Proverbs 4:10-13, The More Excellent Way

February 14, Proverbs 4:10-13

John 6:67-69; Acts 2:40-42 “The meek will he guide in judgment; and the meek will he teach his way” (Ps. 25:9)

The More Excellent Way

These verses reaffirm that the Path of Wisdom involves a Resignation of our Will to obey (hear, recite), a Role-model for our Guidance to follow (taught, led), and a Resolution in our deficiency to be instructed (take fast hold).

1. The Recompense Received: Once more the benefits and blessings of wisdom are set forth. Always remember that it is the quality of life that is of supreme importance.

a. There is a promise of Longevity. The years of thy life shall be many (v.10b). Some lives are like a piece of string, long and thin. Don’t let that be said about yours. If you are blessed with long years, make them count for eternity.

b. There is a pledge of Liberty. Straitened but not stumped (v.12a). The road is narrow, but broad enough for the godly to reach their goal, looking unto Jesus. The only truly free traveller is the one who is spiritually free (Jn. 8:32). “I will walk at liberty,” says the fool, “for I do as I please.” Ah! But that is only slavery in disguise! “I will walk at liberty,” says the wise, “for I seek to keep Thy precepts O Lord.” Yes, and that is the only true liberty. “Gospel liberty is a liberty from sin, not to sin” (Thomas Hall).

c. There is a power for Life. Thou shalt run and not stumble (v.12b). Running may suggest a time of stress or special need. Speed often brings danger, but the speed of a good man is free from peril (18:10; Isa. 40:29-31). Though rough and sometimes lonely, it is the best path because its recompense is the path of Life (Jude 24-25).

2. The Resolution Ratified: Take fast hold of instruction (v.13). Here are three command verbs, but just one motive, but your life depends on it. We are to hold her with firm hands, guard her jealously, never let her go even as a drowning man grasps the rope thrown to save him. Many thieves lie in the way to rob us of this precious treasure. We many lose it ourselves by negligence, or by wilful sin. This text hints that there is a natural alienation of our sinful hearts from such instruction, and when received, it is not retained without effort. When it comes to the things of God, the hold of many is limp and half-hearted at best. The danger of losing the path is ever present and pressing. Alas, many have, for a time, but even that is too long! Consider the example of Jacob (Gen. 32:26-29), or the Spouse in Solomon’s Song (3:4), or the disciples in John 6. After the new believer at Pentecost were baptised and add to the assembly, we read that they continued steadfastly. Barnabas exhorted the young Christians at Antioch that with purpose of heart they should cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23). This firmness is the character we should all strive to possess, and must process, if we would lay hold upon external life (1 Tim. 6:12). There are things we are not to touch, but we must take fast hold of this instruction for she is thy life, the fullness of the blessing of the gospel (Rom. 15:29).

Thought: “Life is worth living a lot better than most of us live it” (Anon).

Prayer: Lord, that my life would be measured by its depth, not its duration.