Imagine you’re walking somewhere and your phone instructs you to turn, but it's not always clear which way to go. Sometimes the path splits into two, and you have to choose between left or right. Once, when Dorcas and I were heading somewhere, we got lost because I thought I knew the way. Taking the wrong turn can waste a lot of time and energy.
Today, I want to explain how to avoid taking a wrong turn in your walk with God. I’ll discuss two paths: one that leads to life and the other to death. By the end of today’s message, Lord willing, you will understand how to choose the right path.
I hope there will be no confusion about the pathway. God offers each of us a clear way forward that leads to eternal life with Him.
The first seven chapters of the Book of Proverbs are addressed to “my son.” This son figure is presented with a choice. This doesn’t mean Proverbs is only for young men; it’s for anyone who wants to read and learn from it.
Proverbs is written with young men in mind. It’s like advice from an ideal father and mother to their son. Usually, the father speaks, but here, both parents share their wisdom.
Fathers can also use Proverbs as a guide to teach and mentor young men, passing on valuable life lessons. Proverbs 1:8-9 provides a powerful introduction to the wisdom found in the book. In these verses, the father urges his son to listen to his instruction and not ignore his mother’s teaching. The father’s role is to guide his son by presenting him with two paths: the way of folly and the way of wisdom.
The father’s instruction and the mother’s teaching are described as a “garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” In biblical times, a garland was a symbol of honor and victory, often given as a reward. Similarly, a chain or necklace symbolized wealth and status. The father is saying that wisdom and the teachings of the parents will bring honor, beauty, and value to the son’s life, just as a garland or necklace would. The two paths folly and wisdom are a central theme in Proverbs.
Throughout the book, we see contrasts like “choose this, not that.” This contrast clarifies the message: there is a path that leads to life and success and a path that leads to destruction and failure. The father encourages his son to choose the way of wisdom, which will bring him honor and blessings, much like the symbolic garland and chain.
Proverbs 28:10 emphasizes the stark contrast between two paths: the path of evil and the path of righteousness. The verse warns that anyone who tries to lead a righteous person down an evil path will ultimately fall into their own trap.
In contrast, those who remain blameless and choose the path of wisdom and righteousness will receive a good inheritance. This verse aligns with the overall theme in Proverbs, where the father and mother continually urge their son to avoid the evil path and choose the way of the wise.
They encourage him to stay on the good path, which leads to blessing and a lasting inheritance. The message is clear: choosing the right path brings rewards, while leading others astray or choosing the wrong path leads to destruction. The advice from the father and mother serves as a guide to help their son navigate life’s choices, always steering him away from folly and towards wisdom.
Path 1: The way of the foolish (verse 10-19)
In Proverbs 28:10-19, we find a vivid description of the first path: the way of the foolish. This path represents a life lived in opposition to God and centered on selfish desires. Proverbs uses the term “fool” to describe anyone who rejects God not as a casual insult, but as a serious warning.
The ultimate consequence of such a life is death, both spiritual and, often, physical. In today’s passage, the father specifically warns his son about a particular type of fool: one who is willing to exploit others for personal gain. This fool leads the upright astray along an evil path, using deception and manipulation to profit at the expense of others.
However, the proverb assures us that those who engage in such behavior will eventually fall into their own trap. The father’s warning is clear: avoiding the way of the foolish means rejecting a life of selfishness and deceit. Instead, the son is encouraged to stay on the path of righteousness, which leads to life, blessing, and a good inheritance.
The way of the foolish may seem tempting in the short term, but it ultimately leads to destruction. Proverbs 1:10-11, 15-16, 18-19 offers a strong warning from a father to his son about the dangers of joining sinful people who seek to exploit others. The father describes these sinful individuals as lying in wait to harm innocent people, driven by greed and selfish desires.
The father’s advice is clear: “My son, do not give in to them.” He warns his son to avoid these people and not even set foot on the path they walk. Although these men might seem successful or powerful in the short term, their actions are ultimately self-destructive.
The proverb states that they are lying in wait not for others, but for their own downfall. Their pursuit of ill-gotten gain will lead to their own ruin, and anyone who joins them will share the same fate. The broader lesson is not just about avoiding literal gangs or criminals, but steering clear of any mindset or lifestyle that prioritizes self-interest at the expense of others.
