"Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way and walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked and their ways are wrong." Proverbs 2:12-15 (NLT)
1. HE SPEAKS OF EVIL THINGS
Evil people walk along a narrow path and they may struggle if they are on their own. If they have a lack of control over their tongue they may be disrepectful, vulgar or deceirful. Hopefully though, if remember that God is on our side, and gives us wisdom and understanding we may be SAFE!
"My son, do not lose sight of these, keep SOUND WISDOM AND DISCRETION." Proverbs 3:21 (ESV)
2. HE LEAVES THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
A young person may be brought up in a "godly environment, in righteousness". Even if they are brought up in a Christian home, attend Church or a Christian School regularly, they may still make the wrong choices and follow a different path. They may "grow tired" of the "righteous path" and their steps may lead to "defiance". It's important for us, as parents and grandparents to keep our children in prayer and guidance.
"One who is RIGHTEOUS is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Proverbs 12:26 (ESV)
3. HE WALKS IN WAYS OF DARKNESS
Avoid WRONG TURNS! Try not to follow the "bad directions". Wisdom will help you stop going of course, making "detours", that lead to " . Evil may look attractive, but it leads to darkness.
"In your life you need to navigate situations that require wisdom, that avoid damaging not only your life, but but others." Nicky Gumbel
4. HE FINDS PLEASURE IN DOING WRONG
A young person may finally be led on a path where they rejoice in evil. They "find pleasure in doing wrong". His conscience does not bother him and he enjoys sinful activities.
In my day, I used to spend a lot of my time outdoors - riding my bike, climbing trees. In the evening, my Dad would spend time with us, reading the Bible and telling us stories. These days, my granddaughters spend more time on the computer or in front of the T.V. I try to spend as much time as I can playinng games or drawing, but as they grow older, it is getting more difficult.
" No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, abd He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the tenptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
5. HE DELIGHTS IN THE WICKEDNESS OF OTHERS
The older they get, the more they delight in other people's wickedness. It becomes comfortable and "a way of life" they delight in. Finally, they become a slave to sin. These people no longer have discretion and wisdom, but their ways become "crooked". We, as parents and mentors, need to help them look to God for direction. We need to show them how to take care on their PATHS.
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; TEACH ME YOUR PATHS. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD OF MY SALVATION; for you I wait all day long." Psalm 25:4&5 (ESV)
In this Chapter, Solomon continually describes PATHS! WISDOM will save them from the WAYS OF THE WICKED MEN. He helps them DISCERN THEIR PATHS AND TO CHOSE WISE WAYS!
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015), Tyndale House Translation
"THE HOLY BIBLE - ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION" (2001) Good News/Crossway Publishing
GUMBEL, Nicky, "Avoid Wrong Turns" - "Bible In One Year" (2009/2026), Alpha International/YouVersion
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