Strength In The Way

“The way of the LORD [is] strength to the upright: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.” (Pr 10:29 AV)

Our wise commentators are applying this several ways.  Yet they agree there is credence in other views.  One suggestion is that as the upright are in the way, they grow stronger.  The other is before the journey.  The way of the LORD is strength, therefore the upright are in it.  Either way, there is strength in the way of the LORD.  Some suggest the way is the way of the law.  Or the way of wide choices.  Others include the entire providence of God. As long as we are in the perfect will of God, strength will accompany us.  I think both suggestions have merit.  For the sake of our meditation, we will consider that those who are upright, yet weak in some way, receive strength has the walk in the wisdom and providence of God.   This writer noticed the absence of the word ‘in’ prior to the phrase ‘the way’.  This leans me to believe our observation is correct.  While the upright remains in the way, the result is strength.  To insert the word ‘in’ prior to the phrase ‘the way’ would suggest the upright, needing strength, should find and continue in the way.

Still hunting through the foothills of western NY is no small matter.  There are hills and valleys.  There is undergrowth and wild vines.  There are blowdowns and thick vegetation.  There are many obstacles along the way.  However, if the hunter takes a moment to study the woods, he will find an interesting pattern.  The wildlife that lives there knows the best way to navigate through the woods with the least work possible.  Ease of travel and safety from predators are their biggest concerns.  The woodsman will notice a game trail on a ridgeline.  Or a game trail along snow-covered marshland.  He knows that the animals that travel through those woods have done so for generations.  They know better than he does the best way to get from one place to another.  If the hunter uses the path already laid down by those who have gone there before, he can go further and longer.  If, on the other hand, he decides to blaze his own trail, he will soon run out of strength and time.  Staying in the wisest way conserves energy, reduces injury, and keeps the traveler safe.

But I think Solomon meant more than simply choosing the right path.  I think Solomon is sharing that faith and obedience, while traveling the hard path of life, is the way to preserve and renew strength.  As long as we strive in the perfect will of God, we will find strength to continue.  If we are weak in the way of life, leaving it is not the best choice.  Just like the woods, if we find ourselves in need of strength, the worst thing we could do is to leave the path.  Remaining in the path is the best way to grow stronger.  I have found myself in this very situation many times.  Usually at the end of a long day’s hunt, I am tired, sweaty, and exhausted.  Trying to take a shortcut to my car or cabin always results in more work.  Not less.  Staying on the path while looking at the finish line is the easiest way to find the strength to finish.  So, stay on the line.  Stay on the path.  Don’t deviate simply because we cannot go another step.  The trail has already been blazed.  There is no need to reinvent the wheel.  Just stay the course and the LORD will renew your strength.