Read Proverbs 4:10–27
Questions from the Scripture text: What will result from receiving these sayings (Proverbs 4:10)? To what way/paths do they point (Proverbs 4:11)? And what will progress in this path be like (Proverbs 4:12)? So, what must one do with this instruction (Proverbs 4:13)? From what path/way are they warned (Proverbs 4:14-15)? What is the actual nature of waking, sleeping, eating, and drinking when in such a path (Proverbs 4:16-17)? What is the path of the just like (Proverbs 4:18a)? How does it progress, and how does it end (verse 18b)? How does the other way compare (Proverbs 4:19)? So, what must the reader do (Proverbs 4:20)? What ways of input/thought must the Word guard (Proverbs 4:20-21)? What will it give (Proverbs 4:22)? What must one keep (Proverbs 4:23a)? Why (verse 23b)? What output from the heart must be avoided in Proverbs 4:24? And what output must be maintained in Proverbs 4:25? And what in Proverbs 4:26-27?
What is the way to life? Proverbs 4:10–27 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek prayer meeting. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the way to blessedness is directed and guarded by the Word of God.
At the “heart” (pun intended) of this passage is Proverbs 4:14-19, comparing two paths. The path of the righteous is like the shining sun, increasingly so, until perfect blessedness in eternity (Proverbs 4:18, cf. Romans 13:11–14). But the path of the wicked isn’t just “in” darkness, but is itself darkness, and ends in a great fall (Proverbs 4:19). Therefore, we must not enter that path (Proverbs 4:14a), or continue in it if we are in it (verse 14b). We must not go near it or go with those who are on it (Proverbs 4:15). Even when they think they are just living, eating, and drinking, they are in evil and doing violence to their own soul (Proverbs 4:16-17). And they make others fall (Proverbs 4:16b).
The rest of the passage, before and after this core, is especially about how the Word keeps us from that path. The father teaches in order for his son to walk safely (Proverbs 4:12) in this path (Proverbs 4:11) unto life (Proverbs 4:10, Proverbs 4:13). Real life is not merely the functioning of the body but fellowship with God that will be forever. And for this life to be expressed in us, we must guard the inputs to our heart. Wholesome words guard the ear (Proverbs 4:20) and the eye (Proverbs 4:21a) as the way of keeping the heart (Proverbs 4:22-23a) from which that life issues forth (Proverbs 4:23b). From a Word-kept heart, good will issue from the mouth (Proverbs 4:24), eyes (Proverbs 4:25), and feet (Proverbs 4:26). This is the manner of living in the path of life: giving ourselves to God’s Word, which guards our heart, and thereby our life!
How are you attending upon the Word? How can you tell what path you’re on? What comes from your mouth? What is before your eyes? In what paths do you walk, and with whom do you walk?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for Your life-giving words. Keep us out of the way of wickedness, and bring us into the perfect day of life in You. Guard our hearts, and what issues from them, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed he Man” or TPH173 “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”
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