◄ Proverbs 10:29 ►
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
Study Bible
The way of the LORD
This phrase refers to the path or manner of life that aligns with God's will and commandments. In Hebrew, "way" is "derek," which implies a journey or course of life. The "way of the LORD" suggests a divinely ordained path characterized by righteousness and obedience. Historically, this concept is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where following God's way was synonymous with receiving His blessings and protection. For Christians, this path is further illuminated by the teachings of Jesus, who declared Himself "the way" (John 14:6), emphasizing a life of faith and discipleship.

is a refuge
The Hebrew word for "refuge" is "ma'oz," meaning a place of safety or protection. This imagery evokes the idea of God as a fortress or stronghold, providing shelter and security to those who are faithful. In ancient times, cities had fortified walls and towers where inhabitants could find safety from enemies. Spiritually, this refuge signifies the peace and assurance found in living according to God's principles, where the upright are shielded from spiritual harm and turmoil.

to the upright
"Upright" translates from the Hebrew "yashar," meaning straight or right. It describes those who live with integrity and moral rectitude, aligning their lives with God's standards. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, the upright are often contrasted with the wicked, highlighting the blessings and favor that come from a life of righteousness. The upright are those who seek to honor God in their actions and decisions, reflecting His character in their daily lives.

but destruction
The term "destruction" comes from the Hebrew "mechittah," indicating ruin or calamity. This word conveys the inevitable downfall and judgment that befall those who reject God's ways. In the biblical narrative, destruction is often the consequence of sin and rebellion against God, serving as a warning of the serious repercussions of living contrary to His will. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where evil deeds lead to negative outcomes.

awaits those who do evil
"Evil" in Hebrew is "ra," encompassing wickedness, harm, and moral corruption. This phrase highlights the fate of those who choose to live in opposition to God's commands. The Bible consistently teaches that evil actions lead to spiritual and often physical consequences. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the justice of God, who holds individuals accountable for their actions. It also emphasizes the hope and encouragement for the upright, who can trust in God's protection and ultimate vindication.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is characterized by holiness, justice, and mercy. In the context of Proverbs, the LORD is the source of wisdom and moral guidance.

2. The Upright
Those who live in accordance with God's commandments and seek to follow His ways. They are characterized by integrity and righteousness.

3. Those Who Do Evil
Individuals who reject God's commandments and live in opposition to His will. Their actions are marked by wickedness and moral corruption.
Teaching Points
The Security of the Righteous
The "way of the LORD" provides safety and refuge for those who live uprightly. This implies a life aligned with God's will offers protection and peace.

The Consequences of Wickedness
Those who choose evil paths face inevitable destruction. This serves as a warning about the temporal and eternal consequences of living contrary to God's commands.

The Importance of Moral Integrity
Upholding righteousness and integrity is crucial for experiencing God's protection. This encourages believers to examine their lives and align their actions with biblical principles.

God's Faithfulness to the Upright
The LORD's way is consistently a refuge, highlighting God's unchanging nature and faithfulness to those who seek Him.

Choosing the Right Path
Believers are called to make conscious decisions to follow the path of righteousness, understanding that it leads to life and security.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the "way of the LORD" as a refuge influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you identify with the "upright" in your current walk with God, and how can you further align with this path?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection as a result of living righteously. How did this impact your faith?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to avoid the path of those who do evil, as described in Proverbs 10:29?

5. How do the themes of refuge and destruction in Proverbs 10:29 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, and how can these connections deepen your understanding of the Gospel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 1
This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, similar to Proverbs 10:29. It describes the blessings of the righteous and the ultimate downfall of the wicked.

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, illustrating the path of righteousness versus the path of destruction, echoing the themes of refuge and destruction found in Proverbs 10:29.

Isaiah 35:8
Describes the "Way of Holiness," a path reserved for the righteous, which aligns with the concept of the LORD's way being a refuge for the upright.
Sermons
The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine WorkingA. Maclaren, D.D.Proverbs 10:29
The Service of Speech, EtcW. Clarkson Proverbs 10:8, 10, 11, 14, 18-21, 31, 32
Impression by TautologyE. Johnson Proverbs 10:27-32
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Destruction, Evil, Evildoers, Iniquity, Perfect, Righteous, Ruin, Strength, Strong, Stronghold, Tower, Upright, Workers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 10:29

     8168   way, the
     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

Proverbs 10:28-32

     5481   proverb
     7150   righteous, the

Proverbs 10:29-32

     8158   righteousness, of believers

Library
The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
'The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.'--PROVERBS x. 29. You observe that the words 'shall be,' in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather hinder the sense. They destroy the completeness of the antithesis between the two halves of the verse. If you leave them out, and suppose that the 'way of the Lord' is what is spoken of in both clauses, you get a far deeper and fuller meaning. 'The way …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. General declamations against vice and sin are indeed excellently useful, as rousing men to consider and look about them: but they do often want effect, because they only raise confused apprehensions of things, and indeterminate propensions to action; which usually, before men thoroughly perceive or resolve what they should practise, do decay and vanish. As he that cries out "Fire!" doth stir up people, and inspireth them with a kind of hovering …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. I have formerly in this place, discoursing upon this text, explained the nature of the sin here condemned, with its several kinds and ways of practising. II. I shall now proceed to declare the folly of it; and to make good by divers reasons the assertion of the wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a fool." 1. Slandering is foolish, as sinful and wicked. All sin is foolish upon many accounts; as proceeding from ignorance, error, inconsiderateness, …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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