Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4:1-27

The Three Paths of Wisdom - Once we receive the call from wisdom in chapter 1, and are shown how to answer this call in chapter 2, and what blessings come as a result of answering the call of wisdom in chapter Proverbs 3:1-18, and the power of wisdom to establish our destinies (Proverbs 3:19-35), then take a journey of two destinies. We will first learn how wisdom transforms our lives and destines us to an abundant life (Proverbs 4:1-27), and then see how the rejection of wisdom will destine us to destruction (Proverbs 5:1 to Proverbs 7:27). This section will show us how wisdom is processed in our lives from the perspective of the spirit, the soul and the body of man. Wisdom will transform our hearts (Proverbs 4:1-9), renew our minds (Proverbs 4:10-19) and direct our bodies (Proverbs 4:20-27); or, as is stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, wisdom sanctifies our whole spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our heart must first embrace and exalt wisdom, then our minds can be renewed, and finally our bodies can be directed to follow God’s Word by our willingness to serve God rather than follow man. This is the progression of events that wisdom takes in the process of transformation our lives. Thus, wisdom is able to transform us into the image of a perfect man, who was created in the image of God. In each of these three paths of wisdom for transforming our lives, a common procedure is repeated. Each path begins with a command to receive instruction and not to forget it (Proverbs 4:1-2; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 4:20). Proverbs 4:1-2, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” Proverbs 4:10, “Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.” Proverbs 4:20, “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” The Word of God must not only be received, it must be able to abide and take root in our lives in order to transform us. The procedures for doing this are found in chapter four and are simple for anyone to follow. Procedures are a way of life. For example, as a manager of Lighthouse Television, I have written an operations manual. This is a set of procedures for each department in the studio. When I hire someone, I teach that person the procedures for their department. God has also given to us procedures to follow in developing our lives spiritually, mentally and physically. There is an outward manifestation in our lives when each of these processes takes effect. A person with a transformed heart (Proverbs 4:1-9) will manifest a “crown of glory” (Proverbs 4:9). In other words, this person will have a peace and anointing about him that others can see. For those who have a renewed mind (Proverbs 4:10-19), their lives reflect someone who is able to make wise decisions in which they do not stumble (Proverbs 4:12; Proverbs 4:18). Those who allow the Word of God to direct their bodies (Proverbs 4:20-27) will be manifest as those who live a long and health life (Proverbs 4:22). In contrast, people who are not walking with an outward peace and anointing, with the ability to make wise decision, and walking in a life of health reveal that they have not allowed God’s Word to enter their hearts and change their lives. If we could find a parallel passage to Proverbs 4:1-27 in the New Testament it would be 2 Peter 1:2-11 which tells us that through God’s Word we become partakers of His divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Transforming your heart (note Proverbs 4:4) — Proverbs 4:1-9 —
2. Renewing your mind (note Proverbs 4:18) — Proverbs 4:10-193. Directing your body (note Proverbs 4:22) — Proverbs 4:20-27

Proverbs 4:10-19

The Path of Wisdom that Renews the Mind (note that light is symbolic of understanding in Proverbs 4:18) - The previous passage of Scripture (Proverbs 4:1-9) tells us how wisdom will transform our heart, Proverbs 4:10-19 tells us how wisdom renews our minds. We will then see in the next passage (Proverbs 4:20-27) how wisdom directs our bodies. Thus, wisdom sanctifies our whole bodies to become like Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Making daily decisions can be likened to walking down a path. When we have received God’s Word (Proverbs 4:10) and have been taught in His ways (Proverbs 4:11), our decisions will keep us from falling (Proverbs 4:12). We will begin to learn to cling to the right decisions (Proverbs 4:13) and abhor the wrong decisions (Proverbs 4:14-17). This path of wisdom will become clearer each day in our minds as we walk in the light of God’s Word (Proverbs 4:18-19). We will be able to make better decisions with much more insight as the years go by. Proverbs 4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. Proverbs 4:10 — Comments - The first step in allowing wisdom to renew our minds is to open our hearts to God’s Word. Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Proverbs 4:11 — Comments - The second step in allowing wisdom to renew our minds is to study and learn God’s Word. Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Proverbs 4:12 — Comments - As we open our hearts (Proverbs 4:10) and study God’s Word (Proverbs 4:11), we will begin to make decisions that will keep us from falling, or failing (Proverbs 4:12). Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Proverbs 4:13 — Word Study on “instruction” – Gesenius says the Hebrew word “instruction” (îåּ ?ñָ ?