What makes a great nation?

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 14:34.                         Theme: What makes a great nation?

³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”

 

          Great Britain has been called a great nation. We have been in the past a “God fearing nation,” sending from our shores the Gospel to the four corners of the world. But what of today? What is a great nation? How can Great Britain be a great nation again?

 

One. A nation becomes great when that nation has the right kind of people.

 

The people of Great Britain in the past helped to make this nation a great nation.

A. A God-fearing people makes a great nation.

The foundation of our nation was, in the main, a God-fearing, God honouring people. In the past this nation had many God-fearing people on their knees, praying for the nation and its rulers.

 

B. Freedom loving people make a great nation.

This nation had the people seeking freedom for themselves, and often the freeing of slaves of other nations. For we all want freedom for all.

 

C. Sacrificial-living people make a great nation.

In moments of crisis, Great Britain has shared precious blood to protect this nation and other nations of the world.

 

Two. A nation becomes great when the people are righteous.

 

A. The evils that threaten this nation today.

One. Atheism. This is manifest in many ways. Millions in Great Britain do not believe in God at all. Millions more claim they believe in God and Christ Jesus but live like pagans, ignoring God in their thinking, planning and in their living.

 

Two. Materialism. Many of our nation have made materialistic objectives their goals and their gods. They spent all they have and lives on getting things.

 

Three. Secularism. In this nation there has been a concerted effort to take God out of our schools, out of our government, out of our homes, and God out of our families, and to a point out of the church itself.

 

Four. Violence. The cry of blood and more blood on the film screens and TV screens is seen on our streets daily. Acting has become the reality on the street.

 

Five. Abuse. Has become a major problem, be it alcoholism, drug abuse or even sexual, and violent abuse. Spiritual emptiness and empty pockets have caused many to become slaves to sin.

 

Six. Humanism. Schools, colleges, and the media are propagating the idea that we are our own gods and make our own rules. This feeds new laws on abortion, assisted suicide, etc.

 

Seven. Demonic forces. For behind many of these things are seducing spirits, and the doctrines of devil’s 1 Timothy 4:1.

 

B. What will save our nation again? What will save our nation Today?

 

“Righteousness exalts a nation.” Righteousness is required by God. A people and its nation will be punished for its sins. Britain must repent and its people of their sins. For righteousness only will bless a nation. National righteousness will follow where there is a submission to Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

 

Conclusion:

 

God will bless this nation so that we can become a “great nation” again if we turn to Christ Jesus as Lord. And repentance starts with you and me, you need today to repent and turn to Jesus Christ as your own personal saviour and make Him Lord of your life. Without repentance of its ways this nation and its people will never become a great nation again.

 

 

 

Wisdom concerning the Family.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 15:17.               Theme: Wisdom concerning the Family.

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.”

 

The value of wisdom is especially seen in family relationships:

a. “He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind...” Proverbs 11:29.

b. We cannot have a family through “trial and error,” which can be so painful for all family members.

We must seek advice in this all-important task. But where shall we go? To so-called “experts” who confidently give advice, but then all too often change their views later after the damage has been done?

But God has given us His wisdom needed to provide for and raise a family. Much of this wisdom in found in The Book Of Proverbs!

 

One. Providing for a family.

 

What are the most important things needed in your family?

a. Food and clothing?

b. A place of shelter?

c. Such as the “finer things” (luxuries) for the children, which parents never had as children?

d. A good “education” for the children, so they too can be affluent?

 

          What of the spiritual life in the family? Do you have that area planned for your family home? We get married in church to receive God’s blessing. So how much more today do we need God’s blessing in our homes?

 

Two. Where our emphasis should be in the family unit.

 

1. Instilling a fear of the Lord Proverbs 15:16.

i. More important than riches is providing for your family through your own example a deep and abiding respect for the Lord.

 

ii. For the fear of the Lord provides:

a. The beginning of knowledge Proverbs 1:7.

b. A means to prolong life Proverbs 10:27.

c. The key to avoiding sin Proverbs 16:6.

d. The key to true wealth Proverbs 22:4.

