Proverbs 22:2-5 Contrast & Compare
Solomon holds up two different tracks in life. He contrasts and compares them for us but they BOTH wear the same ‘label’; Made by God.
We know without a doubt that we ALL come from the same ‘place’. We are born as children; innocent as can be; aside from being born with a ‘sin nature’. Look at an infant. There is no way to tell if he/she will grow up to become a leader of many or a mass murderer. You can’t discern it from their eyes, their cries, or even how well they take to the bottle or breast. These traits will develop over time.
You can see if a child is physically deformed. A missing arm or leg, cerebral palsy, crippled feet, or missing digits. Some forms the physical disability you cannot easily see. Blindness, hearing defects, even autism are not readily visible to the naked eye. Yet even with these difficulties in life, we are STILL made by the Loving Hands of our Father. What we do with that life IS up to us.
Yes, our family of origin has a big impact on who we become but they DO NOT control our future 100%. There are children of wealth who turn to crime as easily as those who have only known depravation. There are children who scale the ladder of success who had obstacles that others believed no one could overcome. There are those who were raised by parents steeped in biblical truths that are wholly evil. Others were raised by parents devoid of love but come to sit at the Father’s feet and ‘feed His sheep’. It is OUR choice which path we choose to follow.
Solomon points out a few of the highlights of the two paths. The “prudent” sees trouble coming and gets out of its way. He guards his soul from the snares of the world.
The “simple” plunge right into trouble because they don’t pay attention to the signs. They are always tripped up, wounded, or scarred by the perils of their chosen path.
These two simple comparisons alone should convince someone of the best choice for their lives. But it doesn’t. Some will choose to ‘bang their heads against a brick wall’ rather than accept a helping hand or word of advice. Others will insist there is a ‘third choice’ and will try to get the rewards of a virtuous life while living one far from God. I’m sorry, but that won’t work. This kind of life is like straddling a picket fence and expecting the ride to be comfortable. It AIN’T happening!
The life surrendered to the Lord is the one that will ‘prosper’. This isn’t always meant to say they NEVER have trouble because they do. They are just as human as the next person and they have lessons to learn along the journey too. The ONLY difference worth mentioning is ONE life altering choice. Do you choose to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who came to seek and save the lost? Once that choice is solidified in your heart, your feet will walk it out; for good or for evil.
The chosen path of each life may not be easily identified by the ‘blessings’ the person receives. Stay around long enough to see what is in their heart and then you will be able to recognize their path with greater certainty. “The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure” (Matthew 12:35).
There is always a chance to revisit that choice if you didn’t choose Life. Then your path will lead you to His Life. The ONLY place and path I want to follow! There’s room for at least one more. Want to come along?
Father God, thank You for the family You placed me into. Thank You that my parents knew You before they even knew of me. I know I had an easier life than many people. But we have walked some HARD roads. I would have ben plowed under if not for Your hand holding mine. Thank You for being my God and for letting me be Your child. I look forward to the road ahead with You!
