Proverbs 28.18-19
“Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”
Success is the result of the powerful combination of integrity and work ethic. Failure is the inevitable destiny for those “who are crooked” and “who follow worthless pursuits.”
Being “crooked” means deviating from God’s moral standards. It is walking on the wrong path. As you will recall, the book of Proverbs continuously reminds us to stay on the right path and avoid the wrong path.
“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4.18-19)
The path of God is the way of confidence, strength, and effectiveness. It is not always the easy path, but it is always the right path. The way of evil is easy, but it eventually leads to destruction. God calls us to follow his path, and he calls us to reject the ways of deception and darkness.
When you study and follow the Lord’s commands, you can walk with clarity and run with confidence. You will navigate the stuff of life with courage and strength that comes from God. When you follow the path of God’s wisdom you are protected; it guards you against the enemy. It keeps you from doing things that would harm you.
The path of the people of God is illuminated by the truth, wisdom, and insight of God’s word. Psalm 119.105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Because they walk in the light of God’s truth, wise people can see what is happening around them. The people of God know who they are, know where they are going, and know how to live and work with wisdom and skill. They follow The Path. As a result, they are at peace.
Unwise people, on the other hand, follow the wrong path.
“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.” (Proverbs 4.14-17)
The people who follow the path of darkness stumble over all kinds of things, because they are blinded by the darkness. They are restless and conflicted. They not only seek to do evil, but also draw others into evil. They want to make people stumble. They consume the dark path like bread and wine. They feed on wickedness and violence.
Trust God and stay on the path!
