#1308. Proverbs 4:14–19 – Avoid the path of the wicked (16/7/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 4:14-19, we reflect on how we are to avoid unwise paths whilst also seeking to be in this world but not of it. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below

In our last devotional, we saw how that listening to God’s wisdom and holding it fast is like a straight path on which we will not trip over. Today, we see a further restatement and encouragement: ‘Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.’ The path of the wicked, we are told, ends with stumbling: ‘the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.’ I’m sure that we all know of people whose lives are one fall to the next. Their finances, habits, relationships, emotions, walk with God… is disaster after disaster. These people often blame others and expect others to keep picking them up. Whilst, of course, mercy and God’s love will lead us to help those who have chosen foolishness over wisdom, each of us, and we must begin with ourselves, must choose to avoid the fool’s path and choose God’s ways. 

What is meant by ‘‘Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way’? Does it mean that we don’t have certain people as friends? Avoid certain forms of entertainment? Refuse certain sorts of work? How do we apply this? The church throughout history has always had the challenge of how much of their culture to receive and how much to reject? What music, films, jobs, food, drink, education, sport… is acceptable for those in the Kingdom of God? The idea that we are to be ‘in the world but not of the world’ is helpful. Without being in relationships, workplaces, schools, clubs, we cannot be the ’salt and light’ that we are meant to be. However, as in our text, we are not to ‘set foot on the path…or walk in the way of evildoers.’ We are not to get involved in sinful activity. If we find that a friendship, entertainment, sport, job… is dragging us into ungodly attitudes and behaviours, we must remove ourselves from it. However, those who seek to feed on God’s wisdom and presence will, as we are promised, be kept from stumbling. 

In reflection, is the emphasis of my friendships and entertainment an encouragement to worship and holiness or to discouragement and unbelief? 

Let’s pray together. 

“Holy Spirit, may I keep in step with you. May I please, rather than grieve you. Help me to make wise choices that keep me from stumbling, whilst being a light to those who need to know your wisdom and love. Amen.” 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #6. Proverbs 4:1–27 — Guard your heart.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.