In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus commands us to enter by the narrow gate and travel the difficult way, leading to life in Him, but some choose to enter by the wide gate and travel the wide road of destruction without Him, and in Luke 13:22-33 this is more clearly defines and where these two gates and roads lead.
Growing up, we never need to choose “the wide gate and wide road leading to destruction”, for we are born with these sinful desires; therefore, we must be taught by words, examples, and discipline, until doing things God’s way becomes a daily routine with us, the way Proverbs 22:6 commands.
Proverbs 21:1-31 places these two gates and roads alongside each other, so we can clearly see which gate and way is God’s way to live, and which gate and way is Satan’s way to live, and where each gate and way will eventually take us; thus, we cannot blame God for not warning us over and over about the consequences of our choices—foolish or wise—for a foolish choice ends in God’s punishment; whereas, a wise choice ends in God’s blessings—because God promises to severely punish wicked people that mistreat innocent people, and God always keeps His promise.
Proverbs 21:1-31 (NLT)—1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases. 2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. 3 The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices. 4 Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. 5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. 6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. 7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away, because they refuse to do what is just. 8 The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. 9 It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. 10 Evil people desire evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. 11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise; if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser. 12 The Righteous One knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked; He will bring disaster on them. 13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. 14 A secret gift calms anger; a bribe under the table pacifies fury. 15 Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers. 16 The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead. 17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
18 The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest. 19 It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. 20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. 21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. 22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. 23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. 25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. 26 Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! 27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives. 28 A false witness will be cut off, but a credible witness will be allowed to speak. 29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. 30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Although we may enjoy our present lifestyle of “doing as we please”, thinking nothing about God’s ways and what His plans for us are, but this lifestyle will soon start taking us down, and the joy of sin will turn to suffering sorrow, away from God, with a hopeless end in sight, so why not turn everything over to God, through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, now so He can give you a joyful lifestyle here and an eternity of peaceful blessings with Him in eternity?
Jim Nabors
