Pathways

Different things stick out every time I read Proverbs, and I guess that can't be helped, since there are so many ideas and things in every chapter. Recently, I read Proverbs sixteen. I kept noticing how commonly the word "Way" was used throughout. It really stuck out.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,

But the Lords weighs the motives. Proverbs 16:2

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

The mind of a man plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;

He who watches his way preserves his life. Proverbs 16:17

There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

A man of violence entices his neighbor

And leads him in a way that is not good. Proverbs 16:29

A gray head is a crown of glory;

It is found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

A way is kind of like a path - it's a direction. It's something you're either on, or you're not. Or you're on one, but not all ways are alike. A way is chosen - maybe carefully and perhaps thoughtlessly, but it doesn't "just happen".

There are different pathways for different things and b that I mean that each way leads to something and follows some sort of course. It has an end and it has a purpose, progressing along the way.

The way of the Lord is following the Lord where He leads. I love the last verse the best - the one about the gray head being a crown of glory. It seems almost triumphant. A crown of glory for a lifetime of walking with the Lord. Proudly worn as a testimony to the Lord's faithful work in a person's life (and to let God work, we must choose that, so that crown of glory really belongs to Him all along).

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes

And I shall observe it to the end. Psalm 119:33

The way of the Lord is a commitment. It is faithfulness to Him.

I love this verse:

I have been young and now I am old,

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken

Or His descendants begging bread.

All day long He is gracious and lends,

And his descendants are a blessing. Psalm 37: 25&26

The Lord is good to those who keep His way and are faithful to Him. How incredibly faithful He is!