“The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard” (Proverbs 13:14-15).
So many today chafe against the rule of law. The idea of freedom (a legitimate aspect of our democracy) has been abused by those who seek to be libertines. Where once our society understood that our freedoms require constant restraint and voluntary cooperation, now many believe that freedom equates to a selfish lifestyle. I can do whatever I want, regardless of how it might impact others.
The Christian has always understood that freedom requires personal restraint. In order to be free in Christ, we must accept His Lordship! In other words, become “a bondservant of Christ” (Colossians 4:12).
Our text indicates that law (whether the physical laws of man, or the spiritual law of Christ) “is a fountain of life.” And, “the way of the unfaithful is hard!”
The promise of lawlessness is never fulfilled. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage” (2 Peter 2:19). Sin entangles, ensnares. Truly the way of the unfaithful is both hard and foolish.
If you want to live a peaceful life, obey the civil authorities (cf. Romans 13:1-7). If you want to go to heaven, obey God! (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10).
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