Proverbs (Part 047) - Pro 4:25-26

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25. Pro 4:25 - "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee." A. Let thine eyes look right on, i. Solomon just said to his son "perverse lips put far from thee" in the previous verse (Pro 4:24). ii. Recall that perverse means "turned away from the right way or from what is right or good." iii. This verse re-enforces the instruction in the previous verse and explains how to implement it. iv. In order to keep our lips from turning away from the right way we must keep our eyes fixed in the right direction. v. Wisdom is before (right on in front of) him that hath understanding, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth (Pro 17:24). vi. We must press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Php 3:14). vii. We must ever be "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher or our faith" (Heb 12:2). B. and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. i. The eyes of man are never satisfied (Pro 27:20). a. They have a propensity to look in every direction except straight before us where they are supposed to be focused. b. The Lord is exhorting us in this verse to be of a focused mind and not allow our eyes to be drawn away with distractions. ii. This is also an exhortation to be humble because the proud have their eyelids lifted up (Pro 30:13). a. It's hard to see where you're going when your eyelids are up in the air. b. Such a person is heading for a fall (Pro 16:18). iii. And finally this is an exhortation to never look back (Luk 9:62). iv. If our eyes are focused on the path of life ahead, we will not be looking back to our old sinful ways. 26. Pro 4:26 - "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." A. Ponder the path of thy feet, i. Ponder v. - 1. trans. To ascertain the weight of; to weigh. In quot. c1470 absol. Also fig. Obs. 4. To weigh (a matter, words, etc.) mentally; to give due weight to and consider carefully; to think over, meditate upon. ii. Solomon here encourages us to carefully consider and think seriously about where we are headed in life. iii. We must consider our ways (Hag 1:5). iv. Consider v. - 1. To view or contemplate attentively, to survey, examine, inspect, scrutinize. 3. trans. To contemplate mentally, fix the mind upon; to think over, meditate or reflect on, bestow attentive thought upon, give heed to, take note of. v. We must search and try our ways (Lam 3:40). vi. We must walk circumspectly (Eph 5:15). a. Circumspectly adv. - In a circumspect manner, with circumspection; cautiously, warily, carefully. b. Circumspect adj. - 1. Of things or actions: Marked by circumspection, showing caution, well-considered, cautious. 2. Of persons: Watchful on all sides, attentive to everything, cautious, heedful of all circumstances that may affect action or decision. vii. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith (2Co 13:5). viii. If we don't seriously think about where we're going, we will likely go the way the world leads. B. and let all thy ways be established. i. If we ponder the path of our feet, our ways will be established. a. Establish v. - 1. To render stable or firm. †a. To strengthen by material support (obs.). †b. To ratify, confirm, validate (obs.). c. To confirm, settle (what is weak or wavering); to restore (health) permanently; to give calmness or steadiness to (the mind). †d. catachr. To calm (anger), to settle (doubts). b. In other words, if we seriously consider where we are going in life, our decisions and actions (our ways) will be strengthened, unwavering, and steady which will lead to calmness of mind and alleviation of doubts and fears. c. "Commit thy works unto the LORD and thy thoughts shall be established." (Pro 16:3) ii. All our ways need to be established. a. Way n. - III. Course of life or action, means, manner. 11. a. A path or course of life; the activities and fortunes of a person. b. pl. Habits of life, esp. with regard to moral conduct. b. All of our activities and habits need to be established, and they will be if we seriously consider where we are going in life. c. Our ways include our religious and spiritual life, family life, love life, work life, and personal life as well as our entertainment, recreation, and relationships. d. We should consider all our ways and make sure they are heading in the direction God wants them to be.