Moment With The Master
“Light and Darkness”
Categories: Moment With The MasterBut the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness;They do not know what makes them stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18,19)
A contrast is drawn in these verses between the way of the just and the way of the wicked. The way of the just is a beautiful picture of likening light to the light at dawn that grows in intensity. The way of the wicked is like groping in darkness.
The image given here is of the sun making its first appearance on the horizon, but increasing in its intensity as it rises. Light is used as an image of moral goodness. Divine traits such as purity, integrity, righteousness, and love would describe those individuals who possess the character of light. “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
The gradual rising of the sun is an illustration of the moral progress of those walk in the light . The light just grows brighter and brighter. Such an individual begins with many imperfections, however with every victory over sin they move closer to the light of perfection.
The way of sin is dark in its origin, course, and end. The path of sin is chosen because of ignorance and deception. It’s allurement incites one to miss read, and misunderstand it’s end. Sin promises pleasure which at first it delivers, but it’s end is tragic. Sin distorts the vision, confuses the perception, and ultimately leads to folly.
A pursuit of this dark course leads to greater darkness. The seared conscience blinds one from the way of truth. One’s corrupt conduct may plunge them into multiplied transgressions. Before long, the seared conscience and corrupt lifestyle leads to total desertion of God.
Thus, we have the perfect contrast – the path of the just which is connected to light, and the path of the wicked which is connected to darkness. Following this contrast we find these words. “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)
By George Slover
