The Pathway of the Wise

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

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

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

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

Colossians 3:1–2 CSB

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.

Philippians 4:8 CSB

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

James 3:3–12 CSB

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

Matthew 5:29 CSB

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.