Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The "way" is always longer and broader than the "path." And the meaning may be this. The more general and public things in religion — things which all see and know — these are "pleasant." But the things which retire back, and are most unfrequented, and which very few either see or guess, all these are "peace." The same discrimination is traceable in the verse, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Acknowledge God in the great things of life, and He will be sure to guide you in the small ones. Let us take this difference of the "ways" and the "paths" to lead us on in our further consideration of the text. 1. Wisdom's "way" is, first, a high way. It is always reaching up out of littleness, it ranges at loftier levels, it is above party views, it is a large-minded thing, it is always nearer heaven than earth. And this is very "pleasant," to be so free and independent of man's estimates and human judgments, to move in a pure, calm elevation of soul, beyond the common distractions, where the strife, and the noise, and the din, and the confusion does not come. 2. And wisdom's "way" always has one fixed mark. It throws lesser things aside as it goes, and it goes straight to a goal, and that goal is the glory of God. And this singleness of aim gives a strength to a character; it gives unity to the whole man, and that unity is "pleasantness." 3. And wisdom's "way" is a way of usefulness. It always puts usefulness first — before pleasure, before profit. It is a "way" of work. They who work there are always serving, always ministering. Each one has his mission — either he comforts, or he advises, or he teaches. But now let us leave the wider track, and go down to one or two of the more secluded "paths." For to all it is not always given to walk in "ways of pleasantness," but none who really look for it shall ever miss the "path of peace." There is a going out in a man's heart from its deepest places to Christ. He tells Jesus something which has been long a hidden burden in his mind. And Christ listens to him, and he feels it. And in the little "path" of that secret confession there is a "peace" which no words can tell. And now there is an avenue open between that soul and God. It was an avenue long closed; but now it is open. And an act of faith travels along to the Cross, and brings back a message of pure love, "Your sins are forgiven." I am quite sure that there is no "peace" worth the name — no "peace" for a moment to be put side by side with the "peace" of the simple feeling — "I am forgiven." (J. Vaughan, 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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