ø) (H4148) means, “correction, admonition, discipline, instruction, doctrine.” Strong says it means, “chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 50 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “instruction 30, correction 8, chasten 4, chastisement 3, check 1, bond 1, discipline 1, doctrine 1, rebuker 1.” This Hebrew word is used 30 times in the book of Proverbs.Comments- This word is most often translated as “instruction,” but quiet often “chastisement.” This word means any form of discipline and instruction that leads to a changed life.Proverbs 4:13 — Comments - As the process of learning to make wise decisions is developed in our lives (Proverbs 4:12), we will begin to cling more and more to wisdom, and less and less to our old ways of foolishness. Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Proverbs 4:14 — Comments - The path of the wicked and the way of the evil men is the path where man takes himself without the wisdom of God. In other words, a child of God can resist the leadership of the Holy Spirit and go places that put him or her in harm’s way. Then when something bad happens, Christians often blame God, who actually tried to lead us away from danger. Proverbs 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Proverbs 4:15 — Comments - As Christians in the Church Age, we avoid the path of the wicked by being led by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:14-15 — Comments - The Enticement of Sinners - Lost sinners do not mind a bit of fellowship with Christians. They even think that Christians are self-righteous for avoiding fellowship with sinners. They will entice and ask you to fellowship with them. Note in a similar passage in Proverbs 1:10-16 how the sinners entice the righteous. Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. Proverbs 4:16 — Comments - Proverbs 4:16 reflects the bondage that develops in the lifestyles of a sinner. Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Proverbs 4:17 — Comments - In Rick Joyner’s book The Final Quest, he describes a vision in which hoards of Christians had been taken captive by demons of hell. He says that the only food provided from them was the vomit from the vultures. He continues: “Those who refused to eat it simply weakened until they fell. Those who did eat it were strengthened for a time, but with the strength of the evil one. Then they would weaken unless they would drink the waters of bitterness that were constantly being offered to them. After drinking the bitter waters they would then begin to vomit on the others. When one of the prisoners began to do this, a demon that was waiting for a ride would climb up on him, and would ride him up to one of the front divisions.”[67] [67] Rick Joyner, The Final Quest (Charlotte, North Carolina: Morning Star Publications, 1977), 21.The author then describes a scene that is even worse than the vomit from the vultures. He says that the demons would urinate and defecate a repulsive slime onto these fallen Christians that they rode. This slime, which was the pride, selfish ambition, etc., that characterized the nature of this army division made the Christians feel better than those who partook of vomit and bitter water. Thus, they believed that these demons were messengers of God and that the slime was the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:16-17 — Comments - The Addiction of the Wicked to His Sins - We can see in these two verses how a wicked person literally becomes addicted to the habits that will eventually destroy him. He cannot go through the day without causing affliction in someone’s life. He will realize this addiction at some point in his life, but will not be able to free himself without the divine intervention of an Almighty God. Proverbs 4:14-17 — Comments - Cling to Wisdom, Abhor the Ways of the Fool - As we learn to cling to wise counsel, we will begin to abhor the ways of the fool. As we walk down the path of wisdom, these wicked ways will become more and more obvious to us as destructive ways. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 — “But the path of the just is as the shining light” - Comments - The NASB translates the phrase “the shinning light” as “light of dawn.” The new day begins with dim light, which grows brighter and brighter until noon time, here referred to as the “perfect day.” As we grow as Christians, we begin to understand more and more spiritual truths, and why things happen around us, until finally in heaven we shall understand all things. 2 Peter 1:19, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” Proverbs 4:18 — “that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” - Comments - As a new Christian, we find this path a challenge to walk. However, as we learn to walk this path of wisdom, it becomes easier. We find that making the right choices is easier as the years go by. Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Proverbs 4:19 — Comments - In Proverbs 4:19 the dark path of the wicked is contrasted with the bright path of the righteous. The wicked do not understand why their life is filled with so many problems. This verse reflects the darkness that a sinner walks in daily. They have no idea why their lives are full of problems. They do not understand how to deliver themselves out of these bondages of sin that are destroying their lives. It is contrasted with the light in which the wise walk.

The brighter the light, the easier it is to see the darkness of sin. For example, if I am in a house during the night and turn all of the lights off inside the home, I can easily see outside. However, the minute I turn on the lights in the house, the darkness outside becomes utter darkness, too dark to seen past the windowpane. This is what it is like walking in the light. The brighter the light, the greater the intensity of darkness that we see around us. If we are also in the dark, then this darkness seems to give to us light enough to follow, but we do not know that we are really walking in the darkness.

