Does this line from Proverbs sound like the situation many embrace in our world today? When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.

Fortunately, Solomon added a hopeful addendum: But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

I see folks running wild on my screens every day. Whether it’s riots or wars or simply debauchery, left on our own we devolve toward selfishness and abandon.

But the law of the Lord carries to a different horizon. Those who obey experience joy—which is hard to come by. Notice Solomon does not say those who obey the law have life easy, or don’t face problems, or are not tempted to run unchecked. But reading the Scriptures and applying them bends our souls away from a wildness that leads to emptiness, and towards enjoyment and pleasure in the Lord.

The proverb points out the stark difference in these two approaches to life. Shunt the ways of God aside, throw off all restraint and party like it’s 1999. Or, invest in the teachings found in the Scriptures, and quietly yet firmly say yes to the principles found within. One way leads to chaos, the other to flourishing.

Proverbs 29:18

Photo by Erik Mclean