 

iii. The fear of the Lord, then, is perhaps the most important “provision” that one can give to the family

 

2. Giving them love Proverbs 15:17.

a. Providing an environment where love reigns is more important than providing material abundance.

b. Troubled children come from homes where “love” is lacking, not money!

 

3. Providing a peaceful family life Proverbs 17:1.

a. Where there is peace and tranquillity in a family, material affluence matters little.

b. But what value is there in wealth, if we are always fighting over the things it provides?

 

4. A wise father (or mother) realizes that spiritual provisions are more important than material ones.

a. They will see that the family receives what is profoundly important.

b. Even it means cutting back on less important things.

 

Three. To ensure suitable material provisions.

 

1. Be righteous Proverbs 20:7.

a. Today that means putting the kingdom of God first in your life Matthew 6:33.

b. Then God will watch out for you and beneficially see that your needs are satisfactorily met!

c. Children of righteous parents are truly blessed!

d. But parents who fail to put God first go through life without God’s providential help, and their children may suffer as a result!

 

2. Concentrate on acquiring wisdom and knowledge, not wealth Proverbs 24:3-4.

a. This would involve a careful study and application of God’s Word, especially a book like Proverbs.

b. But it also involves living a dedicated life as a disciple (learner) of Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

          From the Book of Proverbs, then, we learn that the best and wisest thing parents can do for their family is to provide themselves as servants of God, and to install such faith in their children. If this is done, God will see that their material needs are met!

 

Four. Raising children.

 

A. Punishment and reward.

 

1. Effectively use, it is a demonstration of true love Proverbs 13:24.

 

2. Proper discipline has proper objectives:

a. To remove foolishness from the child Proverbs 22:15.

b. To save the soul of the child Proverbs 23:13-14.

c. To impart wisdom and to avoid shame Proverbs 29:15.

 

3. Proper discipline has its rewards Proverbs 29:17.

a. Such as “rest” and “delight.”

b. A child who will love you and live in such a way as to bring you delight.

 

4. Of course, there must be the proper application of punishment Proverbs 19:18.

a. To be applied before the situation gets of out hand (“while there is hope”).

b. To be applied under controlled circumstances (“do not set your heart on his destruction”).

c. Do not put it off until you strike in anger.

d. There is a difference between proper “spanking” and “child abuse”!

e. Corporeal punishment should never be a vent for letting off steam.

f. Rather, a controlled use of one method to discourage bad behaviour.

g. To be accompanied with love! Ephesians 6:4 (as implied by the word “nurture”).

 

Conclusion:

 

The purpose of this study has not been to provide an exhaustive treatment of this subject covered in Proverbs. Rather, to illustrate its value to Christians in all areas of our lives.

Being a godly spouse.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 31:11.                         Theme: Being a godly spouse.

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So, he will have no lack of gain.”

 

We have looked at the Book of Proverbs for wisdom in finding a good spouse, now we are returning to the Book of Proverbs for guidelines on being a godly spouse in our marriages, these thoughts are based on the bible verses found in Proverbs. The importance of this subject should be evident:

a. Happiness in life is greatly affected by how successful we are in marriage.

b. Even our usefulness to the Lord is affected by the relationship between husbands and wives.

c. For example, a husband’s prayers can be hindered by his treatment of his wife 1 Peter 3:7.

          Very few (men) read the instruction manual that often comes with something we bought; we always think we will cope in understanding how it works. Well, the bible gives us a great description of the perfect wife in Proverbs 31.

 

One. The Righteous Wife.

 

A. The ideal wife is:

Trustworthy Proverbs 31:11. The husband can safely entrust her with their income, she will not waste it, but use it in a manner that benefits the family.

 

B. Filled with a lasting love Proverbs 31:12.

Devoted to doing her husband and family good in all her life, just as she vowed in the wedding ceremony.

 

C. Has practical skills Proverbs 31:13-15,21-22.

Such as repairing clothes, and cooking, (this is based on bible verses, most couples now share the cooking). Plus, in bible times very few women worked outside the home for an income. Oh, how times have changed.

