Proverbs 2:1–22

June 15, 2011

The choice of two paths: Life—or—Death

Path That Leads to Life

Listen! Cry out! Search for wisdom. Set your mind on understanding. "THEN you will understand respect for the LORD and you will find that you know God." THE LORD gives wisdom to those who are honest. "Like a shield (Psalm 140:7 - ...who shields my head in the day of battle) he protects the innocent." He makes sure that justice is done, and He protects those who are loyal to Him. You will know what is honest and fair, and what is the good and right thing to do. You will know "every good path." (NIV)  Discretion (good sense) will save you and help you do what is right. Those who are honest will live in the land, and those who are innocent will remain in it. You will keep to the paths of the righteous.

Path That Leads to Death

The way of the evil/wicked men. Their words are perverse. They have left the straight path to walk in dark ways. They enjoy doing wrong and are happy to do what is crooked and evil. They are devious in their ways. What they do is wrong, and their ways are dishonest. The wicked will be cut off from the land. They will be removed. The unfaithful will be torn from it and thrown out.

What a contrast between the two paths. Rebelling against God's wisdom leads to immorality and spiritual death. God's wisdom keeps us from living an immoral and defeated life.

Life Lesson ~

"The secret is making the right choices. Here is what I mean. In the light of truth, you and I are able to see both truth and lie, both light and darkness—that which is simple, pure, and clear and that which is deceptive. But enslaved to darkness and plunged into the pit of the lie, we no longer see truth. We have no other option but to believe the lie. We become victimized in our addiction—in "sin's foul bondage"... Once you decide to trust God in simple faith and allow Him complete freedom to carry out His plan and purpose in you as well as through you, you need only relax and count on Him to take care of things you once tried to keep under control." ~ From Simple Faith by Charles Swindoll

I remember reading these words of Chuck Swindoll and having an "aha" moment. When "the storm" first began, I just couldn't understand how it could be that people we loved could set out to harm us. I remember questioning everything. I couldn't understand why they couldn't seem to see the truth that was so clear to everyone else. When I read this I remember thinking, "So this is why? This is why they can no longer see the truth?!" Understanding this concept explained so much.

There are times people become blinded because of their life choices. There are two different life paths with two very different end results. When you come to a fork in the road, only you can choose which path you are going to take. Dependence on God—OR—Dependence on self. God's way—OR—My way. Honesty and fairness—OR—Dishonesty and ill-gotten gain. Straight—OR—Crooked. Faith and trust—OR—Insecurity. Peace, joy, and contentment—OR—Fear, anxiety, and discontent. The list goes on and on.

I choose the path that leads to righteousness. As for me and my house, we choose to follow God wherever He leads—no matter what!


Next Entry: Proverbs 3:1–35