Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The "wisdom" in this passage is distinctly and profoundly ethical. The second clause is not a repetition of the first. Peace and pleasantness are not synonymous terms. The truth of the first clause is dependent upon that of the second. "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, for all her paths are peace." I. THE LIFE OF TRUE WISDOM LAYS ITS FOUNDATIONS IN PEACE. 1. Its beginning is the "fear of the Lord." 2. When in harmonious relations with God, men finds the elements and forces of his inner life take their due posts of subordination and supremacy. Though there is conflict, yet the higher principles govern, the Diviner forces sit upon the throne. 3. The life being thus charged with Divine force cannot be governed by external circumstances. 4. It can know no anxieties touching the issues of the future. 5. Such a life enters into peace as far as possible with all men. Through the universalising of this wisdom the kingdom of peace shall come. II. ON THIS FOUNDATION OF PEACE, AND ON THIS ONLY, CAN TRUE HAPPINESS BE REARED. 1. There can be no true happiness except that which springs from e harmonious life. 2. There can be no full happiness except for such. That which comes from some by-play of the life must be meagre and partial. (John Thomas, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.WEB: Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. |
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