 

D. Hard-working Proverbs 31:16,24.

Makes investments (buys land and plants a vineyard), provides extra income (makes clothing and sells to merchants). Today, she maybe even in full-time in the job market.

 

E. Compassionate Proverbs 31:20.

          Helping the poor and reaching out to the needy.

 

F. Strong character Proverbs 31:25.

Character matters, and she has developed a strong one, just as Peter stressed in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

 

G. Speaks words of wisdom and kindness Proverbs 31:26.

She is thus concerned about what proceeds from her mouth, just as Paul stressed in Ephesians 4:29.

 

H. Thoroughly sees to her family’s need Proverbs 31:27.

Makes whatever preparation necessary Proverbs 31:15, so that her family does not go in want Proverbs 31:21.

 

I. Fears the Lord Proverbs 31:29-30.

She understands that this quality is more important and praiseworthy than physical beauty, with the fear of the Lord, she has the potential for great wisdom Proverbs 1:7.

Such are the qualities of being a good spouse

 

A wife must NOT be:

Quarrelsome Proverbs 21:9,19, and Hateful Proverbs 30:21-23. Both make it where the husband does not want to be around her.

 

 

Two. The righteous Husband.

 

          We do not have a single passage in Proverbs for the righteous husband, but bear in mind that the Proverbs are primarily addressed to the man!

There is half a chapter describing the virtuous woman, but there are thirty plus chapters describing the virtuous man! For the entire book, if followed, produces a husband any woman would love

 

The ideal husband:

A. Values his wife highly Proverbs 18:22; 19:14.

He realizes that she is a gift from God, especially when she proves to be sensible.

 

B. Gives his wife her due Proverbs 31:31.

Allows his wife the opportunity to develop her own abilities, lets her reap the benefits of her own labours. He does not treat her simply as an addition of himself.

 

C. Praises his wife freely Proverbs 31:28b-29.

Praises her frequently and does not take her for granted.

 

D. Trusts his wife implicitly Proverbs 31:11.

Demonstrates a willingness to trust her, in such areas as her intelligence, her faithfulness, her abilities, and is not jealous or suspicious.

 

E. Content with his wife’s love Proverbs 5:15-21.

Does not look elsewhere, which will save him and his family much harm.

 

These are just a few examples of how Proverbs can help a man be a good spouse.

 

Conclusion:

 

So much of the joy and meaning of life that God would have us enjoy is lost if there is not a good marriage.

The book Of Proverbs can also guide us in developing wholesome families.

 

Wisdom Regarding Friendship.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 17:17a.             Theme: Wisdom Regarding Friendship.

“A friend loves at all times.”

 

          Genesis gives us a verse “It is not good for man (woman) to dwell alone.” So, God gave Adam: Eve, and Eve had Adam, and they had a close relationship together.

In God’s all-sufficient Word, God has provided the wisdom necessary whereby we can:

a. Develop good relationships with those around about us.

b. Avoiding the pitfalls that too often destroy good friendships.

 

One. The value of good friends.

 

A. A source of comfort:

1. In good times and in bad times Proverbs 17:17a.

2. In some cases, even better than that provided by a brother Proverbs 17:17b.

 

B. A source of good Godly counsel.

1. Counsel that can “delight the heart” Proverbs 27:9.

2. The value of counsel in general is seen in Proverbs 11:14.

For a friend who offers comfort and can be trusted to provide good counsel is certainly a blessing. But we must choose our friends carefully (Proverbs 12:26). Here is some good advice from the book of Proverbs.

 

Two. The choice of good Godly friends.

 

A. Here is a list of friends that you do not want in your life.

1. Gossips Proverbs 20:19.

2. Short-tempered Proverbs 22:24-25.

3. Those given to drinking and gluttony Proverbs 23:20-21.

4. Those given to change Proverbs 24:21-22.

5. Liars, those untrustworthy, and those inconsiderate Proverbs 25:18-20.

6. Those given to violence Proverbs 1:10-19.

          Can I say, if an individual has several bad habits etc. when you first meet them, it will be unlikeable that you will change them. Their parents failed to change their ways, other friends in the past may have given up on them also.

