The Path of WisdomThe Path of Wisdom

Adapted from The Moral Vision of Proverbs by Andrew E: Steinmann

Proverbs

Forget “Dear Abby” and “Ann Landers;” you have the ultimate answers from God.

Proverbs is not so much about theology (though it flows out of it) but rather living real life.

How to get rich – 13:4 What kind of woman not to marry – 25:24 When not to cheer someone up – 25:20 The value of a reputation – 22:1

The Path (or Way) of Wisdom

This metaphor uses a path or road to describe the conduct of one’s life.

There is an evil path and a righteous path. The righteous path does not originate from

human impulses, but belongs to God.The ability to walk on this path is a gift from God.

The image of the path or way is pervasive in the Bible, with the references numbering approximately eight hundred. Most of these refer to the physical track over which one walks or the act of walking in a culture where walking was the primary mode of transportation. Beyond these references to literal roads and journeys or occasional references to the natural rhythms of life and death (as when death becomes a metaphoric “way” or journey [Josh 23:14; 1 Kings 2:2; Ps 121:7–8]), the image of the path or way embodies a profound reflection on fundamental ethical themes, the conduct of God and humanity, and the character of God’s salvation.

Decisions have consequences. Think before you act!

As always, symbolic meanings grow out of the physical phenomenon. Walking on a path involves choosing to enter on the path and to pursue it in a given direction, progress toward a destination, making wise rather than foolish choices along the way, taking care for safety and not getting lost, and arriving at a goal.– Ryken, Leland; Wilhoit, James C.; Longman III,

Tremper, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press) 2000, c1998.

Since walking or journeying entails purposeful action, it is no wonder that biblical writers picture the direction and orientation of one’s life as a path. To picture one’s life as progress along a path, moreover, captures a sense of the dynamic nature of human existence, which never stands still and in which individual choices are not self-contained but contribute to an overall pattern. This dynamic quality is expressed memorably in the statement that “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Prov 4:18 NRSV). In the same vein, “For the wise the path of life leads upward” (Prov 15:24 NRSV)– Ryken, Leland; Wilhoit, James C.; Longman III, Tremper, Dictionary of

Biblical Imagery, (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press) 2000, c1998.

Within the metaphor of life as walking down a pathway toward a destination, a particularly evocative biblical image is the two contrasting paths or “ways.” Psalm 1 is structured as a prolonged contrast between “the way of the righteous” and “the way of the wicked.” Passages early in Proverbs contrast “the way of evil” and “the paths of uprightness” (Prov 2:12–15 NRSV), “the way of evildoers” and “the path of the righteous” (Prov 4:14–19 NRSV). The motif of two ways implies that the universe is such that people must choose between the two, as in Moses’ farewell discourse to Israel, in which he sets before the nation a blessing and a curse, life and death, with the former associated with walking in the ways of God and the latter with turning from the way that Moses commands (Deut 11:26–28; 30:15–20). This is echoed in Jeremiah 21:8, where God says, “See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death” (NRSV). Psalm 139 ends with a contrast between the “wicked way” and “the way everlasting” (Ps 139:24). Of similar import is Jesus’ contrast near the end of the Sermon on the Mount between the broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life (Mt 7:13–14).

– Ryken, Leland; Wilhoit, James C.; Longman III, Tremper, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press) 2000, c1998.

Passages that portray the two ways highlight a feature of the image of the path that is implied elsewhere-that movement along a path leads to a destination and end. They also accentuate the ease with which one can take a wrong turn, along with the dangers of doing so.– Ryken, Leland; Wilhoit, James C.; Longman III,

Tremper, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press) 2000, c1998.

In such a moral universe the manner and moral quality of one’s actions are pictured as walking down either a good path or an evil path, and there are frequent encouragements or commands to walk in one rather than the other. On the one side, “Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord” (Ps 119:1 NRSV). From Proverbs come these encouragements to pursue the right path: “keep straight the path of your feet” (Prov 4:26); “happy are those who keep my ways” (Prov 8:32); “in the path of righteousness there is life” (Prov 12:28 NRSV). The persistent command to OT kings is to “keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes” (1 Kings 2:3 NRSV). On the other side, we are warned not to “learn the way of the nations” (Jer 10:2 NRSV), choose the ways of the violent (Prov 3:31), “enter the path of the wicked” (Prov 4:14 NRSV) or stray into the paths of the loose woman (Prov 7:25).

– Ryken, Leland; Wilhoit, James C.; Longman III, Tremper, Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press) 2000, c1998.

Choose Your Path Carefully

For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, - Prov. 6:23

Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. – Prov. 4:26-27

The Path of Evil (Crooked)

2:12; 8:13; 2:15; 5:5; 10:9; 14:2; 2:13; 4:19; 2:18; 7:27; 14:12; 16:25; 15:9; 15:19; 22:5; 4:14; 4:19; 12:26; 15:9; 8:13; 2:15; 1:19; 15:19; 19:3; 13:15; 3:31; 16:29; 12:15; 2:12; 8:19; 14:2; 2:13; 4:19; 15:19; 22:5; 1:19; 2:18; 7:27; 16:25; 21:16; 5:6

Contrasting Behaviors

6:6; 10:9; 15:9; 16:2; 16:25

The Path of Righteousness (Straight)

8:22; 10:29; 3:6; 10:29; 3:17; 8:20; 3:6; 4:26; 9:15; 11:5; 4:11; 2:8; 2:19; 5:6; 6:23; 10:17; 12:28; 15:24; 8:20; 12:28; 16:31; 3:17; 9:6; 21:16; 4:11; 16:9; 20:24

People are encouraged not to leave this path– 2:13; 2:20; 10:17; 15:10

The Moral Vision

A correct and holistic reading of Proverbs provides a rich tapestry that reveals to the child of God what true life under the Gospel can be, and how the Law (a sure guide to orient and direct your life), is the delight of God’s people who have the privilege of serving him through moral living that reflects both God’s love and his righteousness simultaneously.