--THE WAY OF LIFE OR FOLLY ~~

--"He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
But he who ignores reproof goes astray.
He who conceals hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool."
---[Proverbs 10:17-18 /NASB ]

--[Please Read / Proverbs 10]

--"The way of life" as used in today's key verse might remind us of the Scripture where Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus was speaking of Himself as the avenue of approach to the Father. Indeed, He is the Way and much more.

We must allow wisdom and understanding to be our teachers, for "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). These verses in Proverbs 10 are telling us that by keeping the instruction we receive from wisdom, we will be kept in the way of life--that is in Christ. Sometimes instruction comes as reproof, and a truly wise man will accept it humbly and so continue in the way of life.

On the other hand, we see that a fool will not receive instruction. When admonished about his anger, bitterness, hatred, or slander, he tries to cover it up with lies and excuses rather than make a humble confession He foolish way leaves a trail of question marks. Lies and a secretive life are mentioned twice in the seven abominations that God hates (Proverbs 6:17-19). Jesus also gave no slack to the religious hypocrites of His day.

Proverbs 9:6 says, "Forsake the foolish, and live." The foolish way is one of hiding and deceit, but the way of life is a path of openness and honesty. The foolish way leads to no place other than eternal death, but keeping instruction will lead us in the way of life to the Father Himself. ~~

"Father, I want to stay close to You and Jesus. Please help me to know when I get off the path. Lead, guide and direct my steps, in the Name above all names, Jesus.~~amen~"

--BSW/SH~