So many get hurt and end up with broken marriages, thinking they can change bad habits of their friends and partners. Only God can change the heart and lives of men or women. Take my advice, find the best you can for friends, and leave God change the others.

 

B. Here is a list of the friends that you need around you.

1. Those who display wisdom themselves Proverbs 13:20.

2. For their teaching (counsel) will help lead you in the right way Proverbs 13:14.

          The wrong kind of friends can be a corrupting influence (1 Corinthians 15:33), but a friend who is good and wise is one you want to hold on to! So, avoid losing good friends.

 

Three. Maintaining friendships.

 

When I was a maintenance fitter at a bus garage in Chepstow, the company run a “preventive maintenance” programme. Which mainly meant that we would examine every bus in the fleet every 14 days, for safety issues or possible future breakdown failure, in those “time and motion study” days we had to check a bus over in 14 minutes.

We need some preventive maintenance time in our friendship with others, more so in marriage relationships. To check that faults and failures are being dealt with quickly. So, we do not have a MOT (Marriage Over Today) failure in our relationships with others.

Over the years our job title changed to “vehicle technician” because we had to become more and more skilled in so many areas of a vehicle. In our friendship with others our own skill levels should increase to give us a fuller understanding of our friends and partners.

Having a “friend request” on social media sites, is not the same as having an everlasting friendship face to face. We need to work at our relationships with others.

 

A. Here are a list of things which disrupt friendship with others.

1. Repeating everything you hear Proverbs 17:9. Gossip.

2. Getting into senseless arguments Proverbs 17:14. You cannot change some.

3. Overstaying your welcome Proverbs 25:17. Calling in for tea, is not a sleepover.

4. Meddling in affairs not your own Proverbs 26:17. Taking sides in someone’s arguments.

5. Playing bad jokes Proverbs 26:18-19. Many a joke as lost a good friend.

6. Being a “snitch” Proverbs 26:20. We do not like others talking about us behind our backs, so why do it to our good friends?

7. Being quarrelsome Proverbs 26:21. Sometimes we need to keep our own opinions to ourselves, more so “our” opinions.

8. Engaging in insincere flattery Proverbs 27:14. If you do not believe it, well do not say it.

Following this advice, we are less likely to offend our true friends. But sometimes we do, and regaining their confidence is not easy Proverbs 18:19.

 

B. Trying to solve problems with our friends.

1. Make sure that you are at peace with the Lord Proverbs 16:7. If you are angry with God, you soon will be anger with those around about you.

2. Be slow to anger Proverbs 15:18, see also James 1:19-20.

3. Be slow to respond Proverbs 18:13. Think before you speak, because you cannot take your words back.

4. Avoid quarrelling Proverbs 20:3. Again I say, you cannot change everyone.

5. Speak gently Proverbs 15:1.

6. Speak briefly Proverbs 10:19. Me, self and I talking, will so lose the best of friends. If you are talking to a friend, ask how they are.

7. Be quick to show love Proverbs 10:12. Everyone loves to hear “I love you.”

8. But, if necessary, rebuke rather than flatter Proverbs 28:23.

 

Conclusion:

 

Properly applying the wisdom of God found in His Word can assure that. We enjoy the blessings of good friends in this life, and we can look forward to enjoying these dear godly friends in life eternal!

Rather than depend upon “how to win friends and influence people,” let God’s Word of Wisdom be your guide! But of all the friendships we could possibly develop, none can excel the one we can have with Him who truly “sticks closer than a brother” our Lord Jesus Christ!

Have you become His friend? “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” John 15:14.

Wisdom concerning Work.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

 

Text: Proverbs 12:24.                         Theme: Wisdom concerning Work.

“The hand of the diligent will rules, but the lazy man will be put to forced labour.”

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

It sounds so easy to expect God to supply all our needs, and we do nothing but expect receive them. Well, our “needs” are for bread and water, and a shelter to lay our heads. But our “wants” are for fine food, fashionable clothes, detached houses and fast cars, and holidays all over the world. God will take care of our needs, but we must work to gain the wants of our lives.

