The concept of journey, path, and way is a consistent theme throughout the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a book known for its collection of wise sayings and teachings that help people live a better life through wisdom and righteousness. Although Proverbs is beneficial for anyone who will read it and apply it to their lives, young men were the “particular audience of the book when it was first composed.” Proverbs was written in a way to help lay a foundation and give guidance to young men as they discovered their way through life; hence the concept of journey, path, and way.
The concept and theme of this topic can be identified in Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” The command to guard one’s heart (Prov. 4:23), observe the way of the ant (Prov. 6:6), and controlling one’s lips (Prov. 10:19) are all unique ways to instruct a person in their journey of life, the path they take, and the way they will go. The book emphasizes the importance of choosing the path that leads to wisdom and ultimately eternal life. For example, “I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble” (Prov. 4:11-12).
As the book of Proverbs gives instructions on how to live a wise, godly, and righteous life, it also gives a warning of what happens when one departs from the way of wisdom; “death will be their certain destiny.” “The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin” (Prov. 10:16). Again, this describes the journey, the path, and the way of one’s life concerning their choices. The author’s purpose is to help the reader choose wisdom and therefore cultivate a life that will produce peace and favor with God and people.
Bibliography
III, Tremper Longman. An Introduction to the Old Testament: Second Edition. Zondervan Academic, 2009.
Waltke, B. K. (2011). An old testament theology: An exegetical, canonical, and thematic approach. Zondervan Academic.