While most of us are unlikely to be tempted to join a gang, we do face temptations to adopt a “me first” mentality. This mindset, which often involves exploiting or harming others for personal gain, is just as dangerous. The father’s warning is timeless: choosing the path of selfishness and greed will ultimately lead to destruction. Instead, we are called to live with integrity and care for others, avoiding those who would lead us astray.
Proverbs is like a GPS for life, guiding us to make the right choices and avoid wrong turns. Here are some examples of the way of the fool, the path we’re warned to avoid:
- Has a friend ever encouraged you to steal something, like candy, a toy, or an outfit, because it would be exciting? That’s the way of the fool.
- Has a classmate ever asked you to copy their homework or asked to copy yours, even though it won’t help you learn? That’s the way of the fool.
- Has a college buddy ever suggested taking advantage of someone who likes you? That’s the way of the fool.
- Have you ever been tempted to sell something online without disclosing its problems to the buyer? That’s the way of the fool.
- Has your supervisor or coworker ever encouraged you to cover up a mistake at the expense of a client? That’s the way of the fool.
Proverbs teaches us to recognize these situations and avoid them. We all face choices in life, and Proverbs warns us not to take the wrong turn. The first path, "the way of the foolish," is full of traps and destruction. But there is an alternative a better path that leads to life, wisdom, and blessings. Proverbs 2:12-13 describes this alternative path:
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways” (NIV).
God invites us to walk in the way of wisdom, the second path.
Path 2: The way of the wise (verses 20-33)
Let us continue our study of Proverbs 1 by examining the path of the wise. Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33
Path 2: The Way of the Wise (verses 20-33):
When the Lord instructed the children of Israel to obey the Law, it meant walking continuously in the faith He had revealed. This was to ensure that the path remained clear for others to follow.
Moreover, it wasn’t just about performing specific actions but about embodying the principles of the Law in every aspect of life. The Law was given to the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt, signifying that those who walk this path are those who have been redeemed, akin to being born again.
Additionally, Adam was given the command not to eat from the tree in his pure creation, illustrating that the Law is intended for those who are in a state of spiritual renewal.
In Proverbs 1:20-33, we are introduced to the second path: the way of the wise. Wisdom, or “hokmah,” is described as “the skill of living.” However, it’s not just about living any way you want; it’s about living for God in a way that honors Him and follows His plan rather than our own.
This kind of life is rooted in what Proverbs calls “the fear of the Lord,” which means believing in God, respecting Him, obeying Him, and having a relationship with Him.
The Call of Wisdom includes public proclamation, rebuke, and warning. Wisdom is personified and calls out in public spaces, such as streets and city gates central places of gathering and decision-making in ancient Jewish society.
Moreover, wisdom rebukes those who are simple, mockers, and fools for rejecting knowledge and not fearing the Lord. She warns that disaster will strike those who ignore her counsel.
Living wisely before God involves fearing the Lord, obeying the Law, and maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. Additionally, the Law serves to guide those in this relationship, helping them uphold it and live in a way that honors Him.
If you were a father teaching your son about wisdom, you might use creative methods to capture his attention. In Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman a courageous, intelligent, and engaging figure who calls out to anyone willing to listen. This portrayal aims to attract the son's interest by presenting wisdom as someone desirable and valuable.
Proverbs 1:20-21 depicts wisdom not as hidden but openly calling in public spaces: the square, the top of the wall, and the city gate. This imagery demonstrates that wisdom is available to everyone, making her voice heard where people gather and urging them to choose the path of the wise.
The message is clear: wisdom is accessible and eager to guide us, but we must be willing to listen and follow. The way of the wise involves living a life aligned with God’s will, making decisions that reflect our respect and love for Him. By choosing this path, we honor God and avoid the traps and dangers associated with the way of the foolish. Thus, while the first path leads to destruction, the second path 'the way of the wise' leads to life, blessing, and a deep relationship with God.
