An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

One Way, Multiple Paths

(Proverbs 8:20 KJV)  I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

“Righteousness” (6666) and “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941) would seem to run together.  In one sense this seems like a literary device to emphasize a point but a difference is apparent.  One is singular and the other is plural.

Is this just a way of emphasis and enriching?  Is this a tool like metaphor or hyperbole?  Is it important?  These are questions the Bible reader asks and then listens to the Holy Spirit.

“Righteousness” (6666) is singular.  This points out a concept that our culture does not want to deal with, there is absolute truth.  There is a right way, which infers that most ways are wrong or bad.  We are to walk in the “way” (734).  Jesus said,
(Matthew 7:14 KJV)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
It is a hard truth.

But “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941) seems to be plural.  Actually it is singular but the “paths” (5410b) to get there are multiple.  This reminds us to be careful when we are judging other’s choices.  Justice is more slippery than righteousness.

So?  Be harder on yourself than you are on others.  Too often we get this reversed. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

VERY often, we get this reversed. Good post.

Pumice said...

Thank you. It is amazing how many things we get wrong. It is our blessing that God is patient.

Grace and peace.