Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. BUT THE PATH OF THE JUST IS AS THE SHINING LIGHT, THAT SHINETH MORE AND MORE UNTO THE PERFECT DAY. "As the shining light" - literally, as the light of splendour - i:e., as the light of the (morning) sun. This is another dissuasive against consorting with the wicked (), the blessed contrast which the path of the just forms to that of the wicked. Instead of darkness () and deeds of darkness, which the wicked love, the just both have light themselves and shed light on all around, because they have within them the light of God's Word and God's Spirit (;...

14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word...

Verse Proverbs 4:18. _BUT THE PATH OF THE JUST_] The path of the wicked is gloomy, dark, and dangerous; that of the righteous is open, luminous, and instructive. This verse contains a fine metaphor; it refers to the _sun_ rising above the horizon, and the increasing twilight, till his beams shine full upon the earth. The original, הולך ואור עד נכון היום _holech vaor ad nechon haiyom_, may be translated, "going and illuminating unto the prepared day." This seems plainly to refer to the progress of the rising _sun_ while below the horizon; and the gradual increase of the light occasioned by the reflection of his rays by means of the _atmosphere_, till at last he is completely elevated above the horizon, and then the _prepared day_ has fully taken place, the sun having risen _at the determined time_. So, the truly wise man is but in his twilight here below;...

The counsel which has come to him, in substance, from his father. Compare it with 2 Samuel 23:2 etc.; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 15:1; Psalms 24:1; Psalms 37. Proverbs 4:7 Or, “The beginning of wisdom is - get wisdom.” To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain....

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 4:1 7. _Seventh admonitory discourse. _We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24. This group extends to the end of Proverbs 7:1. Its prevailing tone is that of warning rather than of positive exhortations, which have been the rule hitherto. The general aim of the discourse before us, as of those preceding, is to exalt Wisdom, to exhibit her as a subject worthy of all earnest endeavour and sacrifice, but it is noticeable that the teacher introd

BUT THE PATH OF THE JUST [IS] AS THE SHINING LIGHT,.... The "just" man is one that is made righteous through the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; and who is created anew in Christ, in righteousness and true holiness; and, under the influence of divine grace, lives soberly, righteously, and godly: the "path" he is directed to walk in, and does, is Christ himself, the way, the truth, and the life; through whose blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, he goes to God for grace and mercy, for peace, pardon, and acceptance, for fresh supplies of grace, and in order to enjoy communion with him; and who also is the way of salvation, and to eternal life and happiness: and, besides this grand and principal path, there are the paths of truth, righteousness, and holiness; the path of duty and obedience; the way of the commandments of God, and ordinances of Christ: and this path he walks in, whet...

CHAPTER 4 _ 1. Solomon's training (Proverbs 4:1)_ 2. Hear, O my son: Receive my sayings (Proverbs 4:10) 3. My son, attend to my words. (Proverbs 4:20) Proverbs 4:1. This passage shows the early training which Solomon received and he passeth on the instructions. It is said that these verses formed a model for many Puritan homes in England and the Scotland of the covenant. He was the beloved one, his father's true son. Note the different exhortation, about wisdom: Forget it not; forsake her not; love her; exalt her. Then the promises: She shall preserve thee; she shall keep thee; she shall promote thee

BUT. Marking the contrast between the growth of wickedness (verses: Proverbs 4:16; Proverbs 4:17), and the growth of wisdom leading in right paths (verses: Proverbs 4:11; Proverbs 4:12). THE SHINING LIGHT. the dawning of day: advancing and brightening till noon. PERFECT. stable part, when the sun seems stationary on the meridian. Illustrations: Jacob (Genesis 49:10; Genesis 49:18;...

_the shining light_ Some would render, _the light of dawn_, with R.V. marg., but this is rather implied in the figure than expressed in the words. _the perfect day_ Lit. THE STANDING FIRM OF THE DAY. ἕως κατορθώσῃ ἡ ἡμέρα, LXX. As the sun climbs the heavens, shining brighter and brighter, from the first faint glimmer of dawn till he reaches his meridian height and appears to stand there firm and motionless; so is the path of the righteous. His sun standeth still at last in the heavens, and hasteth not to go down for the whole everlasting day....

DISCOURSE: 763 THE CHRISTIAN’S PATH COMPARED TO THE LIGHT Proverbs 4:18. _The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day_. HABITS, of whatever kind, are strengthened by exercise; the more congenial they are with our natural feelings, the more easily are they confirmed. Hence the wicked, without any express purpose on their part, are daily more and more riveted to the world and sin. The righteous too increase in love to the ways of God in proportion as they endeavour to fulfil his will. They have indeed a bias, which, if they were left to themselves, would soon turn them aside. But God will not leave them destitute of needful succour: he pledges himself that their path shall resemble the shining light. This is found true by happy experience. Their path is, I. Beautiful in its appearance— The rising sun is as beaut