Wisdom calls out to us, offering guidance and direction, but it is up to us to respond and follow the way of the wise. Wisdom, personified as a woman, is completely different from the way of the wicked. Unlike the wicked, who hide in ambush and scheme in the shadows, Wisdom is out in the open, boldly calling out in the "public square." The ESV translates "public square" as "marketplaces" the bustling areas where business, government, and news intersect. Wisdom makes her path accessible to everyone in every aspect of life, much like how God made His presence available even after Adam’s sin.
Similarly, Christ manifested His love while we were still sinners, making divine love accessible to all. Therefore, don’t turn anyone away from coming to church. Let those you preach to, even if they have made mistakes, come and receive wisdom it is available to everyone who seeks it.
Salvation is like medicine for the soul. Just as those who are sick seek healing, so too should those who are spiritually in need come to receive this wisdom. In John 6:37, Jesus says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” This shows His openness to all who seek Him. In Luke 19:10, Jesus declares, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,” emphasizing His mission to reach out to everyone, regardless of their past.
Remember how the foolish exploit others for their own gain? Adam’s choice to eat the forbidden fruit, driven by selfish desire, not only led to his own downfall but also negatively impacted all of humanity. This is an example of choosing personal gain at the expense of others.
In contrast, the way of wisdom offers a positive alternative. It involves making choices that benefit others and honor God. For example, Jesus Christ, in His wise choice to become fully human and still remained fully God, willingly endured suffering and death to redeem humanity. This selfless act was not for personal gain but to benefit others and bring glory to God, leading us back to the right path. Thus, while one path may lead to exploitation and selfish gain, the path of wisdom involves choices that uplift others and align with God’s purposes.
In Proverbs, Wisdom is depicted as boldly entering the public square, making herself available to everyone. This image reflects how God, through Jesus, entered our broken world to restore us to a right relationship with Him. Wisdom, as a personification or metaphor, symbolizes God’s presence and guidance in our lives. In our everyday actions and decisions, we can choose to act with integrity, support and uplift those around us, and make choices that reflect fairness and respect.
Lady Wisdom doesn’t withdraw out of fear; she actively engages with the world to offer guidance and connection. Similarly, following wisdom means embracing opportunities to live in a way that honors God and benefits others. Disobeying wisdom is akin to disobeying God, which is why repentance is necessary when we stray from the path of wisdom.
In Proverbs 1:22-23, Wisdom issues a call to action, urging the simple, mockers, and fools to repent. The verses illustrate the contrast between rejecting wisdom and embracing it. Wisdom invites those who have been living ignorantly or mockingly to change their ways and learn from her. In these passages, Wisdom serves as a dual symbol. On one hand, she represents the ideal qualities one would desire in a partner insight, understanding, and guidance. On the other hand, Wisdom is also a metaphor for God’s attributes.
This poetic representation doesn’t mean that Wisdom is literally God, but rather that she embodies qualities that reflect God’s nature. It’s important to recognize that while Wisdom symbolizes aspects of God, she is not to be worshiped as a deity herself. The Greek term “sophia” for wisdom has been misinterpreted by some to suggest that Wisdom is a separate goddess or a fourth person of the Trinity, which is a misconception and considered heretical. The Bible uses both masculine and feminine imagery to describe God, reflecting different aspects of His character, but God is not confined to human gender categories.
Rejecting wisdom, as depicted in Proverbs, is a serious matter. It means rejecting the way God designed us to live and, consequently, rejecting a relationship with God Himself. Proverbs warns that ignoring wisdom has significant consequences, including eventual judgment. The call to repentance is an invitation to realign with God’s guidance and embrace a life that reflects His wisdom and teachings.
In Proverbs 1:24-26, Wisdom declares that if people refuse to listen and disregard her advice, she will respond by laughing when disaster strikes them. This isn’t a cruel laugh but rather the laughter of justice and righteousness prevailing. It’s like celebrating a victory after overcoming a great challenge or finding joy after years of hardship. It’s the triumphant laughter of goodness overcoming evil and bringing about a just end.
Jesus also spoke of two paths: one leading to life and the other to destruction, as seen in Matthew 7:13-14. He taught that the narrow path, though less traveled, leads to life, while the broad path leads to destruction. To walk the path to life, we must enter into a relationship with wisdom, which ultimately means entering into a relationship with God through Jesus.
Amen and Amen
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