Daily Proverb - Proverbs, Chapter 4

A look at the result of taking the wrong path!

^"13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.   ¹⁴Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.  ¹⁵Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.  ¹⁶For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.  ¹⁷They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. ¹⁸The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.  ¹⁹But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

The verses selected for today bring out the contrast of good versus evil.  The first thirteen verses are an urge to get wisdom and do not forsake it.  Now in verse 14 we begin to see the mention of wicked and evil, and then on to wickedness, violence and darkness.  We are urged not to choose this way of life.  It is obvious that there is great pain associated with living in contrast of Godly wisdom!  In fact, the contrast of Godly wisdom is always evil.  You may be thinking that you have never done anything evil ("No, not me!").  Well, understand that sin is the result of evil, and is evil!  Don't kid yourself, you're just like the rest of us, we have all sinned against God!

Living in any lifestyle that ignores Godly wisdom and refusing to submit to the will of God, is self-centered and evil.  You may be thinking that these verses do not speak of your ways, but don't be fooled and self-righteous.  Many people go through life, contrasting their character to others whom they think are evil, and they probably are.  But try comparing yourself to a high standard - God's standard!  How do you match up to the wonder of the almighty God?  He is righteous, we are not!  Jesus died on the cross for wicked and sinful people, that's you and me!  If you have been reading these first few chapters of Proverbs, you must realize by now that you in your own power and wisdom have not even come close to being Godly, or should I say God-like.

Let me urge you, if you have never thrown yourself at the feet of God and begged Him for forgiveness of your sin, do it today.  Tell Him that you know you fall short and that you are thankful that He is merciful and forgiving.  His forgiveness has only one catch, you must accept His justice for your sins.  Jesus Christ is His justice, He paid for your sins, and asking Him into your life is the only way of having a relationship with God.  Come to Jesus today and have forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life!