Proverbs 16:10-17 – The Path of the Wise
Verses 10-13 – Here is an instruction book for kings; showing, not what they are, but what God requires them to be, so that they may be a blessing to their people and a benefit to the world. It is a picture of our heavenly King. This king not only hates what is wicked and unjust, he loves what is good and right, surrounding himself with righteous men. We need to be praying that the leaders of our country will be the kind of ruler described in these verses.
Verses 14-15 – How much more true are these verses when applied to our heavenly King. His wrath is death, eternal death to those against whom it is directed. The wise man flees to Christ to make peace for Him against this wrath. And when our King looks on us with favour and love, how joyful we are.
Verse 16 – Solomon knows what he is talking about here. He has had the opportunity to possess both great wealth and great wisdom, and he judges wisdom to be better. It is more lasting – our love and service for the Lord will last long after our earthly possessions. Many work day and night for riches, and they never achieve their goal. But God has promised that those who pursue wisdom, who pursue the ways of God, will have success.
Verse 17 – The highway is the plain, beaten path of holiness. Simple obedience. Doing what God says and avoiding the diversions of sin. Stick to the path marked out for you in His Word. Don’t take shortcuts, don’t follow diversions, keep a straight course. Guard yourself. You know what sins are greater temptations for you; you know when your foot is stepping off that path. Stop yourself and get back on the road.
Questions
- How can we be at peace with an angry God?
- What is better than gold and silver?
- Where do we learn how to love and obey God?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the rulers of our land.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.