When I was pastoring, I would preach about tithing of our income to the Lord. I believe God blesses us with the skills to labour for a wage, and of that wage we have 90% to spend on our own needs and wants, and the tithe of 10% we give to our local place of worship.

I have spent most of my Christian life in attending independent financed churches, supported only by the tithes and offerings of its members and attenders, who pay the bills for the buildings and lands, heating and lighting, seating, sound system, piano etc. musical instruments, projectors, computers, camera, and video equipment etc. and support the ministry/pastor of the church.

Well, some would say it is God’s House, so God should pay the bills, fair enough. God is Spirit, so does not need a building, a seat, the heating, or the sound system, but we do! So, it is only fair that we pay for what we need and want. When I was in Israel (in June) I stood where Jesus preached the sermon on the mount, but I would not want to stand in the open air on a November day in the UK, so hear it preached.

I expect a warm building, a nice seat, a good sound system etc. so it is only fair that I help to pay the costs of this service to myself and the family.

I left school age 15 (we did in the 1960’s) and I spent the next 46 years working for an income to support myself and family, until my health became poor in my 60’s when I retired. So, I have a fair experience of finding jobs, and working under several different employers.

I believe God had a hand in suppling me with a number of those full-time employment role. At one time I called into a company on the off chance, at present there was no vacancies I was told. By the afternoon they came up to the house to offer a job, because someone that day reported a long-time sickness.

Another time, I was looking for a job, when out of the blue I phoned a company to see if they had any jobs in my skill. They said they have one, but there were already 24 others up for interview, so I joined the list, but God opened the door, because I was the one, they took on.

The responsibilities of being a Christian are many, one of which is providing a proper example:

a. We are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13-16.

b. This requires outstanding and honourable conduct on our part 1 Peter 2.

c. This is especially true as we go about the business of making a living 2 Thessalians 3:11-12.

But how can we be sure that we behave properly toward outsiders in our business affairs? The Book of Proverbs has much to say regarding everyday work and business! Most of my life I was employed in secular work, and I found Proverbs to be especially helpful in this area. For example, from Proverbs I learned:

 

One. To keep work in its proper place. Work to live, and not live to work.

 

a. It is a fact of life that we must work to live and provide for our families.

b. If we are not willing to work, the church is under no obligation to help us 2 Thessalians 3:6.

c. If we do not provide for our families, we are worse than unbelievers 1 Timothy 5:8.

d. Righteousness, not riches, is what is truly profitable Proverbs 11:4.

e. One should therefore seek to be righteous, not rich Proverbs 11:28.

f. It is better to have a little with righteousness, than to be rich and wicked Proverbs 16:8.

 

Two. Let God be involved in our work and business affairs.

 

a. For then our efforts are more likely to succeed Proverbs 16:3.

b. We are more likely to be able to enjoy what we receive Proverbs 10:22; Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:2.

 

Three. Remember that work and business have a major shortcoming,

 

a.     We never know what might happen tomorrow Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16. 

b.    Wealth is a fleeting product not worth killing yourself to obtain Proverbs 23:4-5.

c.     Many people come to learn these truths only after a lifetime, when they realize they wasted their years on things not especially important, but the value of Proverbs is that even the young can know them early and apply them to their lives!

 

Four. How to be a successful worker.

 

1. What NOT to do:

a. Be lazy, for it will greatly irritate your boss! Proverbs 10:26.

b. Be idle in your work, for it will ruin your company you work for Proverbs 18:9.

 

2. What we SHOULD do:

a. Develop skills in your work, it will not go unnoticed Proverbs 22:29.

b. Be hard-working in your work to ensure your promotion Proverbs 12:24.

c. Impress people with the quality of your work, not the quantity of your words Proverbs 14:23.

d. In today’s competitive job market, among the best “skills” one can have are such things as “diligence” and “honesty.”

 

Conclusion:

 

In my experience as a worker, I learnt:

a.     Keep the need to work in proper perspective, a working job brings in the income to live.

b.    Trust in God, and He will open the right doors with the necessities of life.

c.     The important thing to keep in mind is that throughout our working life, we must always heed the words of Jesus: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!” Matthew 6:33.

