Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day. It is not from the observation of earthly circumstances that we believe in the reign of eternal righteousness. It is because the voice of God has spoken the truth into the hearts of men, because we are ethical beings, because we know by the divinest instinct within us that righteousness reigns. The destiny of men is ethically determined. It is not so altogether upon this earth, where great distinctions are created through other circumstances; but in the long run, in the eternal issue, moral character will determine destiny. I. THE BEAUTY OF THE SIMILE. The reference is evidently to the light of day, the sunlight. It suggests — 1. Gladness. 2. Power. 3. Beauty. 4. Order. 5. Glory. II. THE PROGRESSIVE ASPECT. From dawn to full day. The life of the just is not completed at once. All progress. Not all at the same rate. III. THE WORDS "PATH OF THE JUST" INCLUDE CHARACTER, CONDITION, AND DESTINY. The light of goodness, of joy, and of glorious destiny. And these three things are involved in one another. (John Thomas, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. |
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