May I share with you what I think is one of the saddest verses in all of the Bible? It is Proverbs 4:19.
"The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble."
This verse brings to mind a picture of men and women groping through life in much the same manner as a blind man would do if lost in rocky terrain: Stumbling along, falling, perhaps being injured, getting up, plodding along, falling again. This is how the Bible describes the life of the wicked man.
What a contrast to the verse just before it! Proverbs 4:18
"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."
Here, for the just- the lawful - the righteous man, not only is the way plain, full of light (like the shining sun), but it gets brighter, clearer, more distinct and as he goes along.
The wicked man faces problems, difficulties, failures, in life just as anyone else, but in many cases, he never recognizes the root cause of his problems. Christians don't have all of life's answers, or have his whole life clearly mapped out in front of him either. But, the righteous man, perhaps only seeing and taking one step at a time, does begin to understand the general direction of his life. The distinction between right and wrong becomes more easily recognized. He begins to recognize the Lord's hand of Providence and the absolute certainty of the Word of God becomes apparent.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9
oOo
[All Scripture references are from the New King James Version ]
-Al Stephens
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