Proverbs 4:11 (ESV)
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
The above proverb is a complimentary proverb. The second line compliments and further explains the first line. Wisdom is taught by a good parent and wisdom is explained as the “paths of righteousness.” Here is were children sometimes stumble. To walk along the “paths” takes much strength and much commitment. Because, in the mind of the world the “paths of righteousness” is boring, unadventurous and too predictable. The world wants excitement, risk and challenge. So, to walk along the safe and straight path (see also Proverbs 4:18,19) is in sharp contrast to the call of the world (Proverbs 4:14-16). Note the contracts between these two paths:
Proverbs 4:18-19 (ESV)
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
Proverbs 4:14-15 (ESV)
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
A Godly parent must be constantly calling to a child to “walk the upright path.” However, the straight path might be boring. So, the child’s natural (sin nature) will wander and want to walk into the path of the wicked that seems more exciting. A parent’s job is to walk the straight path and to constantly remind the child. Today the world wants to confuse us by changing the meanings of the straight path vs the evil path. They want to color the two the same. This is why Solomon wrote his book of proverbs. He wants to constantly point out that the straight path and the evil path are NOT the same. That is where a parent can help a child. Children often lack discernment to know the difference between the two.
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