Proverbs 4:20-27

The Path of Wisdom that Directs the Body (note a reference to the body in Proverbs 4:22) - The previous passages of Scripture in this chapter tells us how wisdom transforms our hearts (Proverbs 4:1-9) and how wisdom renews our minds (Proverbs 4:10-19). We then see in this passage (Proverbs 4:20-27) how the human body is moved and directed by wisdom. Thus, wisdom sanctifies our whole bodies to become like Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. This passage of Scripture shows a progression in how the human being receives information, processes it and acts on it. For example, when we receive either wisdom or folly into our ears (Proverbs 4:20 b) and our eyes (Proverbs 4:21 a), it enters into our heart. Jesus said that it is what enters a man that defiles a man, and not what comes out. Matthew 15:10-11, “And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” If wisdom is received into the heart of man through the eyes and ears (Proverbs 4:20-21), it brings health to our bodies (Proverbs 4:22). For this reason, we are to guard what we see and hear, and thus, guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23). What is in our heart comes forth out of our mouth (Proverbs 4:24). Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart, the man speaks (Luke 6:45). Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” What we say with our mouth determines how we see with our eyes (Proverbs 4:25). What we fix our eyes upon, our feet with follow (Proverbs 4:26-27). One preacher said that our thinking affects our believing, and our believing affects our actions. Our actions affects our receiving. This passage explains to us how the human body is moved and controlled by wisdom. Thus, we now realize how God has given us our five “sense gates,” which are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching, in order to receive information around us and to process it. Within the context of these passages, we receive most of our information that guides our daily decisions through our eyes and ears. How careful we must be in what we allow ourselves to receive into our souls through these two important sense gates of the body. Proverbs 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Proverbs 4:20 — Comments - In order for wisdom to direct our bodies, we must first allow wisdom to enter our ears. This requires a humble heart that will receive God’s Words. It requires us to pay attention to God’s Word by reading and meditating on it, by pondering how to apply it to our lives. Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. Proverbs 4:21 — “Let them not depart from thine eyes” - Comments - In order to walk in the path of wisdom, we must learn to see wisdom in action, as well as hear instruction with our ears. This is how Jesus Christ taught His twelve apostles. He taught them to preach the Gospel and demonstrated to them how to perform signs and wonders and to minister to the sick. Proverbs 4:21 — “keep them in the midst of thine heart” - Comments - Once wisdom enters our ears and eyes, it goes to the heart. This is why Proverbs 4:23 will tell us to guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:22 — “For they are life unto those that find them” – Comments - We must seek the Lord and His Word in faith in order to find them (Hebrews 11:6). Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Proverbs 4:22 — “and health to all their flesh” – Comments - That is, every part of your body: head, legs, etc. Proverbs 4:22 — Comments - A healthy heart produces a healthy body. Even medical doctors are agreeing to this fact. Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 — “Keep thy heart with all diligence” - Comments - Once we have transformed our hearts (Proverbs 4:1-9) and renewed our minds (Proverbs 4:10-19), we must now protect our hearts in order to walk in the purity that comes as a result of this process of sanctification. If we let sin back into our lives, it becomes much harder to deal with according to Matthew 12:43-45. Matthew 12:43-45, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Proverbs 4:23 — “for out of it are the issues of life” - Comments - Or, “for out of it (the heart) are the issues (springs) of life.” Jesus said, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) True life is peace and joy within, in our hearts. We must not let our hearts become corrupted, especially by striving after this world’s goods. Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Jesus spoke on this issue when He was teaching His disciples about the traditions of the Pharisees. He said that from a man’s heart proceeds either clean or unclean things (Matthew 15:18-20). In Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus discussed the good and evil treasure of a man’s heart (Luke 6:45). Matthew 15:18-20, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Jesus spoke on this issue when He called all those who were thirsty to partake of the Holy Spirit. It was out of our hearts that the Holy Spirit would come forth, for that is His dwelling place in our earthly tabernacle (John 7:37-39). John 7:37-39, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” Proverbs 4:23 — Comments - In other words, “Be careful who you let influence you.” Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Proverbs 4:24 — Word Study on “put away” - Strong says the Hebrew word “put away” (ρεּ ?ψ) (H5493) means, “to turn off.” Proverbs 4:24 — Word Study on “froward” – Strong says the Hebrew word “froward” (ςִ ?