paths. Path is similar to way and refers to a track or trench so it is well marked. Right means upright or straight. The expression has a moral component in the sense of a morally good way and it has a physical component in the sense of being a plain or clear way. Solomon has given instruction in wisdom, but the son must listen and appropriate the teaching.
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 15, 2016 · 1 Comment
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
– Proverbs 4:10
Verses 10-19 juxtapose the way of wisdom and the way of folly. Verses 10-13 cover the way of wisdom. Verse 10 starts this section with the call to hear, or listen intelligently. It amounts to listening with understanding and doing. The father’s goal is to impart wisdom. He cannot foresee every turn in the future for his son. If his son can obtain wisdom, the father can have confidence. Wisdom will keep his son as well as him, and better than he could direct every step. Long life is a general truism that stands for the blessing of wisdom and particularly wisdom acquired from a young age.
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Proverbs 4:18
Posted by Jeff Short on August 23, 2016 · 1 Comment
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Verses 16 and 17 reveal the progression of the path of the wicked. The way of evil men begin with what seems a bright prospect (Proverbs 1:10-14), but progresses to slavery to sin (Proverbs 4:16-17) and finally to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). In contrasts, the way of wisdom is like the sunrise that gives faint light at the first but continues to rise until it reaches full strength at the height of day.– Proverbs 4:18
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