The book of Proverbs gives us insight into the wisdom of God. What we see in the text are general principles and truths for life. The general promises that follow from righteous living, as well as consequences for wicked, foolish, self-directed and sinful living. I very much agree with the saying that you don’t only read this book, but the book reads (into) you.
While the book of Proverbs in its first context was addressed as wisdom literature from a king to a son, we as both daughters and sons of God through Christ can glean from the God-given wisdom in this life-giving text!
Particularly, we will look at Proverbs 4:10-19; with special attention to verses 10, 11, 12, and 13.
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
We are implored to listen and accept a wise fathers words, words that will cause us to walk unhindered, on upright paths. Wisdom that gives us the ability to run without stumbling. If anyone has ever taken an accidental fall while running with full intent, you know just what this section of the proverb wants to guard you from. The momentum lost, the potential injury caused, and even the psychological effect of a tumble can be devastating. These all add to the dangers of stumbling when running, and add to the parallel between the spiritual run and the physical. Why run injured? Keep hold of the instruction in this race and do not let go of them.
Verses 14-17 speak to the course of the wicked, and the instructions are clear, AVOID this course! Not even to walk in the way of them is the instruction, turning and passing by their paths. These very same people are those who cause others to stumble, be warned. It may not even be out of intention, but in habit these people cause others to stumble through their words, attitudes, and lifestyle. Run alongside the wise and those seeking wisdom that you would be sharpened on the narrow road, for broad is the road of the wicked and that broad road leads to destruction. Verse 18 speaks on this attractive brightness that the righteous has, seek this, in the context of this verse this lights brightens their path and is a direct analogy for their deeds in holiness and seeking God. This light seems exponential, growing and growing ‘until full day’. Verse 19 describes life for the wicked, those who forsake wisdoms call, their life is not so as the righteous, as they run in paths of darkness, tripping over all sorts of obstacles, not even being able to discern what it is that they stumble over, a mess indeed!
Friend, life can be for all of us as the one who chooses the way of wisdom. The promise is that we do not have to stumble aimlessly forever, again we can seek out wisdom and choose its ways. Wisdom comes from God, and he gives it freely to those who seek it in truth (Proverbs 2:6 & James 1:5). Test him on this, whether you be a follower of God through Christ already, or simply a curious reader, ask of him the deepest questions, the one who knows you and all of creation intimately. His answer might just give you all that you need to run the race.
Love you all, have a blessed week, enjoy your family, friends, and all that this season brings. Until next time, God bless you all!
Song Recommendation (Advent Edition)
O Holy Night
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
run the race - rtr 
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