The Pathway of the Wise
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Introduction
Introduction
When you use a gps you get several options
The shortest way (less miles)
The fastest way (less time)
Detours (avoid trouble)
The path of life has options a well. Many times we come to that “fork in the road” We often in those time struggle to know which way to go. God’s Word is a roadmap. Tonight we look at the pathway of the wise.
1. We Learn The Pathway through Repetition 10-13
1. We Learn The Pathway through Repetition 10-13
What role does repetition have in learning
The more we repeat, the more we know
The more we practice, the better we get
Lets look at what gets repeated in these verses
10a: The idea that we need to listen
10b: The fact that wisdom can extend your life (this means foolishness can cut it short)
11: The fact that we are learning a way of life
First we must surrender to Christ for salvation
Second we must remain surrendered for sanctification
If we remain walking in wisdom we will live in victory
12: Wisdom keeps us on track , keeps us from being hindered (KJV straitened) , keeps us from falling
13: The idea that we need to talk hold of wisdom
Must believe it for ourselves
Must value and treasure it.
Application: Pay attention to what you continually struggle with. There is a stronghold in that area. That area needs extra prayer, extra scripture, extra accountability
2. We choose between two paths 14-19
2. We choose between two paths 14-19
14: Stay away from the evil path, do not live the way evil people live
15:
Avoid it (do not look)
Don’t travel on it (not even for a short distance, you cannot manage sin)
Example of raising a tiger
Pass on by
Best way to do this is with a destination in mind. It is easiest to live in victory when that is your singular focus
One of most common questions is “how far can I go in this activity and it still not be sin” Wrong question! The right question is “what is the holiest path I can take”
16: The path of wickedness causes one to become obsessed with evil until it affects them physically
Addiction
Sexual sin
Anger, Bitterness
Greed
17: They begin to use sin to satisfy themselves
Bread: Sustanance
Wine: Joyfulness
The problem is that sin never satisfies
18: The righteous path is like the light of day
light is a metaphor for God, HIs Word, and His path
It carries the understanding of being able to see clearly
The progressive growing of the light is a picture of how walking with God draws you closer to Him and gives greater understanding
If you do not engage in this you will not have the wisdom you need at the moment you need it. (I cannot train for a physical sport one day before it happens)
19: The wicked path is contrasted with darkness
The text says they do not know what makes them stumble.
The more they walk in darkness the harder it is for them to come to the light
(My kids in the morning)
Vance Havner, getting used to the dark
Application:
My it a discipline to walk in the light
Do not tolerate getting used to the dark
3. The Discipline Needed for The Right Path
3. The Discipline Needed for The Right Path
20: The Ear
Listen to God’s Word
Listen To godly people
Avoid listening to what will bring you down
21a: The Eye
Guard what you look at
21-23: The heart
Guard what you think about
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
24 The mouth
This verse focuses on what not to do with the mouth.
Do not be dishonest of devious in your speech
3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. 4 And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. 10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
25 Our eyes
Looking straight means focus. Do not be distracted. This is often how the sin of looking happens, we do not mean for it to but if we do not look away then we are led astray
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
26,27 Our Feet
Ultimately, we must choose to walk the path of wisdom. We cannot get distracted, we cannot give in to temptation
Who is affected when we sin
We are
Spouse
Children, grandchildren
Church
Country/culture
The price is too high for such a poor return. Choose to walk in wisdom this evening.