SHARON ROCKWELL | CONTRIBUTOR

I love road trips. Recently we were traveling in a remote area where we saw a road sign that read simply “Rough Road Ahead.” It wasn’t long before I felt the impact of a road that was in such poor condition that I knew we were in for a long, bumpy ride. I slowed down sensing that I could easily get caught in the potholed surface. We bottomed out a couple of times. I slowed down even more, dodging divots, sometimes slipping, and praying for smoother surfaces ahead as I tried to maintain control.

Road Signs for Life

Wouldn’t it be helpful if we had road signs for life that signaled when we were in danger, and needed to prepare for a bumpy ride? In fact, such instructions for life are recorded in Proverbs 4. Here Solomon, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, provides instructions for his son to obtain wisdom, which will guard him for life. In a later passage we learn that “the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (Prov. 9:10). True wisdom comes from a reverential view of God’s authority and greatness. We respond to learning about God and His ways by living in accordance with His commands. It all comes down to choices. You can choose the path that serves God, or the path of the wicked. Wisdom is the principal treasure to be acquired. With it, “When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run you will not stumble” (Prov. 4:12).

Solomon uses an ‘Attention’ sign to signal us to listen to his words, meditate upon them, and hide them in our hearts. “Be attentive to my words, incline your ear to my sayings” (Prov. 4:20). This prepares us for a life seeking a godly path rather than our own path. Solomon’s words are “life to those who find them and healing to all their flesh” (Prov. 4:22).

This is followed by a ‘Proceed-with-Caution’ sign. Solomon instructs us to “Keep your heart with all vigilance” (Prov. 4:23), that is we are to read, study, and diligently focus our hearts on holy living. Why? Because from our hearts spring our responses to the issues of life.

Next Solomon uses the ‘No Turn’ sign. We are to steer clear of crooked speech and devious talk (Prov. 4;24). Instead, we should be known for our honesty. Our hearts should be pure so that having no deceitfulness in them, our actions will reflect godliness.

We think of the ‘Single Lane Ahead’ sign in verse 25 which states, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” We are to be single-minded, our eyes fixed on the written word of God which fills our hearts and guides our paths. We also do not look back. Just as distracted driving presents a major threat on the road, looking any direction but toward God threatens our stability and safety.

Verse 26 reminds us to ‘Yield’ when appropriate. We are to “Ponder the path of our feet, then all our ways will be sure.” We proceed carefully in our walk, examining the way we live and correcting as needed. We ask “Is this the right thing to do? Is it childish behavior or mature? Is it using my God-given talents and gifts wisely? Does it matter for eternity?

And finally, we are to watch out for any ‘Detour’ in life. Anything that causes our hearts to stray must be avoided. Verse 27 reminds us not to “swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” We must be on guard for those things that might lead us off course. Wisdom keeps us focused on the journey God has set for us. We cannot just let things happen; we must steer clear of distractions and evil tendencies.

Wisdom through the Spirit

These signs would be overwhelming were we left on our own to navigate them. But we aren’t on our own. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, wisdom incarnate, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). He is the source and wellspring of all wisdom. In His life, He walked the Way of Wisdom, never once faltering or wandering from godliness. He chose obedience and obeyed the will of the Father for us. And because we are united to Him by faith, we are able to walk in the Way of Wisdom through His Spirit who lives within us.

So how do we follow these road signs in Proverbs? We ask the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to choose wisely. We pray for His presence and direction so that we become more Christlike as we deal with the issues of life. We ask Him to keep us on the narrow path and to help us identify what is true from what is untrue. And we remember that in this journey, we are never left alone.

Holy Spirit, thank you for inspiring Solomon to teach us how we are to live. Solomon provided clear instructions for staying on the righteous path. When I am confused, tempted by evil, or lacking in understanding, be present in me and bring true wisdom to my mind that I may choose rightly how you would have me live. My desire is to become more Christlike in my heart and actions. Give me the wisdom to make choices that honor you and bring glory to your name. Amen.

Photo by Michael Yuan on Unsplash