Proverbs 2:8

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about guarding the path of justice:

Proverbs 2:8 (ESV)

guarding the paths of justice

and watching over the way of his saints.

Earlier in this chapter (verse six) Solomon tells us that God is the one who gives wisdom.  In this entire chapter God (through Solomon) is making the case for following wisdom and seeking wisdom and desiring wisdom over the way and fruit of folly.   In this particular proverb Solomon gives us one more benefit, or evidence in favor, for following wisdom.   God not only gives us wisdom, but He protects us when we use it.   God protects the "paths of justice."   The second line adds to the understanding of the first line by telling us that He (God) not only "guards" the path of justice, but preserves those who are on the path.   God sets an established path for those who are doing what is right and upholding what is right.   Those who are on that path should fear nothing.  God is watching over them and making sure their way is not only protected but will last - preserved.  This word "preserved" in the Hebrew was first used in Genesis when Adam and Eve were instructed to "tend" the garden or to "keep" it.   So, just as we might care for the growth and fruitful product of our tomato plants, God does the same thing for they way of justice and those who walk on that path.  We might not always see God's hand of protection, mercy and preservation, but that is where faith comes into the process.   We might wonder "why" things are going bad when we are trying to do what is right.    But by faith, we believe that God is watching, caring and preserving the path of what is right.  When we do "right until the stars fall" we do so because we know that God has our backs and will make sure that, even though current circumstances don't favor us.   Note the story of Cain and Abel.  Abel did what was right and was killed by his brother.  Yet, God heard his voice cry from the ground and vindicated his "path of justice."   God will always guard and preserve justice.  He is a God of justice.  When we follow wisdom and seek it by faith we will walk in justice and do just things.   God will guard that, even when we don't see it in day-to-day situations.

God not only is the "shield for us,” He also "guards" our justice and "perserves" us. We ought to rejoice that God is watching over, not only our person, but our path. God is protecting us and what we do. He protects the justice we do. When we perform justice God watches over that. When we walk justly, God watches over that. He is taking care of us AND what we do for Him in the right way. How often does out work get interrupted and/or hindered due to the sin of this world. Yet, God does not let our just work or the integrity of our way fail. We can rejoice that God not only takes care of the sower, He watches over the seed.