Proverbs 4:10-19

7. The two paths 4:10-19

In Proverbs 4:10-19, two paths again lie before the youth: the way of wisdom (Proverbs 4:10-13) and the way of folly (the way of the wicked; Proverbs 4:14-17). [Note: See Norman C. Habel, "The Symbolism of Wisdom in Proverbs 1-9," Interpretation 26:2 (April 1972):131-57, for a study of "the way" as a nuclear symbol in this section of Proverbs; and Daniel P. Bricker, "The Doctrine of the ’Two Ways’ in Proverbs," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 38:4 (December 1995):501-17.]

"Upright" paths (Proverbs 4:11) are straightforward ways of behaving, morally and practically. God’s way is the best route to take (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). It offers the fewest potholes, detours, and dangers. God’s commands are similar to the lines on modern highways. They help travelers stay on the proper part of the road so they do not have accidents, but instead arrive safely at the right destination.

"The road metaphor does not depict life from the cradle to the grave, but the road to eternal life versus the road to eternal death." [Note: Waltke, The Book . . ., p. 289.]

One writer restated Proverbs 4:14-15 as follows.

"Don’t take the first step, for you may not be master of your destiny thereafter." [Note: Plaut, p. 69.]

A person can become as zealous for evil as for good. However, this is upside down morality (Proverbs 4:16; cf. Romans 14:21). Another writer commented on Proverbs 4:16-17 in these words.

"How sick to find peace only at the price of another man’s misfortune!" [Note: Robert L. Alden, Proverbs: A Commentary on an Ancient Book of Timeless Advice, p. 47.]

This section closes with another summary comparison (Proverbs 4:18-19; cf. Proverbs 1:32-33; Proverbs 2:21-22; Proverbs 3:35).

"With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures." [Note: A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, p. 70.]

The main opposing elements set in contrast in Proverbs 4:10-19 alternate between safety and danger, and between certainty and uncertainty.