Keep on the Path of Understanding

Proverbs 21:16-31

16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding
Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;
He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous,
And the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman.

20 There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.

21 He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty,
And brings down the trusted stronghold.

23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

24 A proud and haughty man—"Scoffer" is his name;
He acts with arrogant pride.

25 The desire of the lazy man kills him,
For his hands refuse to labor.

26 He covets greedily all day long,
But the righteous gives and does not spare.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

28 A false witness shall perish,
But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

29 A wicked man hardens his face,
But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

30 There is no wisdom or understanding
Or counsel against the LORD.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.

We are further warned to keep on the path of understanding by applying knowing as wisdom in living by God’s good counsel.  If we wander from this narrow way of understanding it may lead to death at the worst or misery and suffering consequences at the least.  Wisdom does not run after pleasure, evil living against God’s word, or unfaithfulness to Him and the scriptures.  It is far better to remove oneself from contention and anger of close associates than to let their evil corrupt our good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).  We should therefore not squander what we have been given, but treasure and nurture that knowledge and understanding if we are to be skillful in wisdom.  If we truly have a deep desire for righteousness and mercy (Matthew 5:6, Romans 2:7) we will discover life, righteousness, and honor along their way.  We have to climb high to tear down all arguments of the stronghold set against God and His word (2 Corinthians 10:5) and bring those captive to Christ according to His word!  To further keep us out of trouble, we must guard our words well (Psalm 141:3, James 3:2) and wisely keep our lives.  This also entails putting our pride to death, knowing its arrogance only leads to scoffing at the truths which lead and guide us (Psalm 31:2) for the sake of righteousness (Matthew 5:10), and all laziness which keeps us from obtaining necessary sustenance of both body and soul.  This works ethic of Ephesians 2:10 leads to generosity instead of greediness to meet urgent needs (Titus 3:14) and bless others as we have obtained blessings from God in Christ.  Our lives should be sacrifices of righteousness and holiness to the Lord (Romans 12:1) instead of the unrighteous who offer abominations with wicked hearts set on their own gain and not set on the Lord.  Truth telling sand honest accounts of others keep us while the world listens to the slanderers and workers against God’s commands and glory.  We establish our way on the road of holiness and willing obedience with great joy because of the grace and mercy given us.  Above all else we acknowledge that there is no counsel against Him which could ever prosper, no understanding or wisdom of our human reasoning or rationalization that can affect His glory or the good news of that grace.  Our deliverance is solely of God in Christ and not in our own wisdom or might of good works.  It is all by grace and our response is then all in on following Him accordingly to His word in true understanding and understanding of wisdom.  Do we hear, read, study, and memorize His word to meditate on it for this understanding towards wisdom?