Proverbs 15:24 Commentary and Bible Study

There is a purpose operating in the life of the believer and an overriding control that is working for his good. It is of course the Lord who is directing this, sometimes seen and sometimes unseen by the individual. This benevolent guidance ought to be the cause of much joy and encouragement to the child of God for it is bound to succeed, so that even the most died-in-the-wool pessimist, who is constitutionally gloomy, is fully justified in becoming an optimist. The picture is of a path that takes a traveller up into beautiful cool mountain pastures and uplifting views. At times it is difficult to tell if the traveller is ascending because the path also descends into lower ground along the way, but imperceptibly, perhaps, it is rising and as he looks back he sees the ascent he is making. The mountain top is where he longs to be, where he can have uninterrupted fellowship with his God. As he ascends he knows he is leaving behind enemies and dangers, and the dreadful alternative which he must avoid if his soul is to live. The metaphor of above and below is but a metaphor, but it is a powerful instructor which God has created for man in his present earth-bound condition. He must rise to God above and the Christian journey is one that leads to heaven. Those who go in the opposite direction and succumb to the gravity of sin pay an unimaginable price for their indulgence.