Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Good understanding gives favour, while wisdom's ways are pleasant and peaceful, in contrast to the hardness of the way of transgressors, which lacks that peace and joy. Violating the laws of life and health is transgressing God's law and is sinful, because God is the author of both physical and moral law, and those who violate these laws will face hardship. Breaking God's law brings hardship even when wrongdoing is hidden and exposure is avoided for a time, because God sees and records it and the sinner will sooner or later be exposed and condemned. Spiritually, transgression numbs the spiritual powers, hides eternal things from view, and makes conduct corrupting.
The course of transgression is hard because sin brings bitter consequences that are difficult to bear even when a person turns from wrongdoing. David's year of apparent security did not prevent the judgment and suffering that followed his sin, and his repentance did not avert those earthly results. His example cannot be used to lessen the guilt of others' sins. The transgressor's path may begin attractively, but its hope fades into despair and darkness, for its wages are death, though God's kindness, patience and mercy prolong the sinner's time of reprieve. The transgressor's way leads others astray, and continuing to break God's law after asking forgiveness shows no change of life and makes a person a worker of iniquity.
Those who have followed the path of disobedience to God's commandments need to return and seek the Lord with the whole heart. That turning from natural and cultivated tendencies to wrong means changing an unchristlike spirit, words and actions, including ending criticism and division. Wisdom's way followed with Christ as guide may be rough and demanding, yet He turns obedience, self-denial, endured trials and victories over temptation into steps toward final victory, giving peace and joy through tribulation and guiding safely home. The narrow way excludes sin but is open to all, so even sinners and trembling seekers can walk in holy light.
Good understanding gives favour, while wisdom's ways are pleasant and peaceful, in contrast to the hardness of the way of transgressors, which lacks that peace and joy. Violating the laws of life and health is transgressing God's law and is sinful, because God is the author of both physical and moral law, and those who violate these laws will face hardship. Breaking God's law brings hardship even when wrongdoing is hidden and exposure is avoided for a time, because God sees and records it and the sinner will sooner or later be exposed and condemned. Spiritually, transgression numbs the spiritual powers, hides eternal things from view, and makes conduct corrupting.
The course of transgression is hard because sin brings bitter consequences that are difficult to bear even when a person turns from wrongdoing. David's year of apparent security did not prevent the judgment and suffering that followed his sin, and his repentance did not avert those earthly results. His example cannot be used to lessen the guilt of others' sins. The transgressor's path may begin attractively, but its hope fades into despair and darkness, for its wages are death, though God's kindness, patience and mercy prolong the sinner's time of reprieve. The transgressor's way leads others astray, and continuing to break God's law after asking forgiveness shows no change of life and makes a person a worker of iniquity.
Those who have followed the path of disobedience to God's commandments need to return and seek the Lord with the whole heart. That turning from natural and cultivated tendencies to wrong means changing an unchristlike spirit, words and actions, including ending criticism and division. Wisdom's way followed with Christ as guide may be rough and demanding, yet He turns obedience, self-denial, endured trials and victories over temptation into steps toward final victory, giving peace and joy through tribulation and guiding safely home. The narrow way excludes sin but is open to all, so even sinners and trembling seekers can walk in holy light.