Godly Wisdom Leads Us On a Rising and Brighter Path
Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash
The Brighter Path
Most of us have a fascination with sunrises and sunsets. Consider how many paintings and photos feature either a sunrise or sunset. Seeing them in person is best of all.
The beginning and end of a day—whether along the coast, the desert or plains, or high in the mountains—is an opportunity to pause, watch, and take in the majesty of creation.
One reason I enjoy walking at dawn or dusk is the kaleidoscopic displays of color that overshadow whatever else occupies my mind.
I grew up near the beach on the west coast of California. On many evenings, I watched the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean. Once the bottom of the sun touched the horizon, it seemed to dissolve in the water like butter in a hot saucepan.
Now that I live on the east coast, I’ve noticed a difference between sunsets and sunrises.
Walking on the beach at first light, it seems to take much longer for the sun to rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. Once it pops above the horizon, its rise speeds towards the midday sky.
This illustrates the way of wisdom. It may seem to be a long process to grasp wisdom and for it to take hold in our lives. But its path shines with increasing brightness, like the sun rising to its apex.
Scripture
My son, listen and accept my words...
I have taught you the way of wisdom. I have guided you along decent paths…
Cling to discipline…
Do not stray onto the path of wicked people. Do not walk in the way of evil people.
Avoid it. Do not walk near it. Turn away from it, and keep on walking.
But the path of righteous people is like the light of dawn
that becomes brighter and brighter until it reaches midday.
The way of wicked people is like deep darkness.
They do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:10-11, 13-15, 18-19 GW)
[Context—Proverbs 4:10-19 GW]
Simple Insights
I still enjoy watching a sunset, whether my day went well or it’s been a difficult day. Yet, seeing the first light of day and watching the light intensify spurs me on to pursue all that God has in store for me each day.
This father’s admonition to his son holds both a warning and encouragement. When we walk the way of wisdom—a life based on godly wisdom—we’re assured of a brighter path.
But when godly wisdom is ignored or shunned, the path of life darkens quickly. Just as the darkness of night following the sunset.
The father reminds his son of the instruction he’s received. They are not just words of wisdom, but guidance and discipline. Today we could describe the father’s admonitions as parameters.
These parameters include strong warnings. It’s emphasized five times!
Do not stray onto the path of wicked people. Do not walk in the way of evil people. Avoid it. Do not walk near it. Turn away from it, and keep on walking. (Prov 4:14-15 GW)
Notice what follows these five warnings—keep on walking. Don’t get distracted or pulled off the brighter path of righteousness. Live each day with integrity.
It’s a choice to be made each day. Some days, we must make this choice throughout the day.
The father gave his son a challenge to stay on the path of godly wisdom. The path of what is true, right, and good.
This is a challenge for each of us. You and me.
What will you choose today?
Reflection—
It may require much time and perseverance to gain godly wisdom but walking in the light is much better than in darkness.
Prayer Focus—
Ask God to show you where you might get off track from the bright path of God's wisdom. Ask for His help to keep you from wandering off into the darkness.
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