χּ ?ωׁ ?εּ ?ϊ) (H6143) means, “perversity,” and it comes from the root verb (ςָ ?χַ ?ωׁ) (H6140) that means, “to distort, to pervert.” Note Proverbs 6:12, “A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.” Proverbs 4:24 — Word Study on “perverse” - Strong says the Hebrew word “perverse” (μְ ?ζεּ ?ϊ) (H3891) means, “perverseness.” Proverbs 4:24 — Word Study on “lips” - Strong says the Hebrew word “lips” (ωָׂ ?τָ ?δ) (H8193) means, “the lip, language.” Proverbs 4:24 — Word Study on “put far” - Strong says the Hebrew word “put far” (ψָ ?ηַ ?χ) (H7368) mean, “to widen, recede, remove.” Proverbs 4:24 — Comments - We are to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), because we will speak what is in our hearts. Note: Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Proverbs 4:25 — “Let thine eyes look right on” – Comments - The eyes are figuratively used for “the heart.” Luke 9:51, “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,” Proverbs 4:25 — “and let thine eyelids look straight before thee” - Comments - Two great examples of those who looked ahead to their heavenly reward were Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and Abraham (Hebrews 11:10). Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” It is the ability to focus on the eternal destiny our soul that keeps us moving forward on the path of wisdom. When we begin to look around at all of the pleasures and distractions of this life, the path of wisdom becomes dim and we lose our way. Proverbs 4:25 — Comments - Note other translations: YLT, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Proverbs 4:26 — “Ponder the path of thy feet” – Comments - In other words, take time to consider issues before making a decision. As the next phrase states, our ways will be sure and established. Proverbs 4:26 — “and let all thy ways be established” – Comments - The only thing in this life that is established and sure, unchanging and secure, is the Word of the Living God. Man’s promises will change, but God’s Word is forever settled in heaven (Psalms 119:89). Psalms 119:89, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Proverbs 4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4:27 — Illustration – I eased out of the church service one Sunday morning to take my four-year old son Michael to the restroom. As I made a straight path for the restrooms in order to get back into church as quickly as possible, Michael darted to the left and to the right, with no apparent purpose other than to expend his energy. He jumped and ran back and forth to the restrooms. The only reason he was able to find it was because he was following the straight path that his father was walking. Scripture References - Note a similar clause in Joshua 23:6, “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside there from to the right hand or to the left;” Proverbs 4:25-27 — “Let thine eyes look right on…Turn not to the right hand nor to the left” - Comments - When we allow the Lord to lead our lives, we must be careful not to allow our lives to become busy doing many other things. As a business manager of Lighthouse Television, I receive invitations to go and do many things. I could also allow myself to become absorbed in some hobbies, such as boating or fishing, but I have learned to do only what I know I have been called to do and let other things go. I do not consider them by allowing my eyes and ears to pay attention to them. Otherwise, my mind would begin to reason and consider allowing them to become a part of my life. Many well-intending and successful ministers find themselves overwhelmed with things to do. They have become so busy that they are not giving their single calling the proper attention. They become weary in well doing. The Lord has now called me as the station manager of Lighthouse Television in Uganda. I do not do much else on the side. I go to work, go to church and have family time. Otherwise, I spend as much time as possible in Bible Study with prayer time. If I did not give myself such restrictions, I would be busy all of the time and sidetracked on unimportant activities. Proverbs 4:25-27 — Comments - Fixing our Eyes Straight Ahead - What we believe in our hearts is the result of what has entered our ears and eyes. We will speak with our mouths what we have in our hearts. Therefore, our heart will determine our perception of circumstances around us. We will be able to see God’s way of victory in every circumstance, or we will be seeing defeat. As a result of what we perceive, we will fix our eyes upon the answer. What we fix our eyes upon, our bodies will follow. Proverbs 4:23-27 — Comments - The Way becomes Narrow - In entering the Christian life, God begins purging a man and narrowing down his activities so that his goals and purpose being to glorify God. There are many steps to take, and everyone around us is walking their own path, but there is a simple, narrow life style that God has called us to, with most activities in this world being not of God. A very slim few lives are ordered and ordained by God as the Scriptures say: Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” We see that the heart, the lips, the eyes, and the feet represent a progression of events that lead a person into a life of righteousness or wickedness. When a heart is made pure, a person begins to speak right. He then begins to think (or see) correctly. This leads to actions of a godly lifestyle. The same process takes place in the heart that is corrupted with wickedness.