A Path of Reward or Pain? – Proverbs in Practice
It’s a stark contrast, former procrastinators, between the path of sin and the path of wisdom.
Proverbs gives vivid descriptions of pain experienced by those who take the path of sin. Here are a few from chapters 1-8:
They’ll eat the fruit of their way and have their fill of their own devices. Be killed, destroyed. (Proverbs 1:29-32)
A self-set ambush for their own lives (1:18)
Cut off from the land (2:22)
Ruin (3:25)
A curse on his house (3:33)
Scorn from the Lord (3:34)
Disgrace (3:36)
A way like deep darkness, not knowing what they stumble over (4:19)
Loss of strength and profit, groaning when body is consumed, (5:10-11)
Ensnarement in the cords of his sin (5:22)
Calamity and brokenness (6:15)
Injury to himself (8:36)
The enormous blessings that come from seeking and exercising wisdom are very motivating indeed! As you read this book, you’ll find many rewards. From chapters 1-8:
Simply knowing and having these characteristics (1:1-7)
Dwell secure, be at ease, without dread of disaster (1:33)
Understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (2:1-18)
Deliverance from the way of evil and perverse men (2:12-15)
Inhabit the land (2:21)
Favor and good success (3:4)
Straight paths (3:6)
Physical healing and refreshment (3:8)
Long life, riches and honor (3:16, 4:8, 10)
Pleasantness, peace (3:17)
Blessing, favor, honor (3:33-35)
A guarded life, a crown (4:6,9)
Unhampered steps (4:12)
Increasingly brighter path (4:18)
Safety from adultery (ch 5, 6: 20-36, ch 7)
Better than jewels and anything compared with her (8:11)
Counsel and insight (8:14)
Enduring wealth and righteousness (8:19)
Fruit better than gold, a yield better than silver (8:19)
An inheritance and filled treasuries (8:21)
Blessings, wisdom, life, favor from the Lord (8:34-36)
Lord, help me and each of these ladies consciously think of the consequences or blessings involved in whether or not we seek wisdom. Help us seek wisdom!
Think of an example from your life or another’s that illustrates each path and its results.
Which list do you prefer – and, specifically, why?
