Thought for the Day

Verses 14-17 - Proverbs often illustrates spiritual truths through contrasting statements. God teaches wisdom by warning us not to go the way of darkness, but to walk in the light. Verse 15 stresses that we must avoid the path of sin; not even going near it. Many find themselves on the wrong path simply because they do not stay away from places that lead them into temptation. We must flee temptation so we will not be ensnared by the devil. Jesus taught His disciples to pray that they would not be led into temptation, but delivered from evil (Luke 11:1-4). This does not infer that God leads us into temptation - He never does. We are led there when we yield to our own lusts. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:13-15).

Verses 18-19 - The way of the wicked is darkness; those walking therein stumble and fall. Sin always activates the death principle; producing sickness, fear, poverty, strife, jealousy, and so forth. The way of the wicked is contrasted with the path of the just "which is as the shining light." The just can see where they are going. When we walk with Jesus, our path becomes brighter; every day we see more clearly to follow Him better.