Proverbs 15:24, The Way of Life or Death?

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with ,

September 30, Proverbs 15:24

Phil. 3:10-21; Col. 3:1-4 “Too Late,” is written on the gates of hell.

The Way of Life or Death?

Did you notice Proverb 15:23 was synonymous? The two lines amplify each other. This is also true of 15:24. Yet there is a graphic contrast set forth here. The path of the wise leads ever upward in order to keep as far as possible from the way of hell beneath. Which way are you on right now?

1. The Upward Draw: There’s a Heaven to Gain. The way of life is above. This is the elevated way, but not just in any local sense. It is not in a material or secular sense that is temporal, reaching the top only to lose all in the end. The way above is spiritual. Both our Lord and the apostle Paul speak of this. Jesus warned not to pursue treasures upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19). Paul advised; Seek those things which are above (Col. 3). These have reference to the immortal honours of the Kingdom of God. The wise way is above the mere things of this life. Paul also speaks of pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14). It is the upward call, ever the call to come up higher, but remember, the height reached yesterday is only the starting place for today. It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but… when he shall appear we shall be like him (1 Jn. 3:2). Can you say?

I’m pressing on the upward way;
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2. The Downward Drag: There’s a Hell to Shun. That he may depart from hell beneath. Here Biblical Separation is demonstrated in its simplest, most practical form. One avoids the way of Hell (Sheol) by keeping as far away from its downward drag as possible. The saved life is a life separated unto God, a safe, a secure life. By contrast, every unsaved life is a sin-life, separated from God. It is downward, leading to moral darkness, and unless savingly turned to God, must end in Hell. “Halfway to Christ is a dreadful place to stop.” It only tempts to vanity, and indeed it is vanity, for it is no better than being far off. Almost saved, will be altogether lost! No wonder today Hell has been eliminated from the preaching of most churches. Yet, Christ speaks of it specifically. He has conquered Hell and imparts His Victory to every believer. He alone holds the keys of death and hell (Rev. 1:18). Whatever one thinks of hell, both Testaments leave no doubt that the eternal destinies of the saved and the lost are vastly different, and those destinies are fixed in this life. Hell (or the grave) does not terminate human existence, as many assert or hope. Heaven is in direct contrast to Hell. It is the place of eternal punishment for the ungodly. If the way of life is eternal, the Hell beneath must be eternal also. The only way to be safe is to take nothing for granted.

Thought: The way of Life is found only in Him Who Is The Life. (Jn. 14:6)

Prayer: Lord, keep me every day pressing-on on that Upward Way.