Eli Schnell
Oct 26, 20202 min
Updated: Jan 16, 2023
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus spoke to the gathered crowds, saying,
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Through this teaching, Jesus categorized human life into two roads: one wide, one narrow. Every choice a person makes contributes to their lifestyle, and their lifestyle will lead to one of two ends: destruction or life. The entrance to the narrow way begins with Jesus. A person's obedience to His death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism, starts their walk down the narrow road. But how does the rest of the road look?
To help people choose wisely and live, God has provided the Bible, and especially the book of Proverbs. In this book are found wise sayings concerning life and the outcome of various choices. Here is a taste of some of the wisdom found in the Proverbs:
Feelings are inadequate guides for right and wrong (Proverbs 28:26)
Alcohol and gluttony lead to poverty (Proverbs 23:20-21)
Rebellion and rioting will destroy your life (Proverbs 24:21-22)
Money is untrustworthy and will fail you (Proverbs 11:28)
Revenge is for God to take, not you (Proverbs 20:22; 24:29)
Laziness leads to poverty (Proverbs 24:33-34)
God has given us these warnings, and many others, to keep us from physical and spiritual ruin. If you choose to ignore Him, do not be surprised when He is proven right by the problems in your life. Instead, make choices with your continued service to God as an immovable fixture in your life. Walk with Him, and He will save you (1 John 1:7). Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Will you seek knowledge through the fear of the Lord, or will you prove yourself a fool by your rejection of God’s wisdom and instruction?