How Wisdom Will Keep You Out of Trouble
October 16, 2020
Commentary
Wisdom will keep us out of trouble. In verses 10-13 we have the ways of wisdom, verses 14-17 the ways of wickedness and a summary in verses 18 and 19 of both distinctions.
We can’t help but notice that the beginning of this chapter said to listen to the father, (Prov. 4:1) and again 4:10 says to hear or listen. Also Prov. 13:1 says a wise son hears his father’s instruction. It is very important that children listen and then obey their parents. God tells children to do this in Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. The results from heeding his father’s words would result in a long life (v. 10). Notice in verses 14 and 15 the six commands given to stay clear of the path of the wicked:
- “Enter not”
- “Go not in”
- “Avoid it”
- “Pass not by it”
- “Turn from it”
- “Pass away”
The reason for urgency is because wicked people are so taken up with their evil that they cannot sleep until they hurt someone. Sin is so much a part of them that it is like their nourishment and food. The way of wisdom is light while wickedness is characterized by deep darkness.
Application
Am I separating from the evil ways and avoiding the path that leads to darkness and sin? Is there anything in my life that needs to be cleansed by the Word?
Proverbs 4:10– 19 (NET)
10 Listen, my child, and accept my words, so that the years of your life will be many.
11 I hereby guide you in the way of wisdom and I lead you in upright paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; protect it, because it is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of those who are evil.
15 Avoid it, do not go on it; turn away from it, and go on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm; they are robbed of sleep until they make someone stumble.
17 Indeed they have eaten bread gained from wickedness and drink wine obtained from violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like gloomy darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.