The Two Paths.

 

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs.

 

Text: Proverbs 4:10-19.                                Theme: The Two Paths.

¹⁰ Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.
¹⁴ Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
¹⁶ For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
¹⁷ For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

¹⁸ But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
¹⁹ The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”

This is a wonderful call to the young man or young woman to seek wisdom. “Take fast hold of instruction” it is something that should have top priority. It is like saying, “Learn all you can learn.”

The gaining of wisdom is stressed repeatedly in the fourth chapter of Proverbs:

a. “Get wisdom! Get understanding!”  Proverbs 4:5.

b. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 2.

The importance of wisdom is further illustrated by two paths, described in Proverbs 4:10-19. We must take one path or the other. The two paths are:

1.    The path of wisdom, that only the wise can find.

2.    The path of wickedness, that the foolish follow.

This portrays for us how the evil man and the stranger woman live. There is nothing which the human mind and heart cannot conceive in wickedness. We need to realize that out in this world we are rubbing shoulders with many people who are not always nice, of course there will be some wonderful people.

There are two ways that are set in contrast:

A.   One way is the way in which the righteous go. It is described as a “shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

B.   There is another way, the way the lawless go. It is a way of darkness. It reminds us of the broad way that our Lord described.

The broad way is a wide one today. That is where the mob is. The crowd is having a “vanity fair” down that way all the time. The carnival is going on. (By the way, that word carnival comes from the word carnal, which has to do with the flesh.) Down there is the place where they indulge the flesh, and they call it the way of liberty.

We hear today that we are living in a new age in which we can do as we please. That is certainly a broad way that is, at the entrance. The way of the lawless is the dark way. “The way of the wicked is as darkness.” There are the bright lights at the entrance, but down a little farther there are no lights. The people do not even know what they are stumbling over. That is the broad way that the Lord Jesus described.

In contrast, the narrow way is very narrow at the entrance. The Lord Jesus said, “…  I am the way …” John 14:6. It is so narrow that it is limited to one Person: Christ. No one can come to the Father but through Him. You just cannot find a way any narrower than that. Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12.

Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” John 10:9. The entrance is narrow, but after the entrance the way gets wider and wider, leading to an abundant life here and on into the light of heaven itself.

That is exactly the picture we get from our verses here in Proverbs. There are two ways. There is the path of the just, and there is the way of the wicked. The broad way is described in chapter 16: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” Proverbs 16:25.

Life can be hectic, there will be times when decisions must be made quickly. Those on the right path are less likely to make mistakes, for they have chosen the way of wisdom. Considering such consequences, the following warnings are given Proverbs 4:13.

a. “Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go”

b. “Keep her, for she is your life.” The path of wisdom is what God would have you take!

The path of the wicked, the way of evil Proverbs 4:14. Note the strong warnings regarding this path Proverbs 4:14-15:

a. “Do not enter the path of the wicked”

b. “Do not walk in the way of evil.”

c. “Avoid it, do not travel on it.”

d. “Turn away from it and pass on.”

Reasons to avoid avoiding this path:

a. One easily becomes obsessed with doing evil Proverbs 4:16.

b. Sin is addictive and enslaves John 8:34.

c. It dulls the senses, requiring ever more to satisfy Ephesians 4:19.

b. It becomes a life of wickedness and violence Proverbs 4:17.

e. Sin is violent in every form.

f. For it damages our relationships with either God, others, or self! The path of the wicked is what God would have you avoid!

 

          Lastly we have the two paths compared.

1. The path of the just is like the shining sun Proverbs 4:18.

a. Just as the sun becomes brighter and brighter as it rises to reach its peak in the sky.

b. So those who walk down the path of wisdom are Progressively enlightened.

 

2. The way of the wicked is like darkness Proverbs 4:19.

a. They go through life stumbling again and again!

b. In their lack of knowledge, they know not why! Ephesians 4:17-18.

 

Conclusion:

 

Thus, one path leads to increasing brightness, the other to blinding darkness. Which of the two paths will we take in life?