Proverbs 4:18

A lesser known verse about being a light . . .

Original Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash

Most of us can recall Jesus’ words in Matthew about us being the light of the world, right? It’s a popular passage that people use to illustrate the need to witness through our actions. In fact, I wrote a Verse of the Week post on that verse earlier this summer!

However, Matthew 5:16 is not the only verse that references people as being lights. This week’s verse is another one of the passages in the Bible that talks about us as being lights. Let’s take a closer look at this verse.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn . . .

I hope you perked up at the word “but.” When we see this word in the Bible, we immediately should be looking to see what’s being contrasted. In this case, the path of the wicked is contrasted with the path of the righteous.

Solomon tells his son (and us!) in the surrounding verses that the path of wickedness is:

• to be avoided (v. 15)

• violent (v. 17)

• like deep darkness (v. 19)

• leads to stumbling (v. 19)

In contrast to these things, the way of the righteous is like the light of dawn. This is something that is desirable, right? It is beautiful to watch the sun come up in the morning! The whole world waits for the dawn’s arrival to start each day. It is only after the sun’s light warms the earth that we begin our work for the day, that the birds begin their singing, that the morning glories open. Many people love to wait in the early morning to get a picture of, or just sit and enjoy, the sunrise.

So it is with the righteous. It is beautiful to meet someone who is righteous! They bring you encouragement. They bring you joy. They bring you comfort.

Moreover, when you walk down the path of the righteous, your path is lit. You know where you are going. Unlike on the path of wickedness, where consequences for sin lurk in the darkness, the one who walks down the path of the righteous need not fear what may come of his or her actions. Because the actions aren’t evil, they do not garner evil consequences. It is indeed a desirable place to be!

. . . which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

This is what the dawn is like, isn’t it? At first there is just a little light peeking over the horizon. But ever so gradually, light begins to radiate over the land as far as you can see! The light grows brighter and warmer!

The path of the righteous is like that. As you walk down it, your path becomes clearer. You gravitate more toward doing good. And those whom you come in contact with experience this growing light as well. They see your reputation and know clearly the goodwill and righteous acts they can expect from you.

So What?

We humans are not perfect. We are born with sinful nature and are drawn away by our own temptations to the path of wickedness.

But Jesus has given us a way to get back onto the path of righteousness! When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, His righteousness covers our sins! Moreover, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts so that we bear righteous fruits and gravitate toward the good things of God!

Let me encourage you to embrace the righteousness Jesus gives to you! Choose to reflect the light of Jesus! Walk in the light of God’s Word, and let the light of your life bring joy and encouragement to those around you!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

I know that it is impossible for me to be righteous of my own accord. Thank You that Your righteousness covers my sins! Thank You for the change You have made in my life! Please help me to shine a light into others’ lives, that they may also walk in the light of the path of righteousness!

In Your precious Name I pray,

Amen

Related Song:

Stepping in the Light — Eliza Hewitt

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Verse of the Week Video:

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