05.08.24
Run!
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14,15)
We are characterizing Proverbs 4 as ‘A Life-Long Pilgrimage.’ The underlying idea is that coming to Christ, being born-again by faith and repentance, is the most important moment in one’s life. Sin is forgiven, a relationship with God through Christ is established, and a home in heaven is guaranteed. However, this is just the starting point of a new life. Growth in Christ and in the knowledge of God is a life-long process.
Two weeks ago we looked at the second section in the chapter (6-13) which stress the importance of wisdom. Following this positive presentation, we now come to the negative side (14-19). Here we are urged to avoid wickedness. This is the third time in the Book that Solomon has chosen to personify sin as an evil man.
The warning is given as seen in our opening text. Note the action verbs- do not enter, do not go, avoid, do not pass by, turn away, and pass away. Temptation and sin become less powerful when we take pains to avoid them. We all know the places we shouldn’t go, the people we should avoid, and books, TV programs, websites, etc. that need to be shunned. It is far easier to avoid temptation than it is to conquer the ensuing sin in our lives.
Solomon then once again describes the character of the wicked (16, 17). For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. (17) For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
The people, places and things we should avoid all have the same intention—to pursue wickedness at any cost. They have sleepless eagerness. They have an unsatisfied hunger. They have not a whit of concern as to how their attitudes and deeds impact others. It reminds us of the terrorists who use children, schools, women and hospitals as their shields. As one commentator put it, “Their lives draw strength from their perversity.”
Solomon then brings us back to the light with sweet contrast (18, 19). But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
How does your life compare to these contrasting lifestyles— light or darkness?
Other words of Scripture echo Solomon’s teachings here. Jeremiah (23:12) speaks of the spiritual blindness of the wicked – “Therefore their way shall be to them like slippery ways; in the darkness they shall be driven on and fall in them; for I will bring disaster on them, the year of their punishment,” says the LORD. Jude (13) wrote comparing the wicked to- Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
As for choosing Christ, and thus walking in light, Daniel tells us at the end of his book (12:3)- And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Which way have you thus far chosen in your life? It’s not too late to repent toward God and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.