Proverbs 4:18-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

Some make David's instructions to Solomon, which began Prov. 4:4; to continue to the end of the chapter; nay, some continue them to the end of the ninth chapter; but it is more probable that Solomon begins here again, if not sooner. In these verses, having exhorted us to walk in the paths of wisdom, he cautions us against the path of the wicked. 1. We must take heed of the ways of sin and avoid them, every thing that looks like sin and leads to it. 2. In order to this we must keep out of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just is as the shining light ,.... The "just" man is one that is made righteous through the righteousness of Christ imputed to him; and who is created anew in Christ, in righteousness and true holiness; and, under the influence of divine grace, lives soberly, righteously, and godly: the "path" he is directed to walk in, and does, is Christ himself, the way, the truth, and the life; through whose blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, he goes to God for grace and mercy,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked is as darkness ,.... They are in the darkness of sin, ignorance, error, and unbelief; their works are works of darkness; the way in which they are leads to eternal darkness, ruin, and misery, and so must be most uncomfortable and dangerous; they know not at what they stumble ; they stumble at the word, which they are ignorant of, and at Christ, whom they have no knowledge of; and through the temptations of Satan and snares of the world, which they are not aware... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just - The path of the wicked is gloomy, dark, and dangerous; that of the righteous is open, luminous, and instructive. This verse contains a fine metaphor; it refers to the sun rising above the horizon, and the increasing twilight, till his beams shine full upon the earth. The original, היום נכון עד ואור הולך holech vaor ad nechon haiyom , may be translated, "going and illuminating unto the prepared day." This seems plainly to refer to the progress of the rising sun... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:1-27

7. Seventh admonitory discourse. We here enter upon the second group of admonitory discourses, as is indicated by the opening address, "my children," and which occurs again in Proverbs 5:7 and Proverbs 7:24 . This group extends to the end of Proverbs 7:1-27 . Its prevailing tone is that of warning rather than of positive exhortations, which have been the rule hitherto. The general aim of the discourse before us, as of those preceding, is to exalt Wisdom, to exhibit her as a subject... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The two paths I. LIFE UNDER THE IMAGE OF A PATH . It is a leading biblical image. There is much suggestion in it. 1 . Life, like a path, has a starting point, a direction, and an end. 2 . We have a choice of paths before us. The high road may image holy tradition and custom, the bypaths the choice of caprice or personal aberration. 3 . It is only safe to follow beaten tracks. What we call "striking out an original course" may be conceited folly. "Gangin'... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:14-19

The prudence of piety We may say concerning piety or virtue—the wisdom which is from God includes both—that the essence of it is in right feeling, in loving him who is the Holy One and that which is the right and admirable thing, and in hating that which is evil and base; that the proof of it is in right acting—in going those things and those only which are good and honourable, which God's Word and our own conscience approve; and that the prudence of it is in these two things which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

A contrast is drawn in this and the following verse between the path of the just and the way of the wicked. The former is, by an extremely beautiful image, likened to the light at dawn, which goes on increasing in brightness and intensity as the day advances, until at length it reaches its meridian splendour and glory. An exactly similar figure is found in David's last words ( 2 Samuel 23:4 ). The path of the just; i.e. their moral course. As the shining light ( k'or nogah ); i.e. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18

The path of the just. I. A SHINING LIGHT . 1 . It has all the great leading characteristics suggested by light, viz. truth, purity, joy, life. Perhaps the leading idea is that of holy gladness. This is to be enjoyed here on earth in those pleasant ways and paths of peace through which Wisdom leads her votaries. The Christian may be a martyr, but he need not be a victim of melancholy. 2 . It is open to the day. They who do evil love the darkness that hides their deeds.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 4:18-19

Darkness and light We have two perfect contrasts in these two verses—the path of the just and the way of the wicked; the one is very closely connected with light and the other with darkness. I. SIN AND DARKNESS . ( Proverbs 4:19 .) We may say that: 1 . Sin is darkness. It is 2 . Sin spreads darkness 3 . Sin leads to the ruin which attends darkness; it ends in making the sinner blind to the true character of his own transgressions: "They know not at what they... read more

Group of Brands