Choosing Life: Do Not Stand in the Way of the Sinner

Blessed is the man who…. “..stands not in the path of sinners…” Psalm 1:1

“Standing in the way of…” or (Path of) is to pursue and continue in a course of life or mode of action. Blessed is the man who does not continue in a course of life or the actions of sinners. The course of life pursued by the sinner, is one that travels away from the correct path. The sinner is going in the wrong direction. They are missing the mark, and so do we when we continue on a path in life consistent with sin. The word for sinners is also used in Genesis 13:13 in describing the men of Sodom. “…the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.” The course of life chosen by the men of Sodom, led to death and destruction.

In Proverbs 1:10 the father warns the son. “My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.” 

(BBE) My son, if sinners take you out of the right way, do not go with them.

The father speaks to the son in V11-18 revealing what the way of the sinners who may be enticing him looks like and he ends in V19 saying, “So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.”

Pursuing the sinner’s path leads to death.  We all struggle and make mistakes; certainly, when that happens, we must make corrections. However, to leave the path of righteousness and remain on the path of sin is to choose the road of death and destruction.

Blessed, prosperous and happy is the one who chooses to reject the sinner’s course of life and mode of action. Knowing it leads to death, blessed is the one who chooses the path of life.