PROFITING FROM PROVERBS

“For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:17-18 KJV).

In these two verses the contrast is finely drawn between the state of a justified soul in Christ, and the unawakened, unsanctified soul of the wicked. Jesus is both the light and the life of his people, and the progressive state of souls justified in his blood and righteousness, is like the advance of the morning to meridian brightness. But on the contrary, the darkness at which the ungodly stumble is growing more and more dark, where even the light is darkness.

Verse 18 is the contrast of verse 17 where we read that the wicked gorge themselves upon their wickedness. They are so full of the bread of evil and the wine of vileness that they no longer have an appetite for the bounty of the things of God’s table. “Violence” is the only item in some people’s “diet” of life—this is what they “eat” and “drink” of it every day. With such perverted “appetites”, they have no “hunger” for God and no “thirst” for righteousness. They are stuffed with the rich dainties of the world, and they always have room for more as the world can never satisfy. The only meal they desire is the junk food that Satan provides, so that the thought of the gourmet meal of heavenly things nauseates them.

What is the lesson? Stay far away from such persons! Consider Solomon’s words. He wrote, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:14-15). Look at his words! There is no room for any compromise with these kind of wicked persons. You cannot even go near them. You must be intolerant of them, their ideas, and their practices. They will corrupt your good manners and take you down to destruction and hell with them. Stay away!

BUT . . .

When we start out in that path of faith, it is like beholding the first rays of dawn; as we follow, the day gets brighter and brighter, and we can see the righteousness of God’s way more and more until one day this path will bring us to the “perfect day” of an eternity with God. “This verse contains a fine metaphor; it refers to the sun rising above the horizon and the increasing twilight till its beams shine full upon the earth” - Adam Clarke

How does a perfect day develop? It begins with a dull glow in the east, which seems quite weak in the blackness of the night. But the darkness soon gives way, as the glorious sun rises from the horizon to drive away all remains of the night. As it climbs powerfully into the sky, its light increases in intensity and angle until everything is bright and clear under a noonday sun. So is the LORD’s blessing upon the path of the just; He shines more and more unto perfection, as a man does justly and walks humbly with his God “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105 KJV).

The path of the just man extends beyond this life. A day is coming in which he will know with perfect knowledge. He shall be in the presence of the Lord Jesus, and he will know all things. Until then, trust in the shining light of His word and obey what you see, and pray for the Spirit of enlightenment: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17-18 KJV).

One man plus God is a majority. It is best to ‘do right’ whatever the cost.

Consider that one person’s views on atheism and stand against God forced this nation to remove prayer and Bible reading from our public schools. We are paying a great debt for standing by silently and allowing it to happen.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV).

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