Within those bounds and those limits in life … there are found “paths”.

Now, according to the BOOK, we are to walk in the “paths” that are framed or hemmed in by those bounds and by those limits, which are established by the GOD of this BOOK.

More than all of this, God’s word reveals that there are two different paths that men may take in life. These two paths are distinctly different. These two paths lead to totally different destinations. What are these two paths? Where do these two paths lead?

One of these paths … is a “path of life” according to Psalm sixteen verse eleven: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” [Psalm 16:11]

Do you want to take this “path of life”? There is more. A “path of life” … is a path of delightful “commandments”. Chapter and verse, you say.

We can see this for ourselves in plain English … in Psalm 119, verse thirty-five: “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” [Psalm 119:35] David found delight “in the path” of God’s commandments. [This is where we will find our delight.]

Let me add to this. It is a PLAIN path … according to Psalm twenty-seven, verse eleven: “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”[Psalm 27:11]

The other path that men take is “the path of the wicked.” It is the book of Proverbs [in chapter four] that contrasts these two paths.

First, consider “the path” of the wicked, which is found in verses fourteen thru seventeen, and in verse nineteen:“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” [Proverbs 4:14-17]

Now, verse nineteen: “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” [Proverbs 4:19]  What can we see about this “path”? This“path” is filled with mischief, violence, and wickedness. For all those on this path, there can be no sleep unless they are causing someone else to fall. [Do you want to take this “path”?]

In contrast, here is this “path of life” again for us … in verse eighteen: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” [Proverbs 4:18]

Again:

• There is a “path of life”. This path’s destination is Heaven.

• There is a “path” of “darkness”. This path’s destination is Hell.

The “path” that is marked by bounds and limits; and with borders and fences … is the “path of life”. Therefore, the restraints and the rules that hold one to the narrow path are a blessing. Are you listening to me?

Verses twenty thru twenty-two: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” [Proverbs 4:20-22]

• The Spirit of God is saying that the words of God kept in your heart are … “life”.

• The Spirit of God is saying that the words of God kept in your heart are … “health”.

Verses twenty-four thru twenty-seven: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” [Proverbs 4:24-27]

Here is my question for you. Do you love those bounds and those limits in life … wherein is found the “path of life”?

Do you love to be framed or hemmed in by those bounds and by those limits established by the GOD of this BOOK?

Is God’s word kept in your heart?
Are they a lamp unto your feet? Listen to what the Spirit of God said through David: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” [Psalm 119:105] Do not be as they who “rebel against the light” of God’s word. “They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.” [Job 24:13] Be as David in Psalm seventeen, verse four and five: “Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” [Psalm 17:4-5]

Friend, this is my testimony as well. What about you? Have you kept yourself from the paths of the destroyer? It is God Who can HOLD you up. Amen!

Something else, we live in times … similar to the times that were in the day of Jeremiah the prophet. People today have hardened their hearts against God, and the word of God, just as they did in Jeremiah’s day. God is telling us, what He told them.

“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” [Jeremiah 6:16]

The Hedge Of Thorns

1. Bounds and Limits
2. Paths
3. Walls and Fences
4. Hedges
5. Thorns

Next: 3. Walls and Fences