TWO WAYS

Proverbs 4:10-27 / Keywords 4:11

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

 

4:10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,

    and the years of your life will be many.

11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom

    and lead you along straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

    when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

    guard it well, for it is your life.

14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

    or walk in the way of evildoers.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;

    turn from it and go on your way.

16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;

    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

17 They eat the bread of wickedness

    and drink the wine of violence.

18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

    they do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,

    for everything you do flows from it.

24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;

    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;

    fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet

    and be steadfast in all your ways.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

    keep your foot from evil.

Footnotes

c. Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

1. This passage compares and contrasts two ways. The first way is to accept wise instruction and to follow it. When we humbly accept instruction, we will be upright in heart. We will have spirit and strength to run our race by faith. By diligently following the right way, we can guard ourselves from the consequences of sin and wickedness.

 

2. We must decide not to follow the way of evil and wickedness. When we are tempted, we must avoid it, turn away from it, and do not go near it. Wickedness controls us so that we cannot sleep unless we satisfy its wicked desires. We become evil and violent. We are no longer ourselves.

 

3. To overcome this, we must listen to what is right and keep God’s commands in our hearts. They will bring us life and healing. We must be alert and guard our path to go the right way with a fear of God, holiness, and the courage to do what is right. We must ponder our ways (26) and honestly ask ourselves, what way am I following? Am I seeking God’s way or my own evil desires?

 

Prayer Father, thank you for showing me the way of life in Jesus. Please help me to follow his teachings and live by faith in him.

One Word Follow the right way